Chef Selin Kiazim's perfect recipe for eating your way through Istanbul
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Istanbul has it all when it comes to city breaks: culture, a fantastic hotel scene and most importantly to chef Selin Kiazim: unbeatable foodie credentials. Here she shares her guide to eating your way around the Turkish city. Istanbul, hands down. Every six months or so, I feel this irresistible urge to go back and soak it all in, even if just for a couple of days. Of course, life doesn’t always allow for spontaneous trips, but ideally, I’d visit once or twice a year. Even a quick trip leaves me feeling energised and invigorated. And the food? Mind-blowing. Second to none. Everywhere you go, there’s something delicious to eat.
The last time, sadly, was October 2023, which says a lot about how busy 2024 has been — we really wanted to go but just couldn’t make it work. I went with my partner, Steph, for a long weekend before traveling onwards in Turkey. I managed to squeeze in 10 meals over three days. It takes dedication, I tell you! It meant braving Istanbul’s infamous taxis, crossing continents (Istanbul spans Europe and Asia), and venturing into neighbourhoods we’d never been to before.
We’ve had some great stays at the Room Mate Emir Hotel in Beyoğlu. The beds are big and comfortable, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s next door to our favourite breakfast spot, Lades Menemen. This no-frills eatery specialises in one thing: menemen — eggs scrambled with peppers and tomatoes — washed down with plenty of steaming hot çay (Turkish tea). Even after 10 meals in three days, we always find room for one last breakfast here before flying out.
