Discovering Istanbul: The Ultimate Turkish Food Tour with Mark Wiens
Istanbul, a city that bridges Europe and Asia, is not just rich in history; it’s a culinary paradise waiting to be explored. In this captivating episode of “Epic Food Journeys” with Mark Wiens, viewers are invited on an exhilarating 24-hour food tour of Istanbul, uncovering the city’s finest Turkish street food and iconic dishes.
Starting the Day Right with a Turkish Breakfast
The adventure begins at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu, where Mark dives into a traditional Turkish breakfast spread. It includes an array of savory cold dishes featuring local cheeses, fresh vegetables, and the delicious kaymak (water buffalo cream) drizzled with honey. This is followed by the hot delights of menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes) and mıhlama (melted cheese), all paired with robust Turkish tea.
Savory Doner Kebabs
Next on the agenda is a visit to Karadeniz Döner Asım Ust, renowned for their colossal 200-kilo doner kebab. Mark indulges in a tombik döner, a hearty bread roll packed with succulent sliced beef and vibrant vegetables.
A Culinary Journey Across Continents
Mark then crosses the iconic Bosphorus Strait to the Asian side, where he stops at Yaşar Bafra Pide Salonu for Turkish pide—a delightful flatbread layered with butter, eggs, and various meats. He returns to Europe for lunch, savoring the signature cilveli kebab at Köfteci Kadırgalı, complemented by a comforting bowl of kuru fasulye (white beans stew).
Street Food and Sweet Delights
At Çiğ Köfteci Seyfettin Usta, Mark learns the art of making Çiğ köfte, a spicy mix of bulgur wheat and herbs, perfectly shaping them for eager customers. His exploration leads him to the bustling Grand Bazaar, where he relishes authentic Turkish coffee and delight.
Grilled Goodness and Seafood Feasts
As the sun sets, Mark meets Ebru Erke for a seafood dining experience at Balikci Sabahattin, featuring delectable grilled black sea salmon and fried John Dory. The night buzzes with energy as he tries kokoreç—grilled lamb intestines—and concludes his feast with midye dolma (stuffed mussels) from the legendary Midyeci Ahmet.
This food tour is a testament to Istanbul’s vibrant culinary scene, reflecting its rich history as a crossroads of cultures. Join Mark Wiens in this gastronomic adventure and discover the true flavors of Turkey!
Watch the full journey here: Ultimate Istanbul Food Tour and experience the flavors that define a city bridging East and West.
Watch the video by National Geographic
Video “Ultimate Istanbul Food Tour: Best Turkish Street Food | Epic Food Journeys with Mark Wiens | Nat Geo” was uploaded on 02/24/2026. Watch all the latest Videos by National Geographic on Gretopia