Istanbul’s Bazaars – A Food Lover’s Paradise
Istanbul is one of those cities that instantly wows you with its crazy energy and seemingly contradictory mix of east and west, old and new. Nowhere can you feel the heartbeat of this great city more than at its many bazaars. They are truly spectacular places that make you wish supermarkets were never invented. People come to socialize as much as they come to shop, and even if you don’t want to buy anything, browsing and people watching are so fun, you’ll never want to leave. At least, that’s how I felt.
My favorite were the food bazaars with their sheer endless amount of delicacies. If you lingered for a second admiring the goods on display, someone would usually offer us a little sample – an olive, a piece of cheese, a dried fig stuffed with walnuts, a pickle, or a slice of pastirma (air-dired, cured beef). Spending the morning or afternoon getting lost among the hundreds of little shops around the Spice Bazaar, sampling the plumpest dried apricots, nibbling on crunchy hazelnuts, stopping for tea and some baklava, and enjoying a simple lunch at a Börek shop was inspiring, relaxing, and exciting all at once.
We had heard a lot of people raving about the famous Spice Bazaar, but it didn’t take us long to figure out that the real market takes place outside of the covered bazaar area – that’s where the locals shop. Even better were some of the small street markets on the Asian side across the Bosphorus where I bought a bag of beautiful dried sage. It makes the most delicious cup of tea, and I wish I would have bought at least three times as much!
Now that I’m back home, I frequent the Turkish neighborhood bakeries and döner stalls a lot more, but it’s just not the same. And I’m on a quest to find Sarelle pure hazelnut spread, which (as impossible as it may sound) puts Nutella to shame. I first discovered it at a delicatessen shop around the Spice Bazaar, and then later bought it in a supermarket on Istanbul’s Asian side. If I’m able to find it here, I’ll make sure to purchase a few jars and dream about our next trip to Istanbul and beyond…
21 Comments
Beautiful photos! I could eat those olives all day long.
Everything at the markets is so colorful and inviting! Sounds like incredible fun to shop, taste, and take it all in.
Hi Karen, such spectacular photographs–the array of colors and textures is so appealing–I can see why you would want to stay. Now I am craving those plump dried apricots.
I have always wanted to visit Istanbul and your gorgeous photos have made me want to even more! I think my favorite would be the food bazaars too — there’s just so many new things to see!
Everything looks absolutely amazing! Jealous of those beautiful markets!
What a wonderful place to visit! I could eat my way through those markets – all day long!
Lovely write up. Amazing photographs.
Whoa..what beautiful pictures..love the fresh produce, fihs and olive.I wish I could visit some day and ebjoy all this.Thanks for putting up this virtual tour!
Absolutely love the photo of the gorgeously vibrant fruits! Such a fascinating place!
Wow, those photos just jump out of the screen, the fruits look so stunning and those olives too. I just love food markets, they make food so attractive and appealing, they put supermarkets to shame. I’ve heard really wonderful things about Istanbul and you really make it look attractive.
Looks like I have to pay Istanbul a visit! Everything looks amazing! Beautiful place and great food!
thanks for showing me istanbul through your eyes!! its always interesting to get a glimpse into a city i dont know much about! those spices and dried fruits are amazzzinngg! i love those vibrant pomegranants too
What fabulous pictures. Istanbul has been a place I have always wanted to visit. I had a wonderful Turkish friend (who I unfortunately lost touch with) and I have heard so many fantastic things about the country… aaaah, someday…
*kisses* HH
Oh my goodness – Istanbul is one my top places to go to and I am loving every pic you’ve taken. What fun to spend endless hours at the souks
sigh….someday soon if it in my kismet!
Listen – have you checked out my forthcoming Epicurean Voyage to Sicily in Oct yet? Please join and/or please pass along to foodie friends
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Ooo, how delicious. I hope that I can visit one day – soon
What fun this must have been. We’ll be there in the fall and I really am excited to visit. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Thanks for taking us to a beautiful trip to Istanbul! Your pictures have captured the atmosphere of this amazing city!
What a wonderful journey. I’m getting hungry for Borek! I am always amazed when I see pics of spices stacked up in tiny mountains like you show here. How ever do they maintain such a perfect shape? I’d think that it would get all over the place.
Oh! I was there last year…and it is just amazing…thanks for bringing me such great memories…hope you are having a wonderful week Karen
What a cool place! And cool pictures too. Sarelle? Do I need another vice?
I’m inspired by your travel photos. It’s time to stamp my passport again! I’ve been in the U.S. since I returned from my semester in France four years ago. Four years ago! Aggh!