Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbuls smagskvarter

I’ve been a fan of Culinary Backstreets for about 12 years now. I wanted to start by saying how much I’ve loved following their work. Their reviews helped me discover cities across 4 continents, they’ve never really been just about food. They’ve opened up histories, cultures, neighbourhoods, and sometimes even politics in ways that have made me see and experience cities differently. I finally decided to join them in person for a walking tour, and it was up to my expectations, if not more! Benoit, our tour guide, is a wealth of information about food, its history, evolution, the communities that shared it and evolved it, and where to eat the best version of it. He is an expert in weaving layers of history, politics and personal stories into an engagin, delicious and easy to digest meal. The places he took us to were all top quality and the items he selected were very interesting and delicious. Thanks benoit and the Culinary Backstreets team. I really value your passion for your city and for the work you make. I will definetly be back :)

Duygu was very knowledgeable and helpful. Cannot recommend enough!

+2

She was great. Was also a good history lesson of the neighborhood and country. Would recommend for those who want to know the why behind the food.

We spent a delightful afternoon roaming the streets and alleyways of Kurtulus with Dee. She introduced us to a world we would never have found by ourselves - the best bakeries, delicatessens, coffee shops, farmers market and more. Highly recommended to those with an adventurous palate and a desire to try a more authentic local experience.

This tour we excellent and so much fun and good food. Our Tour Guide, Esin, was wonderful and upbeat about the neighborhood and all the delicious food. She knew so many people and with her upbeat attitude was a joy to be around. My wife and I were the only ones on the tour that morning, so we got her undivided attention. Every stop was unique with delicious tastings. I highly recommend this tour.

This tour was away from the tourist throng and took us into what felt like authentic Istabnbul. Our Tour Guide Duygu Sınırtaş was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable amd when prompted, shared her deep historical knowldge of Istanbul as well. We went on to book her for a full day historical tour on a separate day she was so good.

5 hours on the go with Gonca and never a quiet moment. She knows everybody and where the best and most interesting places are. So many cultures and ethnic cuisines and history !! An outstanding and unique time, with an equally outstanding guide

Our Culinary Backstreets Tour was simply wonderful. From start to finish, it was such a special experience, and so much of that was thanks to our fabulous host, Duygu (Dee). We were able to experience incredible local cuisine and discover parts of Istanbul, its food, culture and community that we simply would never have found on our own. It was fabulous to have a local guide who not only has incredible knowledge, but genuinely loves what she does and is so passionate about her city and community. Duygu shared that passion with us, taking us to places we would never have discovered and introducing us to flavours, people and experiences that made the day truly memorable. If you want to experience the real Istanbul beyond the usual tourist spots, I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough. A wonderful day, amazing food and a fantastic guide.

Esin was an incredible guide! We learned so much had a great time and the food was incredible. She also really went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and to tailor the tour to our interests. This tour was easily a major highlight of our trip. It was really cool to see this other side of Istanbul, definitely an experience we would not have gotten without this tour

An inspired experience. Our guide was wonderful and she showed us a part of Istanbul that tourists don't often visit. We loved it and got to meet people that were proud of their culinary traditions and craft. Highly recommended for visitors that want to see the real neighborhoods of Istanbul far away from the tourist route. Our guide, Tugce was kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about showing us this part of the city. Saw and experienced many things that will stay in my memory for a long time to come. And- ate many wonderful things along the way. Thank you Tugce for an outstanding experience. We loved your spirit and enthusiasm.