Few countries reward curious travellers like Turkey, where every meal tells a story that stretches from the bazaars of Istanbul to the vineyards of Cappadocia. Food and drink in Turkey is a journey through empires and trade routes: the spice-scented lanes of the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, the sizzling kebabs of Gaziantep, a city UNESCO named a Creative City of Gastronomy, and the fresh seafood mezes served along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Whether you are sipping strong Turkish coffee on a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus or breaking warm pide straight from a wood-fired oven, the country invites you to slow down and savour every bite.

The range of culinary tours and tastings here is remarkable. In Istanbul you can wander the Kadıköy and Karaköy food markets with a local guide, learn to fold manti in a hands-on cooking class, or trace the city's street-food classics from simit to balık ekmek. Travel east to Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa for legendary baklava and pistachio-rich sweets, or south to Antalya and the Lycian coast for olive oil, citrus groves and seaside fish restaurants. Wine lovers will find growing vineyards in Cappadocia and on the Aegean peninsula near Bozcaada, where indigenous grapes like Öküzgözü and Narince are poured at relaxed cellar-door tastings.

Beyond the famous dishes, the real pleasure lies in the rituals. Sharing a long breakfast (kahvaltı) spread of cheeses, olives, honey and eggs, lingering over endless cups of tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, or watching dough stretched for fresh gözleme at a village table — these are the things to do that turn a holiday into a memory. Many experiences pair tastings with local history, taking you through Ottoman-era kitchens, restored caravanserais and family-run workshops where recipes have passed down for generations.

Whatever your appetite, planning ahead makes it easy. Browse and book online to secure small-group cooking classes, guided market walks, wine tastings and dinner experiences across Turkey, with trusted local hosts and instant confirmation. Discover authentic flavours, meet the people behind them, and let food and drink in Turkey become the highlight of your trip — reserve your tour today.