Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through Istanbul’s vibrant Asian side with the ‘Private Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings Including Raki & Padi’. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this immersive experience showcases a tantalizing array of authentic Turkish delicacies, from the iconic anise-flavored spirit raki to the traditional padi. Catering to diverse dietary needs, the tour offers a unique off-the-beaten-track perspective on the city’s thriving food scene. Prepare to savor the flavors and uncover the cultural significance behind each delectable morsel. Discover why this tour is a must-do for any discerning food enthusiast visiting Istanbul.
Key Points

• Offers a private food tour on the Asian side of Istanbul, showcasing diverse local delicacies and an off-the-beaten-track perspective on the Turkish capital.
• Includes 10 different food and drink tastings, such as the iconic anise-flavored spirit raki and traditional padi, with vegetarian alternatives.
• Starts and ends at Sekerci Cafer Erol in Kadikoy, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, covering various neighborhoods and landmarks on the Asian side.
• Requires a moderate physical fitness level, not wheelchair accessible but near public transportation, and accommodates dietary restrictions.
• Led by a knowledgeable local foodie guide, offering the tour in English, Turkish, and German, and maintaining a 5/5 rating from satisfied customers.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Istanbul
Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Tour
- Included Tastings and Experiences
- Meeting Point and Pickup
- Accessibility and Physical Requirements
- Tour Guide and Language Options
- Tour Details and Highlights
- Pricing and Cancellation Policy
- Guest Reviews and Ratings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Request a Customized Tour Itinerary?
- Is Tipping the Tour Guide Expected?
- Are Children and Infants Allowed on the Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?
- Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Istanbul
- More Food & Drink Experiences in Istanbul
- More Tours in Istanbul
- More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Istanbul we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Tour

This private Istanbul food tour on the Asian side of the city offers travelers a unique opportunity to savor a diverse array of local delicacies and gain an off-the-beaten-track perspective on the dynamic Turkish capital from a knowledgeable local guide.
Over the course of this half-day experience, you’ll visit neighborhood landmarks and sample 10 different food and drink items, including the iconic Turkish spirit raki and traditional padi.
Vegetarian alternatives are available, ensuring the tour caters to various dietary needs.
With a sustainable, carbon-neutral experience and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this private food tour provides an immersive and convenient way to discover the flavors of Istanbul’s Kadikoy district.
Taste buds happy? More delicious discoveries we love in Istanbul
Included Tastings and Experiences

The private Istanbul food tour on the Asian side of the city includes 10 diverse food and drink tastings that showcase the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine. Travelers will savor the iconic anise-flavored spirit raki as well as sample traditional padi, a beloved local specialty.
The experience also features vegetarian alternatives, ensuring all dietary needs are accommodated. Guests will embark on a sustainable, carbon-neutral journey led by a knowledgeable local foodie guide, who’ll share insider insights into neighborhood landmarks and hidden gems along the way.
With a private tour, participants can expect a personalized exploration of Istanbul’s dynamic culinary landscape. Whether seeking iconic tastes or unique discoveries, this tour offers an off-the-beaten-path perspective on the Turkish capital.
Meeting Point and Pickup
The tour begins at Sekerci Cafer Erol, located at Osmanağa, Yasa Cd. No:19, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey, where guests will meet their private local foodie guide.
From this central meeting point, the group will embark on their culinary exploration of Istanbul’s dynamic Asian side.
The tour ends back at the same location, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.
During the half-day journey, travelers will be treated to a range of authentic Turkish delicacies and drinks, all while gaining an off-the-beaten-track perspective on the city from their knowledgeable local host.
With private transportation and a focus on sustainable, carbon-neutral practices, this food tour promises an immersive and eco-friendly way to discover the flavors of Istanbul.
Accessibility and Physical Requirements

Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level as the tour may involve walking for extended periods and navigating some uneven terrain.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation options for those who may need them.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour covers several neighborhoods and landmarks throughout the Asian side of Istanbul.
Travelers should be prepared to enjoy the lively local culture, as the tour includes a mix of indoor and outdoor food stops.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, with vegetarian alternatives offered.
Tour Guide and Language Options

This private Istanbul food tour is led by a local foodie guide who offers a personalized and engaging experience. The guide not only shares their deep knowledge of Turkish cuisine and culture, but also provides an off-the-beaten-path perspective on the dynamic neighborhoods visited. Depending on the guide’s language proficiency, the tour may be offered in multiple languages to cater to the diverse needs of travelers.
| Language Options | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| English | Yes |
| Turkish | Yes |
| German | Yes |
| French | No |
The knowledgeable and passionate guide ensures that every aspect of the tour, from the carefully curated food and drink selections to the insights into the local way of life, provides an immersive and unforgettable experience for guests.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul
Tour Details and Highlights

Beginning with a 10-food and drink tasting experience, the private Istanbul food tour guides guests through the vibrant Kadikoy neighborhood on the Asian side of the city.
Exploring local landmarks and off-the-beaten-path spots, the tour provides an immersive perspective on Turkish cuisine and culture from a knowledgeable local host.
Vegetarian alternatives are available, ensuring the tour caters to various dietary needs.
Highlights include sampling traditional Turkish delights, sipping on Raki (the national spirit), and indulging in a variety of savory and sweet delicacies.
With a sustainable, carbon-neutral focus, the tour delivers an authentic and eco-friendly experience.
The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s vibrant food scene.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour’s price varies based on group size, ensuring an affordable experience for all travelers. Guests can take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee, which promises the best available rate.
On top of that, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for participants. This policy allows travelers to adjust their plans without incurring any penalties, making the tour an accessible and convenient option.
With its transparent pricing and generous cancellation terms, the Istanbul Food Tour demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and a desire to create a stress-free experience for all who embark on this gastronomic adventure.
Guest Reviews and Ratings

With a Badge of Excellence and an impressive 68 reviews, the Istanbul Food Tour has amassed a wealth of positive feedback from satisfied customers. Travelers consistently praise the private, guided experience, which offers an off-the-beaten-path perspective on the dynamic Turkish capital through a series of carefully curated food and drink tastings. Guests are particularly impressed by the knowledgeable local guide, who expertly navigates the vibrant Kadikoy neighborhood, and the variety of authentic Turkish specialties sampled throughout the tour.
| Review Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|
| "Delicious food, wonderful guide" | 5/5 |
| "Truly immersive cultural experience" | 5/5 |
| "Exceeded all expectations" | 5/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Customized Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour operator generally allows guests to request a customized itinerary. They aim to accommodate dietary preferences and special interests to provide a personalized experience within the tour’s overall framework. Guests should communicate their requests directly with the company.
Is Tipping the Tour Guide Expected?
While tipping tour guides is generally customary, it is not mandatory. The amount to tip is at the discretion of the customer and can vary based on the quality of the tour and guide. Many companies suggest a 10-20% tip for excellent service.
Are Children and Infants Allowed on the Tour?
Children and infants are generally allowed on the tour, though certain restrictions may apply. It’s best to check with the tour provider for their specific policies regarding minors. This can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?
Attendees are generally not permitted to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a variety of tastings, and the guide ensures a smooth and immersive experience. Bringing outside items could disrupt the flow of the event.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
There are typically no restrictions on photography during food tours, allowing participants to capture images of the delicious dishes and local sights. However, it’s courteous to ask for permission before photographing other tour members or private establishments.
PRIVATE Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings Including Raki & Padi
“Emre was amazing! This was more than just a food tour – he shared lots of historical information and fun facts about the areas we were exploring i…”
Recap
The ‘Private Istanbul Food Tour – 10 Tastings Including Raki & Padi’ offers a comprehensive and immersive culinary journey through Istanbul’s vibrant food scene.
Guests will savor a diverse array of authentic Turkish delicacies, from the iconic raki to the traditional padi, while exploring the city’s off-the-beaten-track neighborhoods.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides a personalized and sustainable experience, catering to various dietary needs and ensuring an engaging exploration of Istanbul’s rich culinary landscape.
































