Before our trip to Istanbul, I already knew Turkish food was good — but I wasn’t prepared for just how deeply satisfying it would be. From fragrant grilled meats to vibrant meze spreads and freshly caught seafood, the city’s cuisine tells a story of centuries-old traditions, Mediterranean abundance, and a genuine love for hospitality.

There are few cities on earth that straddle two continents — and none that do it with quite the same poetry as Istanbul. The meeting point of East and West, this ancient capital of empires is a feast for the senses: the scent of roasted chestnuts and strong Turkish coffee, the echo of the call to prayer, the glitter of the Bosphorus at sunset.

Some cities feel like crossroads. Istanbul is one. A meeting point of continents, histories, and hearts — where minarets rise beside domes, ferries glide through sunlit waters, and the scent of grilled fish mingles with the call to prayer.