I have taken quite a few food tours in different parts of the world, but I can genuinely say that Faride’s hospitality was unmatched. First of all, Faride is an absolute gentleman. From the beginning, he never once made us feel as though he was watching the clock or trying to rush through the tour. He gave us much more time than was allotted and never seemed to be in a hurry. What I especially appreciated was the effort he put into making sure we tasted food from hygienic, authentic places. He wanted us to try the real thing at places known for each particular dish, rather than simply taking us to convenient or touristy spots. On other tours, I have sometimes felt that guides were taking us to certain shops or restaurants because they had an arrangement or received a commission. With Faride, I never felt that way, not even once. It genuinely felt as though every place was chosen because he wanted us to have the best and most authentic experience possible. Even as we walked through the streets, the amount of information he shared was incredible. He explained the food, the places, the history, and so many fascinating little details along the way. Everything was top-notch. But more than the food or the places we visited, what really stayed with me was Faride himself. He is such a genuinely kind and warm person. Sometimes, when you travel, you meet someone who changes the way you feel about a place, and Faride did that for me. His sincerity and hospitality actually made me wish I had planned to stay longer in Istanbul. I have taken many tours while travelling, but it is very rare for me to feel this strongly about recommending a guide. I wouldn’t just recommend this food tour; if I ever return to Istanbul, I would absolutely want to take another tour with Faride. If any of my friends or family visit Istanbul, I will make sure to tell them to book a tour with him. And if Faride offers any other tours, I would happily join those as well. Thank you, Faride, for giving us much more than just a food tour. Your kindness, sincerity, hospitality, and the effort you put into the entire experience are things I will genuinely remember about Istanbul. ❤️

























