Kadıköy market and meyhane evening

The evening starts with the 20-minute public ferry from Karaköy or Eminönü to Kadıköy, which is the way most Istanbulites cross. A food guide meets the group at the pier and walks it through the market streets: fishmongers, pickle shops, cheese and olive counters, a century-old confectioner. There are six or seven short tastings on the way.

Dinner is in a meyhane we book for your group, where the table follows the old order: cold meze first, then hot starters, fish and fruit. A small fasıl ensemble plays classic Istanbul songs from the second half of the dinner. Rakı is the traditional drink, and we make sure there is a full alcohol-free option: şalgam, fresh juices and homemade lemonade.

The guide explains the customs at the table as they come up, from how to mix rakı with water to why the meze arrive before the menu is discussed. We arrange coaches back to your hotel or a late ferry.