Private Tour

Multicultural Private Walking Food Tour in Istanbul

Overview

Available languages

Arabic

English

Turkish

5 hours

Mobile ticket

Embark on a gastronomic journey through time, tracing the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire, from the vibrant spice markets of Damascus to the grand kitchens of Istanbul. This immersive private food tour takes you through the heart of the empire’s most flavorful cities—Aleppo, Jerusalem, Beirut, and more—exploring how Arab, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences shaped one of history’s most sophisticated cuisines.

As you journey from Syria to Istanbul, you’ll uncover the heritage of flavors that transcended borders, carrying stories of resilience, and adaptation. The spices, techniques, and traditions that once filled the kitchens of Damascus and Aleppo found new life in the markets and homes of Istanbul, shaping shared customs that continue today.

Perfect for history and food lovers alike, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to eat your way through an empire, uncovering stories hidden in every dish.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Fatih

Nestled at the core of Istanbul, Fatih is more than just a district—it is a living museum of cultures, histories, and communities that have shaped the city for centuries. Among its many layers of identity, one of the most fascinating is its Levantine heritage, a unique blend of European and Middle Eastern influences that continues to thrive in the district’s historic streets, churches, and marketplaces

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Yusuf Paşa is a historic neighborhood in Istanbul’s Fatih district, known for its blend of Ottoman, Levantine, and Balkan influences, reflecting the multicultural essence of the city. Once a bustling hub for traders and travelers due to its proximity to Aksaray and major transportation routes, it remains a lively area with historic architecture, old inns, and traditional eateries. Today, it serves as a melting pot of communities, with Turkish, Arab, and Central Asian populations adding to its dynamic and ever-evolving character.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Public transport fees

Food tastings from Yemeni, Syrian, Lebanese, Turkish and Palestinian cuisines

Tips and gratitudes

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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Multicultural Private Walking Food Tour in Istanbul

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Unique experience
SalomeaTenetskaya,,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was such a wonderful and rich experience! Thanks to the organizers and our guide! Strongly recommended if you want to explore new flavours and stories ✨️
Yummy food in interesting places
travelleronamissiont,,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour! Yumna was very generous sharing her passion for food and her personal story. Everything with ate was yummy, and there were even options for me as a vegetarian which makes a big difference. We discovered a few hidden gems where I'll happily return.
Great food and amazing stories
H8288KIstevenk,,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Food tour through the middle eastern neighborhoods of Istanbul was amazing! The food was great , stories and all the connections to Turkey and wider regions were interesting to discover. Yumna was spectacular host and I do highly recommend it!
A unique perspective of one of my favorite food cities
maliayosh,,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I always take a food tour when I visit a new place because I find that it helps bring context to my visit. Even though Istanbul isn’t new to me and I’ve taken other food tours here in the past, this one offered a unique perspective. We tasted our way through Yemeni, Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dishes—some similar to Turkish cuisine (it’s interesting to note the differences and the reasons for them) and others truly unique. We visited small businesses and restaurants I wouldn’t have found on my own and tried the specialties in each. We even had a chance to experience the feel of the neighborhood, being offered extra food by strangers in a park who noticed our group and wanted to share! Having an expert like our guide Yumna, who is so passionate about sharing her culture and her story, made the experience even better. I came alone, but the group got along really well. Thanks to Vines & Pearls for creating such a memorable tour.
Travelling through time by eating delicious food
Mureille,,Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I booked this tour with my friends to travel Istanbul of the beaten track and it was just what we were looking for. We delved in the delicious cuisines of all the different cultures in Fatih. Everything was tasty and our guide Yumna was just amazing. She’s originally from Syria and her knowledge about the cultures and food was unlimited so was her passion for the food she was talking about. A true foodie! Just like us:) So being able to travel through time with her by eating food and learning about all the different cultures in Fatih was simply a gift. Thank you Yumna for your kindness and the delicious tour we had. We even scored some delicious souvenirs to take home based on Yumna’s recommendation:)
Amazing food, colorful history and an incredible guide
Kelly M,,Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour was filled was incredible Levantine food, insightful stories and a humanizing touch by the guide, Yumna. I left feeling closer to the region that I had grown up hearing so many negative things about. If you are looking to truly expand your world view, this is the tour you want to take.