This was my second trip to Istanbul, yet somehow, I felt as though I was seeing this magnificent city for the very first time! My previous visit was with the kids, and this time, I had the pleasure of exploring Istanbul with Ramzi. The more you visit Istanbul, the more you fall in love with it.
Istanbul is a city that captivates you with its fascinating history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and, of course, its extraordinary food. From traditional Turkish breakfast and delicious street food to memorable fine-dining experiences, there is always something new to discover. Every corner has a story to tell, and every meal offers a little taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
The week we spent there was simply not enough to explore everything this beautiful city and its surrounding countryside have to offer. Ramzi and I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, ideally located in the heart of the city, with breathtaking views of the magnificent Bosphorus and Dolmabahçe Palace. Join me as I take you through some of our favorite places, memorable dining experiences, and delicious Turkish food discoveries!
A Comfortable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
Our room at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul was spacious, beautifully furnished, and very comfortable, with elegant décor and thoughtful attention to detail. The hotel is also wonderfully located, making it easy to explore some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Taksim Square is just a short walk away, and the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace is equally close. We loved being able to enjoy the comfort of the hotel while having so many of the city’s attractions within easy walking distance. The location made our stay even more enjoyable!
Dining at Atölye Restaurant, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul.
Turkish Cuisine: Discovering Sinop Manti at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
Turkey has an excellent reputation for its exquisite cuisine, and for good reason! Turkish gastronomy has been shaped by centuries of cultural influences, civilizations, and neighboring culinary traditions. It is a fascinating blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian influences. Whether you are enjoying a bite of delicious street food or dining at a luxurious restaurant, Turkish food never fails to amaze and delight!
During our stay in Istanbul, I had the pleasure of tasting the most enticing Sinop Manti at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul. The chef explained that every region of Turkey has its own distinctive way of preparing manti, the beloved Turkish dumplings. Sinop is a province on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, and its version of manti has its own special character.
All I can say is that this dish was out-of-this-world delicious! I was completely captivated by its flavor and presentation. I am already looking forward to recreating it in my own kitchen one day. However, judging by the delicate preparation, it looks like a dish that requires considerable skill, patience, concentration, and experience to master.
What a phenomenal culinary experience! I would love to bring a little taste of Sinop into my kitchen.
Simit in Istanbul: Turkey’s Beloved Sesame Bread
No trip to Istanbul is complete without enjoying simit, Turkey’s iconic sesame-crusted bread! This circular bread is part of everyday life in Istanbul and a beloved breakfast staple. It is often enjoyed plain or sliced and filled with white cheese, accompanied by a glass of Turkish tea served in the traditional tulip-shaped, narrow-waisted glass.
Simit is one of the most recognizable breads in Turkey’s extensive breakfast repertoire. You will find it everywhere in Istanbul, particularly at street corners, where vendors sell freshly baked simit from their distinctive red carts. In Beirut, our beloved kaak bread holds a similar place in everyday food culture. Both are iconic street breads, deeply woven into local traditions and loved for their distinctive taste and familiar presence.
Having been born with a sweet tooth, I naturally gravitated toward the sweeter side of simit! My favorite combination was cream cheese and honey, and let me tell you, it was absolutely heavenly. The creamy, slightly tangy cheese paired with the sweetness of honey, all tucked inside that wonderfully chewy, sesame-crusted bread, was simply irresistible. It was a match made in heaven!
That said, simit is more traditionally associated with savory accompaniments. It is often enjoyed filled with white cheese, similar to feta, or served alongside fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and olives. Add a glass of Turkish tea, and you have a simple yet satisfying breakfast that captures the charm of everyday food culture in Istanbul.
Sweet or savory, simit is one of those humble treats that makes you appreciate the beauty of simple food!
Another cheese that tasted phenomenal with simit and honey was Lor cheese, a soft, crumbly Turkish cheese with a mild flavor and relatively low salt content. Its delicate, slightly milky taste makes it a wonderful companion to honey, but it is equally delicious served with savory breads, including the beloved Turkish simit. I particularly loved the combination of its gentle creaminess, the sweetness of honey, and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. What a delightful pairing!
We enjoyed this delicious homemade-style Turkish breakfast at Faik Pasha Café, a charming, family-run establishment with good food, helpful staff, and a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. If you happen to visit, don’t miss their freshly baked börek either. It is another treat worth making room for!
Turkish Pişi: A Delicious Fried Dough Breakfast
Another Turkish breakfast treat I enjoyed was Pişi, a traditional fried dough that is wonderfully crisp on the outside and soft, light, and fluffy on the inside. These golden little delights are often served warm with cheese, olives, and other breakfast accompaniments, alongside a glass of freshly brewed Turkish tea.
Pişi reminded me of our Lebanese zalabia, as both are made from dough and fried until golden. Although they are not quite the same in preparation or taste, they share that irresistible appeal of freshly fried dough. It was lovely to discover a Turkish breakfast favorite that brought back familiar memories of Lebanese food!Turkish Pide: A Delicious Traditional Stuffed Flatbread
Another Turkish specialty worth discovering is Pide, a popular boat-shaped flatbread that you will find in bakeries and restaurants throughout Turkey. Often described as Turkish pizza, pide is made with a soft, slightly chewy dough and comes with a variety of delicious toppings and fillings.
Depending on the region and the recipe, it can be filled with seasoned minced meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients. Some versions are topped with eggs, too! Baked in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the filling is beautifully cooked, pide is a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I love how Turkish cuisine transforms simple dough into so many delicious specialties, each with its own character and regional variations.
A Charming Café with Breathtaking Bosphorus Views
We came across this lovely café near Topkapi Palace, offering beautiful views of the magnificent Bosphorus. It was the perfect spot to take a little break from sightseeing, sit back, and admire the stunning scenery. There is something special about enjoying a cup of coffee or Turkish tea while watching the boats sail along the Bosphorus. A little moment of relaxation amid a day of exploring Istanbul!
Kumpir in Ortaköy: Istanbul’s Famous Loaded Baked Potato
We took a lovely stroll along the Bosphorus and made our way to Ortaköy, one of Istanbul’s most charming and lively waterfront neighborhoods. Of course, no visit would have been complete without trying Kumpir, one of Turkey’s most popular street foods!
Kumpir is the Turkish take on a loaded baked potato. A large potato is baked until tender, then split open, and its fluffy interior is mixed with butter and cheese until wonderfully creamy. The fun part comes next: you get to choose from an array of toppings, including vegetables, olives, pickles, corn, and various savory accompaniments. There are so many combinations to try!
Ortaköy is particularly famous for its kumpir stalls, attracting both locals and tourists who come to enjoy this comforting street food against the beautiful backdrop of the Bosphorus. It was such a lovely experience to enjoy this Turkish specialty while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood. If you visit Istanbul, don’t leave without trying kumpir in Ortaköy!
A Memorable Dining Experience at Nicole Restaurant, Istanbul
Dining at Nicole Restaurant was one of the highlights of our stay in Istanbul. Perched above the city, the restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views, creating a wonderful setting for a memorable evening. Both the food and the atmosphere were exceptional, and we were treated to an array of delightful amuse-bouches that made the experience even more special.
Among my favorites were the brioche topped with caramelized onions, which was simply exquisite, and the apple and ginger gazpacho, a refreshing combination of flavors that was absolutely to die for! Each bite was thoughtfully prepared, and the little culinary surprises throughout the evening made the meal feel like a delightful journey of discovery.
We spent a truly wonderful evening at Nicole, savoring every course, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, and appreciating the creativity behind each dish. It was an experience I will fondly remember!
Apple and Ginger Gazpacho.
3 Comments
Hadia dear, I am so happy you had a good time with Ramzi in Istanbul. You both look great, the food looks great and the pictures are fabulous.
Love you both
[…] one-week trip to Istanbul inspired me to recreate simit in my own kitchen, and it was such a joy to pull these golden, chewy […]