Ruth Haines
Istanbul Airport is a destination in itself, with culinary delights that showcase the best of Turkish cuisine. From the famous Turkish coffee and tea to sweet treats like baklava, lokma, and Turkish delight, there is something for everyone. For those with a longer layover, the Grand Bazaar Food Tour offers an immersive experience in the world's biggest open-air commercial centres, while those with less time can enjoy a meal at Fahri Konsolos in Moda, known for its creative cocktails, or try the popular Turkish street food, simit, at Simit Sarayı. For a more substantial meal, the airport offers mouthwatering kebabs, and pide, a boat-shaped flatbread topped with meat, cheese, vegetables, and herbs. So, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full culinary experience, Istanbul Airport has something to offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Kebabs, Simit, Pide, Baklava, Lokma, Sevani, Turkish Delight, Turkish Coffee, Turkish Tea |
| Notable places to eat | Kaimakk, Lounge Istanbul, Fahri Konsolos |
| Other | The Old Bazaar offers amazing discounts on food items. |
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What You'll Learn
Turkish Delights and other desserts
Turkish Delights, also known as lokum, are believed to have originated in Istanbul. The city is dotted with shops selling this treat, along with other Turkish sweets and desserts. If you're looking to indulge in Turkish Delights and other desserts during a layover at Istanbul Airport, here are some options to consider:
Tadında Anadolu
Located within Istanbul Airport, Tadında Anadolu is touted as one of the best places to buy Turkish Delights in the airport. While the quality may not match that of the more established brands in the city, it's still a convenient option for travellers passing through.
Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar is a gigantic souvenir shop in the middle of the airport, offering various food items, including Turkish Delights and other sweets. It's a great place to explore during a layover, and you might even find some amazing discounts on offer.
Outside the Airport
If you have a longer layover and can venture outside the airport, Istanbul has numerous renowned shops and markets for Turkish Delights and desserts. Here are some notable ones:
- Sekerci Cafer Erol in Kadikoy is a famous shop that has been serving Turkish Delights for 200 years. They offer a wide range of flavours, including pistachio, rose, walnut, fig, and orange.
- Haci Bekir is one of the oldest confectioners in Istanbul, dating back to 1777. They have branches in various districts of Istanbul, including Kadikoy, Bakirkoy, and Eminonu. They also have an online shop for convenient ordering.
- Hafiz Mustafa 1864 has branches all over Istanbul and the world, offering a vast selection of Turkish Delights, along with other desserts like baklava and muhallebi (rice pudding).
- Karaköy Güllüoğlu in Karakoy is another renowned shop for baklava and other Turkish desserts. They own the world's first baklava factory and produce approximately 2.5 tons of baklava daily.
- The Grand Turkish Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar in the Eminonu area are famous destinations for traditional Turkish products, including Turkish Delights and other sweets.
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Kebab and rice
Istanbul Airport has been voted the best international airport for 2024, and it's no surprise given the variety of dining options available. If you're looking for kebab and rice, there are several places to choose from.
First up is Paşa Döner, which serves chicken kebabs shaved into buns and served with thin French fries. You can find this restaurant close to the F pier. Another option for kebabs is the grill near the skewer kebabs and lamb hunks. Here, you can get your kebab served with rice and salads—a satisfying and wholesome meal. If you're looking for a quicker option, try the cafeteria line, which offers a variety of salads and hot dishes.
In the mood for something a little more upscale? Head to Salt Bae's restaurant in the main hall near the D gates. While known for their burgers and steaks, they also serve ribs and chops, which you can enjoy with a side of rice.
For a true taste of Turkey, don't forget to try the popular street food, simit. This sesame-seeded pastry is often enjoyed with çay (tea) or ayran, a traditional Turkish drink. You can find it at Simit Sarayı or the Simit Sarayi network cafe.
If you're looking for a more comprehensive dining experience, Istanbul Airport also offers food tours. These tours will take you beyond the airport to explore the local attractions and cuisine of the city. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect kebab and rice meal to satisfy your cravings!
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Baklava
Istanbul Airport offers a variety of options to satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in this delicious dessert. Kaimakk, a plush eatery near Terminal 2, serves baklava brushed with butter, baked to a golden crispness, and soaked in fragrant syrup. It offers a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
For a more serene dining experience, head to the quiet corridor between the D and E gates, where you'll find another Kaimakk outlet. Here, you can sample a range of Turkish delights, including baklava with various fillings such as carrot, walnut, or pistachio. This location specialises in sweets, so you're sure to find a delectable treat to satisfy your cravings.
If you're looking to purchase baklava as a souvenir or to enjoy later, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the price of baklava at the airport is higher than in the city centre. A 500-gram box of baklava at the airport typically costs around 20 euros (650 lire), while the same amount in the city centre will get you a full kilogram.
When buying baklava at the airport, consider opting for the Karaköy Güllüoğlu brand, known for its quality. You can also try cafes like Mado, which offer baklava with a cup of Turkish tea, or Cups and Clouds, where a nugget of baklava pairs well with a coffee.
Remember, baklava is high in sugar, so it's best to limit your consumption to two pieces per day to maintain a healthy balance.
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Simit
The texture and taste of simit are loved by many, and it is a popular choice for travellers passing through the airport. It has a unique flavour and is a convenient snack to eat on the go. The sesame seeds on the outside provide a crunchy contrast to the soft interior, making it a satisfying bite.
If you're looking for a quick and tasty snack that will give you a taste of Turkey, simit is an excellent choice. It is a simple yet delicious option, and you can find it easily at Istanbul Airport. So, if you're craving something savoury and want to try a local favourite, be sure to give simit a try during your layover.
Lastly, if you want to explore more of the local cuisine, you can also try other Turkish dishes like kebabs, pide (a boat-shaped flatbread), or baklava for dessert. Istanbul Airport offers a variety of options to satisfy your hunger and your curiosity for new flavours.
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Pide
The Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul Airport is a great place to try pide, especially if you want to interact with the chefs and watch them make this delicious bread. The lounge offers a spacious and relaxing environment, with over 20 food and drink stations serving traditional Turkish foods and international flavours.
If you're looking for other places to try pide in Istanbul Airport, there are likely many options to choose from. With over 100 pit stops, most offering Turkish specialties, you'll be sure to find pide on many menus. The food courts above the main hall are better geared towards regular fast-food options, but the one near the E and F gates offers homegrown brands, including Pidem. So, if you're craving a tasty, freshly baked pide, head to Istanbul Airport and satisfy your hunger!
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for a quick bite, you can try Simit Sarayı for a simit, a popular Turkish street food pastry with sesame seeds. Simit is often enjoyed with çay (tea) or ayran (a yoghurt drink). You can also try kebabs, pide (a boat-shaped flatbread topped with meat, cheese, vegetables, and herbs), or baklava, a popular Turkish dessert.
Yes, there are several sit-down restaurants at Istanbul Airport, including Kaimakk, which is known for its baklava, and Fahri Konsolos, a cocktail bar that offers unique drink options like the Çidem and the Leb û Derya.
Istanbul Airport offers a variety of unique Turkish dishes and treats. In addition to baklava and lokum (Turkish delight), you can try lokma (fried dough balls sweetened with honey or sugar), sevani (a sweet cake), and Turkish coffee.
Yes, if you have a longer layover or some time before your departure, you can explore the local markets and eateries in the nearby area. Just be sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport, as traffic in Istanbul can be heavy.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find specific information about vegetarian or vegan options at Istanbul Airport. However, you may be able to find suitable options at the restaurants mentioned, such as salads or vegetable-based dishes. It's always a good idea to inquire about ingredients and ask for customizations to suit your dietary needs.
