Istanbul: Private Food Tour with Ferry & Breakfast Tasting

Summary

Turkish breakfast in Karakoy, ferry ride to Kadikoy and market eats

You’ll start your Istanbul food tour sharing a real Turkish breakfast in Karakoy before wandering markets for baklava and coffee. Cross continents by ferry to Kadikoy for street snacks — maybe even stuffed mussels or a daring liver wrap if you’re feeling bold! Guided by a local who makes every stop feel personal, you’ll taste both sides of Istanbul in just one day.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Eda, right outside Karakoy Murat Muhallebicisi — she waved at us with this kind of easy smile that made me relax instantly. I was still half-asleep but the smell of strong Turkish coffee woke me up fast. Our table filled up with little plates: menemen (sort of messy eggs and tomatoes), honey that tasted like wildflowers, kaymak so creamy it almost slid off my spoon. I tried to say “sucuklu omelet” and Eda laughed — probably butchered it, but she didn’t mind. There was this gentle clatter from the kitchen and the hum of locals chatting over breakfast; it felt like we were let in on something private.

After breakfast we wandered through Tophane’s backstreets, past old shops where men sat outside playing tavla. Eda told us stories about the neighborhood’s history — honestly, I only caught half because I got distracted by the smell of roasting chestnuts and a cat weaving between our legs. We stopped for baklava (sticky fingers, pistachio everywhere) and then she insisted we try Turkish ice cream too. It’s chewier than you’d expect — almost elastic? Not sure how else to describe it.

The Istanbul food tour kept surprising me. We hopped onto the ferry across the Bosphorus — wind in my hair, seagulls wheeling overhead (they really do beg for simit). Crossing from Europe to Asia took maybe 20 minutes but felt bigger somehow. In Kadikoy, everything was louder and brighter: fishmongers shouting prices, piles of pickles in jars, someone selling mussels stuffed with rice and herbs right on the curb. I hesitated at first but tried one anyway; salty, lemony — not bad at all. Eda pointed out a tiny kebab shop where she gets lunch sometimes (“best liver wrap if you’re brave,” she said). I wasn’t brave enough this time.

We ended near the Kadikoy ferry station. The group lingered for a while just watching people bustle by — students laughing, old men sipping tea from tulip glasses, that sort of thing. No pressure to rush off. I still think about that honey from breakfast and how easy it was to talk with Eda about her city. So yeah… if you want an Istanbul food tour that actually feels local (and not staged), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul food tour and ferry ride

• Meet guide at Karakoy Murat Muhallebicisi
• Enjoy Turkish breakfast with menemen and honey
• Walk through Tophane and Karakoy neighborhoods
• Taste Turkish coffee and fresh baklava with ice cream
• Walk to Karakoy ferry station
• Take ferry to Kadikoy on Asian side
• Sample authentic Turkish dishes and kebabs
• Visit fish market for stuffed or fried mussels
• End tour at Kadikoy ferry station

Top questions

How long does the Istanbul food tour last?

The tour lasts around 5-6 hours including walking and ferry rides.

Is breakfast included on this Istanbul food tour?

Yes, a full Turkish breakfast is included at the start in Karakoy.

Does the tour include both European & Asian sides?

Yes, you’ll visit neighborhoods on both sides via public ferry.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, just let them know your dietary needs when booking.

Where does the Istanbul food tour end?

The tour finishes at Kadikoy ferry station on the Asian side.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide directly at Karakoy Murat Muhallebicisi.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a private guided food tour—only your group joins.

How much walking is involved during the day trip?

You’ll walk through several neighborhoods; expect about five hours on foot plus ferry rides.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide at Karakoy Murat Muhallebicisi for a full Turkish breakfast spread—think menemen, kaymak with honey, olives and cheese—plus tastings of baklava and Turkish ice cream as you walk through Tophane and Karakoy. You’ll cross continents by public ferry to Kadikoy for more local dishes (including kebabs or even stuffed mussels if you’re curious). All non-alcoholic drinks are included along with your private guide throughout; dietary needs can be accommodated if mentioned ahead of time.