Gourmet Tour - The Kebap Culture

OVERVIEW

Savor a huge variety of small-plate mezes and grilled kepabs that are so representative of Istanbul’s cuisine that they have become part of the local culture. The venue for your immersion into the kebap or kebab culture will be Hamdi, a traditional restaurant in the Eminonu neighborhood that borders the sea. You may be surprised by the sheer volume of mezes that you will be served, along with raki, the national drink of Turkish. They may include local favorites such as grilled eggplant, Turkish pizza and bulgur balls stuffed with spiced lamb and pistachios. The chef will drop by your table and happily share how the dishes are prepared, especially the ingredients in the various kebaps for the main course. Hot red peppers are liberally used in the spicier kebaps, while in others the lamb or beef may be kneaded with pomegranate, molasses and yoghurt before being skewered and grilled.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a huge selection of mezes and kebaps that have become synonymous with Istanbul.
• Delight in the highly social kebap culture that pervades the entire dining experience.
• Ask the chef questions about how the mezes and kebaps are prepared and cooked.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.