Ok. I’ll be straight. The food court is the best place to kill time at any airport during short layovers. We did it during our flight from Seattle to Delhi via Chicago (4 hours layover) last year and did the same this year.
So, without wasting time, here is a list of five Turkish dishes we tried during our 4-hour layover in Istanbul Airport that we highly recommend! You can also read my Turkish airline review on the blog or watch my mini-vlog of my journey from Seattle to Delhi.
Flying Turkish Airlines: A First-timer’s Review (Seattle to Delhi)
Baklava
We began our mini-food tour with one of the most popular Turkish desserts. Baklava is known for its flaky texture and unique flavor. This delectable pastry filled with chopped nuts and layered with thin, flaky phyllo dough originates from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
We tried Baklava at Kaimakk, a plush eatery near Terminal 2. The baklavas were generously brushed with butter, baked to a golden crispness, and then soaked in a fragrant syrup. It was such a mouthwatering dessert with a perfect balance of crunchy and syrupy sweetness that it was hard to resist for more.
Where: Kaimakk
Turkish Coffee
A Turkish meal is incomplete without a strong cup of Turkish coffee or tea. Therefore, we decided to try the traditional black coffee at Kaimakk, prepared authentically in hot sand.
While sipping our coffee, we asked the brewer to explain to us the method of making this coffee at home. Here’s what he said
Turkish coffee recipe at home:
- Take finely ground coffee beans and simmer them with water and sugar.
- You can prepare the coffee in the traditional small pot known as a “cezve” or “ibrik” or use any pan available at home.
- Brew to a strong concentrated consistency.
- Serve in small cups without filtering out the coffee grounds, and enjoy with a side of cold water and sweet treats to complement its robust flavor.
Where: Kaimakk
Marzipan Sweets
Marzipan is one of my favorite desserts of all time, so I just had to give this a try. It is a delightful confection made from a mixture of finely ground almonds, sugar, and a touch of almond extract or rosewater. It is then molded into various shapes, often resembling fruits, animals, or other decorative forms.
We had a peach and an apple-shaped marzipan. The texture was smooth and had a sweet, nutty flavor. What I loved the most was the intricate and colorful designs, making them visually appealing and delicious.
Where: Tatlilkr Desserts
Tavuk Sis (Chicken Shish)
Tavuk Sis is a popular Turkish dish that features tender chunks of marinated chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. We were passing by the restaurant, and its live kitchen displaying smokey kebabs caught our attention. Everything looked so irresistible that we decided to grab a plate of piping hot kebabs.
The kebabs were nicely marinated in a flavorful blend, grilled over an open flame, and served with rice and salads. The meal was so satisfying and wholesome. We highly recommend trying these at the Istanbul airport.
Where: Ocakbasi Grillyard
Pide
Pide was the last thing we tried at the airport before boarding our flight. It is a popular Turkish flatbread closely resembling a boat-shaped pizza. The dough was soft, chewy, and baked to a golden-brown perfection. We ordered minced meat, cheese, vegetables, and herbs topping. It was delicious!
Where: Pidem
Simit
We tried simit on our return journey and loved the texture and taste. It is a popular snack in Turkey, shaped like a bagel and commonly enjoyed with tea. Simit has a chewy texture and is covered with sesame seeds, which give it a unique flavor and crunch. You’ll find plenty of shops offering a variety of simit. We had ours with a piping bowl of lentil soup. However, you can also enjoy it with some freshly brewed Turkish coffee.
Where: Simit Sarayi
Other things to do
The second best thing to do at any airport during a short layover is explore all the shops. Once we were full to the brim, we spent the rest of our time at the Old Bazaar, a gigantic souvenir shop in the middle of the airport. They were offering amazing discounts on food items, pottery and home decor.
We bought Turkish pottery bowls and Turkish coffee and tea from the Old Bazaar and got a steal deal for all our purchases.
Extra tips for your journey
- If you’re traveling with kids, the airport has plenty of recreational spots to keep them entertained.
- We highly recommend using credit cards with zero international transaction fees instead of purchasing currency bills, as the conversion rate is high.
What to do during a long layover?
If you have a layover in Istanbul for more than 5 hours, we suggest visiting some local attractions. The tourism department offers tours that let you see the city hassle-free. Check out this link for more information.
Do Indians need a transit visa?
Yes, Indian nationals who plan on exiting the airport during their layover need a transit visa to enter the country. You can apply for the visa online. The process is smooth and doesn’t require you to submit your passport offline. The visa takes 24 hours to process at a fee of $43 for a single entry.
We hope you have an enjoyable layover at Istanbul Airport, and here’s a detailed review of our experience flying Turkish Airlines for the first time.
