Among the distinguished cuisines of the world, the Turkish cuisine is a rich kitchen containing 2,205 local dishes and beverages according to the taste map covering the 81 cities of Turkey. It is possible to classify the dishes in the Turkish cuisine in various ways such as soups, meat dishes, vegetable dishes with or without meat, legume dishes with or without meat, dishes with olive oil, pilaf, pastries, salads and desserts. On the other hand, desserts are categorized as pastry desserts, desserts with fresh or dried fruits and vegetables, and milky desserts. No one can get enough of the desserts after a delicious meal.

Turkish cuisine is one of the leading fusion cuisines of the world. Fusion cuisine is the synthesis of various cuisine cultures.  In this regard, the multinational formation of the Ottoman Empire also affected the cuisine culture. Offering a wide variety of choices from soups to vegetable dishes, pastries and compotes, the Turkish cuisine is also satisfactory for vegetarians.

The cuisine of Istanbul blends the traditional with the modern and influences the neighbouring countries with the foods, beverages and service. One of the most important qualities of the Istanbul cuisine is the togetherness of religious and ethnic differences and being blended with many cultures. Home to priceless tastes, Istanbul is also assertive in sea foods.

In Istanbul, tastes are not confined to places. Almost in every street, you can discover various tastes from simit (Turkish bagel) to meat balls, grill sheep intestines and chestnuts every day and round the clock.

If you are in Istanbul, the city of respect and tolerance to all the cultures, you should try yogurt in Kanlica, boza in Vefa, mussel in Kavak, jacket potato in Ortakoy, fish in Bosporus, meat balls in Sultanahmet, haricot soup in Suleymaniye, fish sandwich in Eminonu, tulumba dessert in Alibeykoy, baklava in Karakoy, ice cream in Moda, pickles in Cihangir, pastry in Sariyer, nuts in the Spice Bazaar, tea in Pierre Loti and finally, Turkish Coffee, the symbol of communication, hospitality and sharing in the Turkish culture, before you leave.