If I know anything about breakfast, and I do because it is my favorite meal of the day, it is that the Turks know more than me. A real Turkish breakfast is nothing short of the ultimate way to start your day. Table spreads cover everything from marinated olives, to bee-licous honey, to fried eggs with sausage, to homemade jams, to the freshest cucumbers and tomatoes you’ll ever come across. And yes, this is all in one sitting. Simply put, there is little doubt that you will find the perfect flavour (or combination thereof) to satisfy your hunger urges. That being said, the variance in terms of quality can also be quite large.
Here are 5 places to help you start your amazing day for breakfast in Istanbul.
Van Kahvalti Evi – Cihangir
KURDISH FAMILY BRINGS THEIR DELICACIES TO ISTANBUL
Simply the best that there is. Menemen, a Turkish breakfast specialty made of egg, onion, tomato, green pepper and spices, is prepared to perfection. Compliment such deliciousness with a variety of breads that we haven’t found at any other restaurants and the widest array of spreads that we have come across, and satisfaction is guaranteed. If your into cheeses, this is also your place. Gözleme is awesome. I mean that in a very general way – but it is something worth keeping in mind if you happen to (as in you purposely mean to) walk in here. – www.vankahvalti-evi.com
Kaymakci Pando – Besiktas
A MOM AND POP SHOP THAT WILL MAKE YOUR MOUTH DROP (YA IT’S THAT GOOD)
This is one of those hole-in-the-wall, easy to walk by unless you know it kind of places. I’ll never forget stumbling into Kaymakci Pando’s non-assuming establishment for the first time. Upon entering, your mind will most likely ask the following question: where the hell am I going to sit? Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. Once you do, sit back and let your taste buds have the time of their life. If you’ve never been to Turkey you don’t know what Kaymak is. Once eating it, you still won’t know what it is. But you will know that it’s awesome. I describe it as being somewhere between whipped cream, butter, clouds and thick, creamy milk. Like butter, you spread Kaymak on your toast and then proceed to liven it up with a bit of honey. The resulting flavour is out of this world. It’s been serving it up this way for over a century. keyword: breakfast in Istanbul
– No website. Address: Mumcu Bakkal Sok. No.5 Beşiktaş, İstanbul
Sade Kahve – Rumeli Fortress
A WELL-KNOWN BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT… IT’S WELL-KNOWN FOR A REASON
Located along the northern parts of the Bosphorus, in the shade of Rumeli fortress, this little café is like a hot girl who knows that she is hot. I know that you’re wondering what the heck I mean by that, I kind of am too, to be honest. I guess this is what I’m trying to say: it is a café with awesome food and it knows that its food is awesome. And everybody wants a piece of it. An amazing view of the Bosphorus is the world’s ideal compliment to some of the most rewarding fried egg dishes we’ve come across in the city. We recommend sucuklu yumurta – fried eggs with sausage – it will change your life in so far as what your opinion is with regards fried egges with sausage. – www.sadekahve.com.tr
Mira – Arnavutköy
A TRADITIONAL DINNER PLACE GETS BREAKFAST IN ISTANBUL RIGHT
Famous for fish in the evening, Mira (which means ‘sea’ in Turkish) seems to be an overlooked little hotspot for breakfast in the morning. The portions served here are American like in size and French like in quality. We recommend the fried egg dishes and freshly-made jams. You’ll be jamming to some food inspired fun! I am aware of the corniness of that last statement. I’m just running out of things to say with regards to food. But before I finish, I should also mention that Mira is in Arnavutkoy, one of the most interesting and beautiful neighborhoods in Istanbul. After all, that’s where I live! 🙂 – www.mirarestaurant.com.tr
Mandabatmaz
BREAKFAST IN ISTANBUL BEGINS WITH TURKISH COFFEE
It’s a bit like saying that decent Chinese food is hard to find in China, but finding the perfect cup of Turkish coffee in Istanbul is a bit harder than one would think. From being too water to too grindy, a bad cup of the stuff can put an a first time taste-tester off of it forever. Mandabatmaz’s coffee, packaged and roasted specifically for them, comes freshly ground every day. Though you won’t find any food here, the tea and coffee will put the needed spring in your step to a successful day exploring and becoming a part of Istanbul.
– No website. Address: İstiklal caddesi Olivo geçidi Beyoğlu, Istanbul.