One of the marvels of architect Sinan, the Suleymaniye Mosque has recently been re-opened after a very long restoration period. This mosque is usually a part of the full day İstanbul tour and honestly for me is one of the gems of the city. Yes the architectural structure is mind blowing but there is another factor that grabs my attention when Suleymaniye is involved. It is the kuru fasülye (cooked Haricot Bean) that you need to taste in one of the restaurants lined up just across the mosque.
These restaurants are experienced in kuru fasülye, one of the major traditional dishes of the Turks. It's basically cooked haricot bean with tomato paste, spices, garlic and red pepper. Of course the cooking process is very important but I will not dwell into it here as I am not an expert. But the taste is just fabulous. You need to consume this dish with a plate of fresh yogurt and rice (pilav) as documented in the photo. This is all you need for a lunch and believe me it will take you through the day.
If you in any way have a chance to visit Suleymaniye Mosque you must make sure you are there during lunch time to have this meal. If a name has to be declared then I would definitely suggest Kurucu Ali Baba Kanaat Lokantası (Kuru Fasülyeci) restaurant. Here you will get great service, worth the money lunch and smiling faces.
Süleymaniye Camii Çarşısı
From:
TL
30
+90
2125207655
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
With it large garden and lovely ambience, "Primitif Birahane" in Istanbul resembles 'biergartens' in Germany, though here you will find plenty of cats...
by
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.
by
"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...
by
"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...
by
"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!
by
"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!
by
236 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 236 Insider Tips