Published on Nov, 2024
I'll preface this review by letting readers know: We do food tours in just about every country we visit, always early in the trip, as a way to orient ourselves to its cuisine (for dining the next few days) and also quickly learn about the country's history and current culture. This tour from Tematique was one of our best!
First off, the food itself was delicious, from a surprising blend of cultures, and with different (to western palates) tastes but almost always great. And, the company made excellent choices on where to take us and in what order, starting with a lovely quiet restaurant that served a bevy of small plates. A casual joint where one could watch kokoreç being made through the window was a treat. Later, Turkish coffee and of course (especially for the kids) the sweets shop were nice ways to end. (One caveat, we didn't love the outdoor hamburger stand, would suggest replacing that.). Also, walking around the "new" side of Istanbul was exciting -- the lively night life, the people, the sights and smells.
Lastly, our guide Erol was just outstanding -- super knowledgeable not just about the food at hand but Istanbul's past and present, accommodating to any of our needs (including some fussy children), with a laid-back and friendly attitude. Thanks Erol!