What to try in Istanbul

Many dishes of Turkish cuisine are firmly included in the diet of Russians, especially in the southern regions and resorts of the south, so it can not be called exotic. However, there are treats that are best consumed in the homeland. Here are some desserts and interesting dishes that are definitely worth trying in Istanbul:

Ice Cream Dondurma (Dondurma)

This is Turkish ice cream, but not at all like ours (OURS, of course, is the best in the world). Turkish is also made on the basis of milk, but viscous. It can be served in its pure form, but be sure to try it with original fillers, for example, covered with melted chocolate or hot halva. Costs from 7 lire per cup (0.15 USD, see Turkish currency and exchange rate). But be vigilant when buying dondurma on Istiklal Street. There, sellers cheat with prices: they say the price is 10 lire, and after cooking they demand up to 50 lire.

Roasted chestnuts (Kestane)

A delicacy for an amateur, which, however, can be tasted in the southern resorts of Russia. But if you haven't tried it anywhere before, you can try it here, and then decide whether you like it or not. They are slightly sweet in taste, and very dry in texture. This is a rather expensive delicacy, you can not eat a lot of them. The price is almost the same everywhere – 10 lire per 100 grams (0.22 USD). sold from mobile trays everywhere.

Balık Ekmek fish sandwich

This is a very popular dish, a kind of local fast food for snacking on the go. Fried fish with seasonings is wrapped in lavas or baked in a bun, and it's really delicious. Usually bloggers and guidebooks on the Internet advise buying them from the floating boat kitchens at the Eminonu Marina, but in fact they are very tasteless and with bones. It is better to go to the other side across the bridge to the pier Karakoy (Karaköy), where in the evenings on the embankment there is a mobile tray with much more delicious Balyk ekmek for 15 lire (0.33 USD).

Bagel Simit (Simit).

Delicious flour bagel with sesame. It is sold everywhere from stalls on the street (more expensive) and in supermarkets (cheaper). The cost is from 1.25 per piece (0.03 USD).

Turkish sweets

Turkish sweets are sold by weight and in boxes for long-term storage and transportation. But while you rest in Istanbul, buy only sweets by weight. Although they are more expensive than in boxes, they also taste like Earth and Sky. Prices are not low, from 60 lire per kilogram (1.31 USD), but their taste is divine. Do not chase cheapness: longer cheap sweets are cheap and taste. But on the other hand, in the branded chain stores of sweets Mado and Koska in tourist areas, prices are somewhat inflated. The best option is to buy in the markets, especially in the Egyptian Bazaar or on the street next to it.

Turkish coffee

Of course, coffee does not grow in Turkey, and the famous Turkish coffee is just the way it is made in Turk. Someone likes this coffee, someone scolds him. But you definitely will not know its taste until you try, and therefore decide whether to scold or try again. Boiled Turkish coffee is served in almost every cafe and restaurant, and sometimes even for free for a large order. When ordered separately, the Cup will cost from 70 lire (1.52 USD).