Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Forget the tourist trail. This chef-led food tour takes you into Kadıköy, Istanbul's most exciting food neighbourhood, where locals eat, chefs gather, and the best dishes rarely make it into guidebooks.
Start with one of Istanbul's favourite street snacks before heading to a beloved lokanta where the regulars know exactly what to order and the best dishes often sell out.
Explore vibrant meze packed with herbs, smoke, and spice, then visit a hole-in-the-wall oven bakery where generations of expertise turn simple dough and meat into something unforgettable.
Along the way, you'll discover handmade Turkish dumplings, local traditions, hidden eateries, and the stories behind the dishes that define modern Istanbul.
Led by a professional chef and limited to small groups, this is what the Istanbul locals wish visitors could experience.
4 hours. Multiple food stops. Small groups. No tourist traps. Just exceptional food and the real Kadıköy.
Come hungry.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Kadikoy Bull Statue
It was ordered by Abdülaziz in 1864 and created by the French artist Rouillard in Paris. The statue has been in its current location on Altıyol Square since 1987. It is an icon of Kadikoy.
Serasker Caddesi
The ultimate Turkish Shopping Street, gaze in wonder at the shops with hand cast copper for the kitchen, soap, kitchenware and foods of all types.
Options
Kadikoy Confidential
Kadikoy Confidential
Dinner and snacks, : Beverages including wine
What‘s Included
We eat as we walk, your lunch will be the iconic flavors of the neighborhood
Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Meals
While beverages are served on a hot day it is advisable to bring water
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Bites of our Trip
briannarU9142XK,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My sister and I did a food tour in Kadıköy with Chef Basak, and it was an absolute highlight of our trip to Turkey. She guided us through some of the best bites the area has to offer, introducing us to both classic favorites and hidden gems. What made it truly special was how much knowledge she shared—not just about the food itself, but also the history and culture behind each dish. Every stop felt intentional and thoughtful, and we left feeling like we had experienced Turkey in a deeper, more authentic way. On top of that, Chef Basak is simply a wonderful person—warm, welcoming, and passionate about what she does. We couldn’t recommend this tour enough to anyone visiting Istanbul.
THE tour to take!!
natachac977,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you take one tour, make it this one! A day later, and I am still dining on fruit. We had so much incredible food with Chef Basak. It was an incredible day. We met promptly at 11 and began our experience with stuffed mussels, and a little lemon made the bite great. There was so much food, history and beauty in our walk. It is hard to name a favourite but the Manti with the yoghurt garlic sauce was incredible, as was the Mezze. I can't say enough about Chef Basak, what an incredible person to tour with.
An exceptional and personal culinary experience
Venture04257341511,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing culinary experience on the Asian side of Istanbul with Chef Basak, despite a glitch in the meeting spot due to an AI issue. Communication was attentive and quick with both phone and WhatsApp and we found our way to Chef Basak! We chose this tour to enhance our knowledge of Turkish Cuisine and refine our palate with someone in the culinary world and this tour did not disappoint. Not only do you taste and eat Turkish food that you don’t get on every street corner, you delight in walking through the colorful markets and finding hidden local restaurants that have been around for decades (one over a century) and passed down through generations. We felt honored to be in Chef Basak’s presence and to have her to guide us through the neighborhoods of Kadiköy one bite at a time! Come hungry and pace yourself, you’ll want to save some room for dessert! (I purposely kept photos vague so as not to spoil all the delights).
Outstanding Experience! Do not miss!
blairf139,Jun 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chef Basak is a treasure. This was not just a great food tour, but the best food I had on my entire trip. She has curated an incredible experience. The two most memorable bites were the Mezze with tea (best olives I have ever tasted) and the Manti. I was so full that no dinner was needed. Touring with a chef is the next level. You can ask anything about the food, and she can answer without going to her phone to check. I had never been to the Asian side of Istanbul. My first trip was so short, but now I have discovered my favourite part of town and know where to eat. I have already been back to one of the eateries, and it was worth the trip. With so much variety, this would be a great tour for a family. Even fussy eaters would find much to love. Do not miss!
Not a Tourist Food Tour: Real Istanbul, Bite by Bite
B145DTkennethb,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was very surprised to see Turkish people on my tour. Word has spread that Chef Basak has uncovered the best of the city. It is always a good sign when locals want a tour. The entire experience was outstanding. It was some of the best food I have had in Turkey. Chef Basak was knowledgeable, passionate, with perfect English. I have taken The Chef Tours in other cities, and this was as impressive as the other tours. When history and food meet, you have an explosive experience. We had so much food, the mezze stop was a highligh:t Did you know that mezze is the grandfather of the Spanish Tapa? Manti is a favourite, and this one with the yoghurt garlic sauce was the best one I had tried. When I thought I could eat no more...dessert was served and I somehow managed. I loved Chef Basak, the Turkish and UAE guest...7 in total which is a much smaller group than most. Do not miss this tour!
The highlight of my trip: Tour Istanbul with a Cher
karlw209,May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible day we spent with Chef Basak. She has the experience and passion to make a tour incredible. We had so much food. Based on that alone, the tour was a great value, but the cultural aspects and history were not neglected. I was blown away by the day. There are so many foods I wanted to taste in Istanbul, and we got great examples of some of the best. The soup blew me away, as did the mezze. Tour Istanbul with a chef and have the best food of your vacation.
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Operated by The Chef Tours