Street Food at Home

Several years back, before İstiklal became an open-air shopping mall, reaching old man Sabırtaşı’s streetside içli köfte stand felt like pulling into a safe harbor. Always standing there was the beatific Ali Bey, an angel in a white doctor’s coat offering salvation in the form of his golden fried içli köfte. Although his presence is still sorely missed, his son Mustafa – who inherited not only his father’s white coat but also his kind demeanor – and wife have proudly continued the tradition of selling their sublime içli köfte to İstiklal’s hungry pedestrians.

On the Scent of Durian in Queens

We spotted a bin full of durians at a Queens market while on our United Kitchens walk. Some may shy away from this intriguing fruit because of the smell, but we love it. In fact, at the end of our walk, we stop by a neighborhood cafe that specializes in desserts made from durian for something sweet

Neapolitan Tea

When the colder temperatures arrive, we stop by Lello’s stand for octopus soup, a beloved winter street delight for generations. Called the tea of Neapolitans, it’s a hot drink that tastes of the sea, as the water is flavored by the long boiling of the king of cephalopods. Discover Naples’ iconic street foods on our walk.

Ancient Agriculture in Mexico City

On our Xochimilco walk, we learn about the one-of-a-kind agricultural system in this UNESCO heritage site. Called chinampas, the island plots of farmland between the canals were first built by the ancient Toltecs when the area was on the edge of a long-gone lake. Today they are still used to feed nearby Mexico City.

Fancy a Vermouth?

On our Made in Catalonia walk, we partake in Barcelona’s beloved vermut tradition, symbolized by colorful, 1960s-era carbonated water siphons. Since the end of the 19th century in Barcelona, this ritual – a fresh drink accompanied by tapas composed usually of preserved food, cold cuts, cured or marinated fish or seafood – has been a way to bring people together before meals.

Catch of the Day in Athens

While on our way to an unforgettable bite in the center of the main fishmongers’ market, these silvery beauties caught our eye. This is just one of the many backstreets we explore on our Culinary Secrets of Downtown Athens walk, as we go in search of the soul of this historic yet always vibrant city.

Summer Sidewalk Dining in Athens

On the evening version of our Downtown Athens walk, we stop for meze at one of the city’s many tabernas. Come summer, tables spill out from these restaurants onto the streets, where Athenians gather to enjoy languorous meals under strings of colorful lights.