This feature was written by Nuit Regular for STYLE Canada.
Food is a shared language that connects people across cultures and a fantastic way to discover a new place while creating lasting memories forever tied to a dish, an ingredient, or a flavour.
I recently travelled to Türkiye with a group of culinary leaders to discover the country’s rich history and culture through food. Stopping in Istanbul and along the Aegean coast in Izmir, Çeşme and Urla, the trip was a whirlwind of gastronomic delights and a cultural immersion featuring some of the country’s most iconic sites including the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a 1,600-year-old architectural marvel; the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets; and the Spice Bazaar – a foodie’s dream destination.
We discovered Turkish cuisine at every level from MICHELIN dining to mouthwatering street food to learning to make simit (a popular Turkish bread coated in sesame seeds). A common thread among it all – everything was prepared using the freshest local ingredients.
I couldn’t pick just one spot or one dish to highlight. Instead, here are my three favourite spots – a high, a medium and a low option to fit every budget.
Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar: elevated Anatolian classics
Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar is located in Galataport, a vibrant, contemporary waterfront neighbourhood filled with cool shops, restaurants and plenty of entertainment, all centred around the cruise terminal.
The restaurant serves small plates featuring traditional Anatolian flavours and modern, elevated plating. The highlight for me was the pide, topped with rosehip marmalade, fresh herbs, goat cheese, and Kars Kaşarı cheese. It was my first time trying this Turkish classic, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. The flavours were so well balanced and delicious – comforting, yet new and exciting for me. Each bite felt like a little discovery.
With an incredible view of the water, and a waitstaff that makes you feel like family, it’s the kind of place you could stay for hours, just soaking in the good vibes.
Photo: Chef Nuit
Ali Ocakbaşı: Kebabs with a view
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Istanbul is the MICHELIN Guide-recommended Ali Ocakbaşı, a restaurant beloved for its exceptional kebabs. And for good reason. These are the best kebabs I’ve ever had – a point of consensus among our group.
Walking in the door, diners are hit with the tantalizing aroma of meat sizzling on a charcoal grill. The cool evening breeze off the water, the stunning view overlooking the Bosphorus Strait and the lively energy in the dining room (even on a Monday night!) set the scene for a truly special meal.
We tried several kebabs, all spectacular, but the star of our meal was the Ali Kebap, a mix of minced lamb and beef that the chefs hand grind, seasoned with Turkish spices and cooked to tender perfection. Paired with flatbread – soft, thin, and still warm – and a tangy cucumber yogurt called cacik, the dish has an irresistible flavour combination. Each bite melts in your mouth.
Photo: Chef Nuit
Begendik Abi: comforting dishes, big flavours
Then there’s Begendik Abi in Urla, an esnaf lokantası (term for homestyle restaurants that serve fresh, comforting and affordable dishes) that’s frequented by locals and visitors alike. A MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant, it is celebrated for traditional Turkish cuisine that delivers on flavour.
Zeytinyağlı–vegetable dishes prepared with olive oil–are a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine and the standout dish for me is the sarma; some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Each delicate grape leaf is filled with a fragrant rice and herb filling. The balance of flavour and texture is just right; simple but so beautifully done. It is a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. Begendik Abi is a spot where you slow down, savour and enjoy the comfort of tradition. This wasn’t just dinner; it was a celebration of everything that makes Turkish hospitality so unforgettable.
Special Mention
I have to give a special shoutout to the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business in Istanbul. It was an eye-opening experience. Not your typical airline lounge, it is a destination itself. It was so fun, lively, and full of energy.
The standout feature for me are the extensive culinary offerings in what feels like a vibrant marketplace, complete with live chefs cooking up fresh meals using thoughtfully curated local ingredients. With a range of cuisines from Turkish classics to international favourites, there is something for everyone. The standout dish for me is the mantı – a bowl of tiny, yet flavourful Turkish dumplings filled with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce. It’s a delicate dish that’s rich yet balanced in flavour.
Similarly, Turkish Airlines’ award-winning inflight dining–complete with Flying Chefs–continues the exceptional service, blending Turkish gastronomic heritage with modern culinary practices. It’s the kind of experience that makes you forget you’re in transit. Instead you’re part of a culinary celebration that captures the very essence of Turkish hospitality: warm, welcoming, and vibrant.
I’ve discovered that dining in Türkiye is a journey through culture, tradition, and innovation – all on a single plate. Whether you’re looking for an elevated fine-dining experience, a bustling hot spot, or a place that offers the warmth of home, there is one constant across every meal we had: every bite feels like a love letter to Türkiye’s extraordinary culture.
Looking to plan your own gastronomic adventure? Go Turkiye offers plenty of inspiration.
