Turkish people love to use olive oil for cooking. When you are in Istanbul there are numerous local restaurants that you can taste variety of mezes (hot or cold appetizers), sea food dishes, fresh fish, vegetable based home cooking foods, kebabs and also you can accompanied them by Raki (a typical Turkish Alcoholic drink). Kebab is traditional in Istanbul and may be cooked over a flame or grill, but if you prefer something in the form of a sandwich, look for a Doner Kebab restaurant which is roast lamb, sliced very thin, on flatbread with vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. Raki is a beverage made with anise and grapes, goes particularly well with fish. Raki is distilled liquor and can be particularly strong. After lunch or dinner don’t forget to taste desserts such as baklava, semolina helva etc and Turkish coffee or tea. Sip Turkish coffee slowly and just remember not to drink the muddy substance at the bottom of the cup.
You can also taste Kumpir (baked potatoes, mixed with cheese & mezes you like), Turkish waffle in Ortakoy cafes beside of the Bosporus. Don’t forget to taste yoghurt in Kanlica.