Zekeriya from Istanbul

About me I am devoted to culture; to experience the "other" ways of living, eating, observing and travel. I believe that mutual language is to understand the culture of others. I am a devotee for travel, music and photography. I love to experience world music as well, the music out there that opens up the minds and crushes down boundaries. Why Istanbul? Because Istanbul is...
Aug 30, 2025

Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant Istanbul

The best haricot bean

""Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money..."

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Süleymaniye Camii Çarşısı

From:

TL

no-price

+90

2125207655

Our Istanbul City Guide

Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Abdülmecid Efendi Mansion

Heritage Meets Art

The current exhibition showcases outfits that reflect the Turkish women's changing role in society and the rights they gained through time.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Kamondo Merdivenleri

Stairs from Constantinople

Despite the passage of time they continue to stand proudly, showing the spirit of Istanbul and its ability to embrace the old while welcoming the new.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 21, 2025

Vertical

Sustainably Chic

Vertical is a food hall that boasts an eclectic array of diverse cuisines, but what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to sustainability.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Poltory Bookstore

Unique bookstore in Çukurcuma

What's even more impressive is that the Tatar and Ukranian owners of Poltory are writers themselves. You can feel the passion for literature in every nook.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Zeynep

Ozortac

Oct 21, 2025

Klar Coffee

Great staff and delicious desserts

I am not a fan of cappuccino, but I am glad I've tried at "Klar Coffee" in Istanbul, as it might be the first time I have truly enjoyed it...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar Line

Gorgeous mansions

Who needs a pricy Bosphorus tour when there are local ferry lines? The "Anadolu Kavağı-Üsküdar Line" is perfect to see the Anatolian side of Istanbul...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Barto’s Burger Place

Love at first burger

"Barto's Burger Place" in Istanbul has already made a name for itself among the city's gourmets and burger lovers. Try their homemade cheese and sauces!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Haliç Line

Best way to reach Balat

The best way to get to the beautiful neighborhood of Balat in Istanbul is to take a ferry of the "Haliç Line" - just get off at Fener Pier...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Rumeli Kavağı-Eminönü Line

Unforgettable tour

Take the ferry on the "Rumeli Kavağı-Eminönü Line" in Istanbul which goes by most popular neighborhoods on the European side! Why get stuck in traffic?

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Yeşil Mavi Cafe

Come for the view

"Yeşil Mavi Cafe" offers you the best views of Bosphorus in Üsküdar & even across Istanbul, especially during the sunset. Get a cold drink under the trees!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Tatar Salim Döner Lokantası

Delicious döner

"Tatar Salim" is one of the best döner restaurants in Istanbul - they only serve döner as the main dish; it's prepared with 100% specially marinated meat!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Dondurmacı Ali Usta

Perfect on a sunny day

"Dondurmacı Ali Usta" in Istanbul has a lot of ice cream flavors, and they even let you combine two flavors in one scoop. Also: very reasonably priced!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cemre

Sandal

Oct 21, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Home
Istanbul app Map
Istanbul app Home

Heading to Istanbul?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

241 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul

Our team loves Istanbul

Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7291
Made with the 💚 of 500 Spotters.
Filters