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
no-price
+90
2125207655
Find your way with 238 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
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
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
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
"Ethem Tezçakar" Coffee makes much better coffee than other places in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, so it's important to visit this one small shop!
by
"Kariye Museum" is, for me, the most interesting Byzantine church in Istanbul after the Hagia Sophia. If you have some time, I definitely recommend a visit.
by
238 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 238 Insider Tips