3 Street foods in one day - everyday ! Turkey part 4

This post is a part of a series of posts where I share my experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey.


Exploring and wandering the streets of Istanbul became a daily routine for me. There was always so much going on around me. However I never felt lost in this city. Sometimes I just sat on a park bench or at a restaurant . I just observed the locals and tourists ,cars and  vendors around me. I tried to soak in the chaotic surroundings. The bustling city grew on me every single day. Apart from the history buff one thing that was remarkable was the street food. My observations led me to the conclusion that street food is a big part of the way of life here. It has its very own special place in Istanbul.

In a nutshell here are my top picks of street foods that I indulged in on a daily basis while in Istanbul - 

Kestane 

It was interesting to see the bright red carts everywhere on the streets. Curious I asked in English-- ''what is that ? " The answer was hand gesture stating no English. The cost was 5 lira for 100 grams displayed on a card in the cart. I decided to give it a try. It was the roasted chestnuts or ''KESTANE '' in Turkish. It is a popular snack especially on cold days. The weather while I was in Istanbul for just perfect for a handful of roasted chestnuts. I ate Kestane numerous times a day. The nuts are roasted on wood fire and this gives them a distinct taste. It was hard to resist the temptation especially when you passed a cart.

Handful Kestane

Misir 

There is no better street food than corn while walking along the Bosphorus. The corn is served either grilled/roasted or boiled. And of course with a dash of or even plenty of salt if you like.( P.S.  It reminded me of those college days with my friends at Rankala lake in my hometown. )

Me enjoying the corn

Salep

I had already heard about Salep prior to my trip. So when I saw a cart selling Salep I immediately ordered one. My first taste of the popular wintertime drink and it was the best. A generous dusting of cinnamon on top did not mask the taste of the drink itself. ( P.S. I did not ditch the Turkish tea even though I enjoyed the Salep )

Salep

So while in Istanbul the streets and narrower lanes, especially in the Sultan Ahmet area are worth exploring. You don't need to research online or check trip advisor reviews...the aroma will guide your way !

Tea Lovers Paradise- Turkey Part 3

This post is a part of a series of posts where I share my experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey.

What was offered as a conversation starter, more so as a welcome gesture at the hotel on arrival ended up being an addiction for me. Well you have heard about my love for tea here and here. But the ''Turkish Tea" was a whole different experience - a savory one indeed.

Turkish tea is served normally without milk. It is black tea, may be because it is cultivated on the Black sea coast??? I had this tea at so many different places during my stay in Istanbul. The taste was different every time. I was amazed by the varied taste of the same tea. As much as the taste is interesting the way the tea is brewed and served is unique too. It is served in a beautiful tulip shaped glass container with a saucer and a small spoon.  Sugar is always served on the side as cubes. And lastly it is made in a special two stacked kettle called "caydanlik." All in all a very particular way of brewing and serving tea.

Check out my pictures enjoying the tea.

10 Turkish words I learnt during my trip

This post is a part of a series of posts where I share my experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey.

giris- entrance

cikis- exit

girilmez- no entry

bay- male

bayyan- female

saray- palace

camii- mosque

fistikli- pistachio

cevizli- walnuts

su- water

Istanbul, Turkey Part 1

I will share my wonderful experiences during my recent trip to the exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey in a series of posts.

I am back from my trip to Istanbul. I am tired and jet lagged. I have to be at work everyday for next 15 days. But the trip and the whole experience is worth all of this. This is one of the best trips I have been on so far. I wish my trip was longer.

This city is so much fun. The sheer magnitude of history that has taken place here is just beyond imagination. There are so many historic sites to visit, all over the city. Beautiful mosques, huge palaces and impressive architecture. I enjoyed the magnificent views of these places as I savored delicious food . I indulged in drinking the Turkish Tea every day , multiple times a day. I sort of binged on the Turkish delights and desserts even though I prefer spicy food over sweets ( hence the chubby cheeks ). And is it necessary to mention that I took full advantage of the immense shopping opportunities at Grand Bazaar and Spice bazaar.

The hustle and bustle, tourists and locals, shop owners and street vendors all made my trip a memorable experience. Definitely a must place to visit I say !