Some days are made to be remembered — and today was one of them. I had the joy of joining a cultural boat tour along the Bosphorus, organized by a local foundation, and what unfolded was far more than just a sightseeing cruise. It became a mosaic of flavors, memories, and hidden treasures in the heart of Istanbul.
A Morning Walk Through Time: From Unkapanı to Eminönü
Before boarding the boat, I found myself drawn into the pulse of Istanbul’s oldest quarters. Starting from UnkapanI wandered toward Eminonueach step echoing with centuries of commerce and craft. This area, once the empire’s bustling trade hub, tells its history not with monuments alone — but with the scents of baked bread, the rustle of spice sacks, and the enduring presence of tiny, timeworn shops.
Unkapanı, whose name once referred to the grains gatewas a gathering point for cereal merchants. Just down the hill, Eminonu served as a vibrant port, where goods like silks, spices, and dried fruits arrived from across the empire. Walking here is like flipping through the pages of a living history book.
Bread, Postcards & a Sweet Coincidence
While strolling through the inner streets, I passed a tiny old bakery just as a man rode off on a motorbike carrying warm loaves of bread. The smell — comforting, slightly toasty, and impossibly familiar — stopped me in my tracks.
Not far from there, a rack of vintage postcards caught my eye outside a little shop. It brought back a rush of nostalgia — I used to send similar ones to my sister in Sweden. There’s something about holding a tangible message in your hand that even digital messages can’t replace.
A few steps later, fate nudged me into a moment of serendipity: Altan confectionerya traditional Turkish candy shop sharing my last name, appeared like a portal from the past. Wooden shelves, tall glass jars, and the lingering scent of sugar made me feel like I’d stepped into a scene from Ottoman times.
This family-run business, dating back to the 1800sis a true sweet lover’s haven. With limited time, I chose some lokum (Turkish delight) and asked about their most traditional treat. I was handed a sesame-flavored akide — firm yet slightly chewy, subtly sweet, and absolutely authentic.
Tip: Ask for a sample at historic candy shops — they often offer the most memorable tastes you won’t find elsewhere. Don’t miss trying the Istanbul Sugar too — soft, pastel-colored, and almondy (even though it doesn’t contain almonds).
Boarding the Bosphorus Cruise: Tea, Tales, and Timeless Views
Arriving at the pierI made my way up to the boat’s upper deck. The view? Simply spellbinding. The morning sun shimmered across the waters, seagulls floated lazily in the breeze, and a lone bird rested near my feet, undisturbed.
Our guide welcomed us with enthusiasm, promising tales of lesser-known Istanbul. Downstairs, I settled into a cozy seat and saved one for my relative joining us from the Asian side.
As we began cruising past the Golden Hornthe guide pointed out the “New” Mosque — built in the 1960s, ironically not so new! Then came the breathtaking panorama: Topkapi Palace sitting regally, with the dome of Hagia Sophia rising behind it. Over 1,500 years of historysilently watching the Bosphorus.
Lunch With a View: A Taste of Turkish Comfort
Lunchtime arrived, and I couldn’t resist peeking into the kitchen. The menu felt like something out of a Turkish home:
- Barrena parsley-rich bulgur salad
- Bosnian-Style Pastrytopped with cooling yogurt
Find the recipes: Many of these dishes are already on my channel — links for barren, pastryand stuffed grape leaves are in the description.
The main course featured a gorgeous eggplant dish — slices wrapped like tiny bundlesfilled with savory kebab and paired with rice. In Turkish cuisine, eggplant has over 150 known preparations. I’ve shared a version with a chicken filling before, and whether you bake or fry the slices, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser.
Tip: If you want to impress dinner guests, try preparing eggplant this way — it’s simple, elegant, and deeply rooted in Turkish food traditions.
Afternoon Serenity is Emirrgan
After about two hours, we docked at Emirgan for a one-hour break. This area is beloved for its sprawling public park, peaceful streets, and tranquil mosques. We visited the Hamid-i Evvel Mosquea quiet place that allowed our souls to catch up with the rhythm of the day.
Tip: Pack a light scarf or shawl in your bag for impromptu mosque visits. Emirgan is perfect for a reflective walk or a quiet tea break.
A Sweet Reunion at Sütiş Cafe
Next, we visited Milkone of Emirgan’s most famous cafés. My sister-in-law happened to sit at nearly the same table my parents and I once shared — a small moment that instantly brought back a cherished memory of surprising them with a last-minute visit years ago.
We treated ourselves to ice cream — cold, creamy, and perfect for the sun-drenched afternoon.
Memory Tip: Return to places that hold personal meaning. Even the simplest café visit can reconnect you with moments that matter.
Sailing Home with Stories, Gazoz & Lemonade Sellers
The boat ride back was just as magical. The Bosphorus shimmered in hues of silver and blueand we were surprised with a cold bottle of Niğde Soda, a classic soda known for its fruity flavor and nostalgic charm.
Taste note: Niğde Gazozu has been made since the 1960s and is especially loved in Central Anatolia — it’s a must-try for any retro soda lover.
As we sailed closer to the Asian sideour guide kept the mood lively by pointing out yali (waterfront mansions)sharing stories about their owners and the TV dramas filmed there.
We are visiting Asian side of Istanbul along to Bosphorus to visit “Anadolu Hisarı” Anatolian Fortress, Kanlıca, Hidiv Palace and more. Along the way I’ll take you to an open air prayer space, a palace, Kanlıca pier where they have famous yogurt, have snacks at well-know metropolitan municipality cafe of Beltur, have a ferry ride back to Uskudar…
One Last Surprise: A Lemonade Seller from Another Era
Wandering back through the old streets, I stumbled upon a man selling traditional lemonade — dressed in Ottoman-style clothes, balancing a silver container on his back. “Real lemon!” he called out. And it was. Cold, tart, and refreshing.
He offered to add mint, but I politely declined, mindful of hygiene. Still, we chatted, and I tried to piece together his method — comparing it in my mind to my own lemonade recipes.
A Sweet Ending in Kastamonu Connection
Before heading home, I stopped by the candy shop I had missed earlier that morning. The gentleman behind the counter offered me a piece of Istanbul Sugarand after chatting for a moment, we discovered we were both from Kastamonu. We smiled at the coincidence. It’s heartwarming to know that Istanbul’s beloved traditions are often carried on by people from all corners of the country.
The Istanbul Sugarwith its soft, marzipan-like texture (yet almond-free), was the perfect last bite before ending the day.
So, What Should I Film Next?
As I made my way home, a delicious dilemma stirred in my mind:
Turkish drinks or Turkish sweets — what would you like to see next on the channel?
Let me know in the comments — and thank you for coming along on this flavorful, heartfelt journey along the Bosphorus. 🌊🍬🇹🇷