Photos: Eating And Drinking In Kadikoy, The Asian Side Of Istanbul
22 photos
Market shoppers can hire porters, who wander the area, to carry their haul home for them.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistRather than take a costly boat tour along the Bosphorus, I opted for the ferry. It costs a dollar or two, and you still get to see the view from the water. <br>
Clay Williams / GothamistIt's like the Staten Island Ferry of Istanbul<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistAs a tourist, a visit to the spice bazaar is a must, but when you're ready to buy something to take home, go to a shop where the spices aren't sitting out exposed to air and dust all day. Kadikoy is home to a few spice shops that cater to locals.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistTucked into the alleys with the shops are dozens of restaurants, serving cuisines from all over the country.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistWhether it's from a cart, in a shop, or on someone's head, you'll find simit all over Istanbul. Sort of a combination of bagels and pretzels, often topped with sesame seeds, simit is sold throughout the day, but in my experience, best early in the day, when they are still fresh.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistMezze, the local variety of tapas, are popular, but time consuming for a home cook, so shops prepare them for customers to take home and serve as starters.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistSome mezze shops include their own seating areas for customers to order food to eat right there. Black licorice flavored raki traditionally goes with mezze, but is definitely an acquired taste.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistJust a block or two from the ferry terminal, a warren of shops shops sell fresh caught fish, meats, cheeses, olives more varieties of nuts and pickled things than you can imagine.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistThe fish markets offer the days haul fresh from the Bosphorus, particularly popular are the hami, anchovies.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistFish grilling in the market district of Kadikoy.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistAnchovies, which you can find fried from stands nearby.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistYou can snack your way through the market, trying out samples from vendors like this olive stand.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistTurks appreciate the tart and tangy flavors of pickling enough to have entire stores dedicated to them.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistÇiya (pronounced Chia) in particular, has been selling Turkey's regional food, attracting foodies for years. Now with three locations on the same block, they serve a huge variety of dishes that you could graze through for days.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistWhen the real shopping happens, don't be surprised if the shop owner offers you a glass of tea. It's traditional to sit and chat over çay. If you like a strong black tea, go for the regular, but most shop owners also have a semi-sweet apple tea, which I preferred.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistWhen it's time for a drink, explore Kadife Street and the surrounding area, populated with food stands, nightclubs and bars for all dispositions. Arka Oda, with comfortable armchairs, a warm vibe and two heatlamped outdoor seating areas easily became my favorite spot to relax over a giant glass of beer.<br>
Clay Williams / Gothamistea is the most popular drink in Turkey, but coffee is becoming increasingly popular as western cafe culture spreads. If you are going to try Turkish coffee, though, be aware that it's not like what you get in Starbucks or even in Italy. Super strong and with grounds left in the bottom of the cup, you are expected to sip and savor it, not knock it back.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistA few blocks from the food markets, a cluster of antique shops offer some great ogling opportunities. Huge, ornate pieces of furniture, tile work, knick knacks, textiles, rugs and tapestries are all on display for you to mentally redecorate your apartment a dozen times over.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistSave room for dessert, there are dozens of varieties of baklava available, included some filled with rich clotted cream, pistachios and other sweets and nuts.<br>
Clay Williams / GothamistWrap up the evening with the gorgeous view on the ferry ride home.<br>
Clay Williams / Gothamist