Istanbul: Food markets and more

Istanbul: Food Markets, Special Food & kitchen items, online food shops, other places good to know, Cheeses in Turkey, Spices & Herbs, Fishes in Turkey, Cookbooks, Beverages
All the places you need to know if you want to buy foreign or local products., organic, vegan or more...
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Markets:

The Mısır Çarşısı,(Known also as Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar). Located in Fatih, in the neighborhood of Eminönü just across the Galata bridge. It is build in an 'L' shape. As the name says, you will find there lots of spices, dried fruits and different food like Turkish Delights, honey, pastirma and more, but also you can find ceramics, Bags, Pashminas and much more.
Eminönü Pazarı: Just next to the Mısır Çarşısı. Full of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meats, olives, cheeses and more
Balıkpazarı, (Known also as the Galatasaray Fish market) is located next to the Çiçek Pasajı, Istiklal Caddesi. Not only Fish, but you will find also there cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
IstinyePark Market: here you can find the more exotic fruits and other items that are hard to find in general. There is also a butcher and a fish market.
Marmara Fish market: A huge variety of fresh seasonal Fish inside the Kadıköy market.
More about Fish markets: scroll down to " All about Fishes"

Other markets:

Tuesday: Levent Sosyete Pazarı (shoes, accessoires, clothing)
Tuesday: Salı Pazarı (clothing and food)
Wednesday: Çarşamba Pazarı (food, textile)
Wednesday: Yeşilköy Pazarı
Thursday: Ortaköy Sosyete Pazarı (clothing, shoes, accessories)
Saturday: Organic Food Pazarı in Şişli (organic food)
Saturday: Beşiktaş Pazarı (clothing, textiles, food)
Sunday: Tarihi Inebol Pazarı in Kasımpaşa.
Sunday: Ortaköy (clothing, accessories and more)

Supermarkets:

The main Supermarkets in Istanbul are: Macrocenter, Migros, Carrefour, Metro (cash&carry), Tesco, Sütte

Online Food shops:

Sakli Orman: Kemalpaşa Mah. Çukuryurt yolu No:64 Saray / Tekirdağ. Tel: (0282) 768 4500. All about Mushrooms: They sell Fresh morrels, porcini, chanterelle mushrooms and more.
Gurme Net: Tel: (212) 438 3322. They have lots of different foreign products also.
Miralem: Yayla Mh. Faik Bey Sk. No: 19/2 Emiralem/Menemen, Izmir. Cell: (0532) 376 6435. All about Goat Cheese. They produce and sell different types of Goat cheeses, french style. Mrs. Canan Urhan, the owner, speaks Turkish and French.
Antre Gourmet: Akarsu Caddesi No:40/A Cihangir-Beyoğlu.Tel: (0212) 292 8972. They sell high quality products and you can also buy online.
Milano Gourmet: Şakayık Sok.54/1-A Çınar Apt. Nişantaşi Şişli. Tel: (0212) 233 1033. They have all kind of foreign products. From cheeses, Meats, Sauces and much more.
Gourmet Pork: Rüstem Mahallesi Bozavlu Mevkii No: 44/1 Urla. Tel: (0232) 754 5916 - 33. They sell all kind of Pork products.
Serko Gida: Tomurcuk Sk.Izmen Sitesi B-Block No:69.Kustepe, Şişli. Tel: (0212) 213 5391. They sell Japanese items and do also catering of Japanese Food.
Asya Gurme: Merkez Mah. Abide-i Hürriyet Cad. Palazoğlu Sok. Kafoğlu İş Hanı No:16 Kat:3 Şişli. Tel: (0532) 061 5970. They sell all kind of Asian products. They also deliver all over Turkey.
Nefis Gurme: Ergenekon Cad. Bilgiç Sokak 14/2 Osmanbey. Tel: (0212) 806 2815. They sell lots of different foreign products.
Güzel Gida: Tel: (0212) 244 30 50. They sell Glutenfree, Vegan and organic products.
Skinny Pasta: Balmumcu Mah., Itri Sok. No:24, Beşiktaş/istanbul. Tel: 0850 202 50 55. They sell low carb pasta.
Vegan Dükkan: Sıraselviler Cd. Soğancı Sk N:8/C Cihangir Beyoğlu,Tel: (0212) 243 2383. Vegan items Shop. You can also buy online
City Farm: Tel: (0212) 225 0586 They have several shops in town, but sell and deliver also online.

Other Places good to know:

Altinoluk Zeytinyağlari: Caferağa Mh., Güneşli Bahçe Sokak No.16, Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 414 8311. A great quality shop where you can find buckwheat flour, Tofu, Kinoa, Olives and much more.
Anna´s Bakery: Belediye Cd. / Yücel Sk. (Şen Sk.) Kemerlife Çarşı No: 26/217. Göktürk, Eyüp. Tel: (0212) 322 7832. Great German Bread
Antre Gourmet: Akarsu Caddesi No:40/A Cihangir-Beyoğlu.Tel: (0212) 292 8972. They sell high quality products and you can also buy online.
Çin Market: Hariciye Konağı sokak, No:3/A Gümüşsuyu,aksim. They sell all kind of chinese Food items, from noodles to fish sauce and more.
City farm: Bagdat Cad. No:289, Caddebostan. Tel: (0216) 363 4548. Only organic Items
City farm: Istinye Park Alısveris Merkezi Istinye Pazari, Kat : -2 no: 28 Istinye. Tel: (0212) 345 6274. Only organic items
Comedus: Asmalı Mescit Mah. Meşrutiyet Cad. No:107/C Beyoğlu. Tel:(0212) 266 51 18. Small shop with very good selection of regional cheeses, olivies and more.
Doğu Gıda Pazarı: Inside the Spice Market; Mısır Çarşısı İçi No:21 Eminönü. Tel: (0212) 527 26 19. They sell good spices, Turkish delights, Nuts and caviar. Mr. Amin also speaks Spanish.

Ecevitler Şarküteri: Osmanağa Mah., Güneşli Bahçe Sokak No. 12/A, Osmanağa, Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 345 9595. They have very nice cheeses, Olives and more. You can also get some mezzes freshly done.
Etabal: Güneşli Bahçe Sokak No 28A, Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 414 9977. All kinds of Honey
Eataly: Zorlu center, Beşiktaş. Tel: (0212) 336 6600. They sell Italian products and are also a restaurant. Open from 10:00-23:00
Gourmet Garage: Nispetiye Cad. No:114/C Etiler. Tel: (0212) 263 6656. They have several shops in Istanbul.
Hacı Bekir Effendi: İstiklal Cad. No:83/A, Beyoğlu. Tel: (0212) 244 2804. The best Turkish Delights (Lokum). They also have shops in Eminönü, Pendik and Kadıköy. The first Shop was opened in 1777.
Idealsalam: Irmak Caddesi Katmerli Sokak No.6/8 Yenişehir Beyoğlu. Tel: (0212) 250 1142 or (0212) 297 0608. They sell all kinds of pork products
Kervan: Hasırcılar Cad No:13/B, Eminönü. Tel: (0212) 528 9456. All kinds of cheeses helva. They also can vacuum pack if you want
Kutas Pasta: Erenköy Mahallesi, Ülke Sk. No:12/1, 34738 Kadıköy. Tel: (0536) 261 6355. Cake designer. They do specialised cakes for kids.
Melodi Çikolata: Güneşli Bahçe Sokak No. 17, Kadıköy.Tel: (0216) 347 2828. A fantastic chocolate place that exists since over 55 years
Namli Şarküteri: Hasırcılar Cad No: 14, Eminönü. Tel:(0212) 511 6393. They sell nice Pastirma
Nil Baharat: Asmaaltı Büyükbaş Sokak No:1 Eminönü, Tel: (0212) 527 0187. They have very good spices.
Organik’im: Bağdat Cad. Murat Apartmanı No:340 K:4 D:12 Caddebostan Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 350 5454. All organic items. You can also shop online.
Serko Gida: Tomurcuk Sk.Izmen Sitesi B-Blcok, No:69,Kuştepe, Şişli. Tel: (0212) 213 5391. They sell all kinds of Japanese foodstuff
Smartmarket: Kemerburgaz Mihatpaşa Mah. Istanbul Cad. No: 39/A, Eyüp. Tel: (0212) 360 2454. Asian Food items
The Little British Food Company: Meydanı no. 16, Sultanahmet. They have some british food ingredients.
Ucuzcular Baharat: Inside the Spice Market; Mısır Çarşısı İçi No:51 Eminönü. Tel: (0212) 528 2895. Well known. They are known to have very good spices
Ulaş Baharat: Güneşli Bahçe Sokak No. 14, Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 337 9376. Known for good spices
Vegan Dükkan: Sıraselviler Cd. Soğancı Sk N:8/C Cihangir Beyoğlu,Tel: (0212) 243 2383. Vegan items Shop. You can also buy online
Zambo: Akçaburgaz Çiftliği, Hadımköy Yolu No.192, Esenyurt. Waffle Sauces, confectionary products, chocolates and more
Tuzla organic market: Postane mah. Rauf Orbay Caddesi. Mircan sok. Tuzla (Deniz Harp Okulu Yolu) Tuzla. Tel: (0216) 670 2037

To buy Kitchen items:

Paşabahçe. They have many stores across Istanbul and other cities. Upmarket Glassware, Decoration items and more.
Besan: Hasırcılar Cad No:28, Fatih Eminönü. Tel: (0212) 514 1516. They have all kind of kitchen items
Fermo: Asmaaltı Büyükbaş Sokak No: 11, Eminönü. Tel: (0212) 522 4590. They have all kind of baking materials
Nuans: Hasırcılar Cad. no: 25 G - 25 H Eminönü. Tel: (0212) 513 4242. They have all kind of kitchen materials, also for baking
Mutfak kitap (Kitchen Book): Osmanağa, Nüzhet Efendi Sk., Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 541 4080. All kind of kitchen utensils, food coloring and much more. You can also order online.
Cosan Pastry Pastry Supplies: Osmanağa, Serasker Cd. 76, Kadıköy. Tel: (0216) 450 5071. They have all kind of baking materials
Süper Mutfak. Online shop. They also have food items
Barmar: Based in Izmir, but they sell online and deliver. They sell lots of kitchen utensils, food coloring, baking items and much more.
Pastaland: Based in Bursa. Tel : (0224) 221 2037. They sell all kind of items you need for bakery, to do cakes, cookies and more. You can buy online.

Electrical Goods Suppliers:

If you want to see the list of our favorite Restaurants and bars, click HERE

Some Turkish Cheeses:
Cheese is served for breakfast, but is also served as a starter with melon and Rakı, on several mezzes, on salads and you will find also many desserts with cheese fillings.

The main cheeses you will find in a supermarket are the classic beyaz (white) cheese, Kaşar cheese, Halloumi, Dil and Lor. If you want to taste some specific cheeses of each region, then you will need to find a specialized shop for it.

Cheese has become the Indispensable Ingredient of Turkish Tables, so try to find out which one your favorite is!

Beyaz Peyniri: It is the wonderful white cheese found all over Turkey. It can be soft or firm, salty or mild. There are many varieties used for dozens of recipes. Always taste a little bit of it if possible of this or any cheese before purchase.
Çeçil Peyniri: Originated from Armenia, it is produced now mainly in Kars and Erzurum in the form of dense strings and often rolled up in a shape of the figure of eight
Çerkez Füme Peyniri: it is produced in the Marmara region. It is light yellow or cream-colored with a thick crust. It is a low-fat cheese with a nice aroma fumed with pinewood smoke.
Cerkez Peyniri: This firm cow’s milk cheese is from the Adapazari region in Turkey. If you get a top quality cheese you can grill it over charcoal and serve it hot but not totally melted.
Dil Peyniri: Also from the Adapazar region, this is a cow’s milk cheese that we call string cheese because it comes off the main piece of cheese in strings. It looks a little bit like mozzarella and can be used on pizza but is also sometimes consumed at breakfast
Halloumi or Hellim: Originated from Cyprus. Made from goat or sheep’s milk, but nowadays also made out of cow’s milk. This is the best cheese from grilling.
Kaşar Peyniri (Eski Kaşar):The word ‘eski’ means old or aged cheese. This is a very popular cheese in Turkey made out of sheep’s milk and has a yellow color. The most known one is from Kars.
Kaşar Peyniri (Taze Kaşar): It means fresh or ‘taze’ cheese and its delicious in grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese sauces. The cheese is smooth, light yellow color. It can be eaten as it is, melted or used for gratin dishes. A little bit the same way as the Italian mozzarella. This is a sheep/cow milk mixture and comes from Trakya region. It is easy to find but difficult to find a top quality one
Karadeniz tel Peyniri: It is produced in the eastern Black Sea region and is made from fat-free milk. When rubbed between the hands, it separates into fibers and therefore is called the (fiber) cheese. Good cheese if you are on a diet.
Kars Gravyeri: This is the Turkish version of Gruyere. It is made from high-fat cow’s milk and has a nutty flavor. It looks like the French Gruyère and takes 10 month to age. It is slightly yellow and the holes in the cheeses are about 1-2cm big.
Kaymak: The most similar to clotted cream. Very often served at breakfast with honey or just to top up a dessert
Kolot: This cow cheese comes from the Black Sea Region and is specially made for melting. In Trabzon and Rize they use the melted Kolot, mixed with cornmeal, butter and water to do Kuymak (also called Muhlama)
Labne: Its a spreadable fresh milk cheese. Very similar to cream cheese, has a light texture and kids love it. Served often at breakfast, but used also in many Turkish desserts, mezzes, pies and pastries
Lor Peyniri: Is a soft low-fat, low-salt form of white cheese, similar to ricotta, high in Protein. It is used a lot in Turkey. You can use it for börek, several desserts, but also consumed at breakfast spread on bread together with honey.
Mihaliç Peyniri: The Yugoslavian Turks make this crumbly cheese from a mixture of goat and sheep milk. In general its salty and oily.It is encased in a sheep skin to age it and give it a distinct flavor you will either love or hate. Use it in böreks.
Otlu Peyniri: This is a pungent sheep’s milk cheese with herbs imbedded throughout. As its produced in spring when the sheep give birth, the milk and the grass are plenty. This is made by nomadic Yuruk people and is not easy to find. Known is the Van otlu, produced in Van, with herbs, garlic and special spices.
Tulum Peyniri (or Erzincan Tulum): Is from the Erzincan region as the name implies and is a tangy goat and cow’s milk cheese aged in a sheep’s skin and used in böreks. It is white and creamy and fatty with butter aroma
Tulum Peyniri (or Izmir Tulum ): This version of Tulum is different form the other regions. Saltwater is used here and its made from sheep’s or mixed milk. It contains higher fat than the traditional Tulum and is harder and saltier than the white cheese
Tulum Peyniri (or Teneke Tulum): Teneke is not a place; it means the tin can or container the cheese is cured in. It is one of the best cheeses in Turkey and well worth the search. It is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. Used often in salads (with Roka and walnuts) as its soft, sometimes crumbly

All about Fishes:

Fishmarkets in Istanbul:

Balıkpazarı, (Known also as the Galatasaray Fish market) is located next to the Çiçek Pasajı, Istiklal Caddesi. Not only Fish, but you will find also there cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Bebek Balıkevi: Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No.57, Bebek. Sometimes they also have lobster
Beyoğlu Balık Pazarı: İstiklal Caddesi, Sahne Sokak, Galatasaray. They have very nice Seafood, but also they have spices and more.
Beşiktaş Fish market: Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, Mumcu Bakkal Sokak, Beşiktaş.
Kadıköy Balık Pazarı: Caferağa, Güneşli Bahçe Sokak, Kadıköy
Marmara Fish market: A huge variety of fresh seasonal Fish inside the Kadıköy market.
Üsküdar Balıkçılar Çarşısı: Selam-ı Ali Efendi Cd., Üsküdar. Indoor Fish market in the Asian side

Here are the main Fishes you can get in Turkey:

Ahtapot (Octopus)
Alabalik (Trout)
Barbun (Red Mullet)
Çipura (Gilt-head Bream). Best Fish in the Aegean region
Dil Balığı (Sole)
Fener balığı (angler Fish)
Gelincik balığı (rockling fish-also known as gaya fish)
Gümüş balığı (sand Smelt)
Hamsi (Anchovy)- best known Fish of the Black Sea
İskorpit (Scorpion fish)
Istakoz (Lobster)
Istravrit (Horse Mackerel)
Kalamar (Calamari)
Kalkan (Turbot)- The best ones are form the Black Sea
Karagöz (sea bream)
Karides (Shrimp)
Kedibalığı (Ray,dogfish)
Kırlangıç (red Gurnard)- good for fish soups
Kılıç (Swordfish)

Kefal (grey Mullet)
Levrek (Sea Bass). The most known Fish in Turkey
Lüfer (Bluefish). A very good Fish, also known allover Turkey
Mezgit (Whiting)
Morina (Codfish)
Orfoz (Grouper)
Orkinos (Tuna fish)
Palamut (Bonito)
Sardalya (Sardine)
Somon (Salmon)
Tekir (Goatfish)
Torik (large bonito)
Uskumu (Mackerel)- best Fish of the Marmara Sea
Yengeç (Crab)

Spices & Herbs:

Adaçayı (Sage)
Anason (Anis)
Arapsaçı or Rezene (Fennel)
Biberiye (Rosemary)
Biçme Sarımsak (Garlic Chives)
Brokoli Filizi (broccoli Sprouts)
Buğday Çimi (Wheat Grass)
Cevz-i Bevva or Muscat Cevizi (Nutmeg)
Cibes (Cabbage Sprouts)
Defne (Bay Leaf)

Dere otu (Dill)
Ebegümeci (Common)

Fesleğen (Basil)

Frenk Maydanoz (curled Parsley)

Frenk Soğanı (Chives)
Gelincik Otu (Poppy)
Hardal Otu (Wild Mustard)
Isırgan Otu (True Nettle)
Kakule (Cardamom)
Karabiber (Black Pepper)
Karanfil (Cloves)
Kekik (Thyme)
Kimyon (Cumin)
Kişnis (Coriander)

Köri (Curry Powder)
Kuşüzümü (Currants)
Labada (Dock Rumex)
Limon Çiçeği (Melissa)
Limon out (Lemongrass)
Maydanoz (Parsley)
Mercan Köşk (Marjoram)
Mercimek Filizi (Lentil Sprouts)
Nane (Mint)
Nohut Filizi (Chickpea Sprouts)
Oregano Kekik (Oregano)

Pul Biber (Red Flake pepper)
Rezene (Fennel)
Roka (Aragula-Rocket)
Safran (Saffron)
Salep (Tubers of Orchis)
Sarımsak (Garlic)
Şevketi Bostan (Golden Thistle)
Soğan (Onion)
Soya Filizi (Soyabean Sprouts)
Susam (Sesame)

Tane Kişniş (Coriander seeds)
Tarçin (Cinnamon)
Tarhun (Tarragon)
Tatlı Radika (Sweet Dandelion)
Tere (Cress)
Tere Filizi (Cress Sprouts)
Turp Filizi (Radish Sprouts)
Turp Otu (Wild Radish)
Yonca Filizi (Alfa Sprouts)
Zencefil (Ginger)
Zerdeçal (Turmeric)

Cookbooks:
From the Facebook group called "Cook's Corner for Expats in Turkey", these following cookbooks have been recommended by:

Karen Van Drie, Dina Street, Sonja Akpinar, Melanie Tvaroch Sahlan, Tatjana Vetter, Jules Balsiger, Jeela Elizabeth Gokmen, Robyn Eckhardt, Diana Borja Dologh, Becky Altinman, Samantha King Çekiç, Sherry Duncan Thomas, Ishak Jane Ozmus, Linda Hockton

A taste of sun and Fire- Gaziantep cookery by Aylin Öney Tan
Aegean Flavours by Didem Şenol
An American cook in Turkey by Anna G. Edmonds
Classical Turkish Cooking by Ayla E. Algar
Classic Turkish Cooking by Ghillie Basan
Istanbul and Beyond: Exploring the Diverse Cuisines of Turkey by Robyn Eckhardt
Özlem's Turkish Table by Özlem Warren
Refika'nın Mutfağı - Cooking New Istanbul Style by Refika Birgül
Secrets of the Turkish Kitchen by Angie Mitchell
Sultans Kitchen by Özcan Ozan
Traditional recipes of the levantine cuisine by Maria Elisa Capaccioli Sponza and 3 others

and the following websites have been recommended:

Beverages:

Without Alcohol:

Ayran: Is one of the fundamental drinks in Turkish culture. Ayran is a cold beverage of yogurt, mixed with cold water and salt. It is mainly drunk with meat dishes like Kebabs.

Salep: is made from the dried powdered roots of a mountain orchid. The powder is then heated with milk, sugar and cinnamon to make a thick dairy beverage. very nice when it's cold outside.

With Alcohol:

Rakı: Rakı, which is famous as the Turkish national drink, is drank in flat cylindrical glasses and cold (8-10 degree) together with water and ice-cubes. Rakı which is a distilled alcoholic beverage strongly aromatized with lots of anise, is mainly consumed with Fish dishes. The most famous brands are:
Yeni Raki, Tekirdag, and Efe.

Beer: The most famous one is ‘Efes’ , also Tuborg is widely available.

Wines in Turkey:
Turkish wines are getting better and better. There are mainly 7 regions of Turkey that produce wine:

South-East Anatolia: Around Dyarbakir. This region accounts for 3.4% of all wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Boğazkere.

Mid-Eastern Anatolia: Around Tokat and Malatya.This region accounts for 14.7% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Boğazkere, Narince, Öküzgözü.

Mid-Northern Anatolia: Around Ankara and Usak. This region accounts for 3.3% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Boğazkere, Kalecik Karası, Öküzgözü, Shiraz (Syrah)

Mid-Southern Anatolia: Around Nevsehir. This region accounts for 12.1% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety is: Chardonnay, Dimrit, Emir, Kalecik Karası, Malbec, Narince, Öküzgözü, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo.

Mediterranean: Around Elmali. This region accounts for 0.2% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
Grape variety: Boğazkere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Kalecik Karas›, Malbec, Merlot, Öküzgözü, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz (Syrah).

Aegean: Around Izmir, Manisa, Denizli, Canakkale.This region accounts for 52.7% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety in the region are: Alicante Bouchet, Boğazkere, Bornova Misketi, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Çalkarası, Çavuş, Dimrit, Grenache, Kalecik Karası, Karalahna, Kuntra, Malbec,Merlot, Mourvedre, Narince, Öküzgözü, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz (Syrah), Sultaniye, Tempranillo, Vasilaki, Viognier.

Marmara: Around Edirne, Tekirdag, Adapazari. This region accounts for 13.6% of all the wine produced in Turkey.
The grape variety here are: Adakarası, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Gamay, Kalecik Karası, Merlot, Papazkarası, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Shiraz (Syrah), Viognier.

Beer and Wine - Do it yourself:
If you want to make your own Beer or Wine at Home, here are some places where you can get the material:

Butik Bira: Tel: (0212) 909 3252. They sell individual items or starter kits to brew your own beer. They also have online shopping.
Vinomarket: Tel: (0232) 349 1125. They sell individual items or starter kits to make your own wine or brew your own beer and much more. They also have online shopping