LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS

Let the senses go wild at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, once known as the last stop for camel caravan traders on the Silk Road in Ottoman times. Once you fall under the spell of its mountains of dried herbs, jewel-coloured lokum (Turkish delight) and dried fruit and nuts, you’ll never want to shop in a supermarket again.

Jump on a ferry to Büyükada and eat a vişne (cherry) ice-cream as local street cats mew at your feet for a taste. Or reserve a table for two at Tuğra, a fine-dining restaurant in Çirağan Palace. Tuğra’s head chef Sezai Erdogan searched archives to help form his menu with dishes dating back to the 1500s.

Accept any invitation to join a local family for a meal. Over the course of 20-odd dishes, they’ll tell you you’re too thin, overfeed you and become your friend for life. Must be okay with cigarette smoke and endless cups of tea.