A Brand-New Zingerman’s Food Tour to Turkey
A wonderful week of travel and terrific Turkish flavors
The last time I went to Turkey, I was something like 20, traveling on a shoestring, just curious to see what I might see. If I were going to go again today, I would give some very serious consideration to the new Zingerman’s Food Tour—it’s a wonderful way to get otherwise unavailable access to some rare and remarkable culinary resources. As author Elizabeth Gilbert, who has lived in Italy and traveled extensively, says, “The Turkish landscape is surely one of the most beautiful in the world.”
Longtime Food Tours Managing Partner Kristie Brablec shared recently:
Some journeys begin with a destination. The very best ones begin with a person. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our official Zingerman’s Food Tour to Turkey in 2027—a culinary adventure years in the making and one we’re incredibly excited to finally share with our travelers.
Turkey’s cuisine is a remarkable reflection of centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Together, we’ll explore Istanbul, Şanlıurfa, and Mardin, discovering bustling bazaars, imperial kitchens, vibrant local markets, and ancient archaeological sites where food, history, and tradition are deeply intertwined.
What makes this journey especially meaningful is our partnership with Deniz Kırkanahtar, who will help bring Turkey’s culinary story to life. Born and raised in Istanbul, Deniz has spent more than two decades immersed in the world of food. … Deniz’s unique perspective blends professional culinary expertise with a deep personal connection to her homeland. She knows not only where to find extraordinary food, but also the people, traditions, and history that give every dish its meaning. Through her relationships with local artisans, producers, cooks, and market vendors, our travelers will experience Turkey in a way that few visitors ever do.
The tour sure sounds terrific. And here are just a few of the highlights:
- A visit to Karaköy, one of Istanbul’s oldest functioning ports. Istanbul is quite a city. Musician Lou Barlow—who co-founded the bands Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and Folk Implosion, and whose solo music (especially Emoh and Brace the Wave) I’ve long loved—says, “Within Istanbul, there’s a ton of people who are totally hip, like the hippest people you could ever meet.”
- An after-breakfast trip to one of Turkey’s best baklava makers.
- Lunch at a 125-year-old restaurant in Istanbul’s ancient spice bazaar, followed by a guided walk through the exceptional sights, smells, and stories that make it such a special spot in the centuries-old global spice trade.
- A walking tour of the ancient imperial city in Istanbul.
- A cooking class that will reveal some of theancient secrets and recipes of the Ottoman palace.
- A visit to the Grand Bazaar, historic mosques, and Byzantine treasures.
- A trip to the district of Urfa, home to incredible Turkish kebaps and amazing red pepper, as well as traditional copper and spice markets.
- A visit to Mardin, one of Turkey’s most magical, multicultural cities.
- A cruise on the breathtakingly beautiful Bosphorus River.
And those are only the high points I could fit here! Seats are very limited, of course, so book soon before they sell out!
