Turkish Property Port

Istanbul and Fish

With Istanbul surrounded by the various seas it is no surprise that fish plays a huge part of the cuisine here. Every month will see the catch vary and your palate will never be bored as each month there is some new delectable and tasty fish to try. Head to Eminönü, under the Galata Bridge you can buy, ‘balık etmek’ a fish sandwich from the many small restaurants there. Grilled fish with a bit of salad and maybe an ayran to drink and you will then become part of the long standing Istanbul tradition of eating this delicious food. The fish varies by season and some better than others but that is a personal choice, meaning you have to go each month and try the current catch, not a hardship, these sandwiches are healthy, tasty and economical.

How to Pick Your Fish in Istanbul

Visiting restaurants in Istanbul you will be often asked to choose the fish you want them to cook. Sometimes it is still swimming! Here are a few tips to help with your choice.

  • The eyes should be clear and bright. Give any that a cloudy or have a dull look a miss.
  • The gills should be shaded from pink to red and be wet looking. Avoid any fish whose gills are dried looking, white or a dark colour
  • The smell, a natural fish smell is unmistakable and not overly pleasant but any with a whiff of ammonia leave well alone.
  • The flesh should be firm not soft, a finger indent should not remain in the flesh if pressed. If scales are following a sure sign the fish is not fresh

 

Know your Fish in Istanbul

A Seafood Platter

You can always find fish in Istanbul some for a short time others for longer periods. Winter is popular with the Istanbul crowd as fish at this time tends to be fatter and tastier due to the environmental conditions and how they are caught. You might find in the restaurants that you are asked if you want çiftlik balığı which is farmed fish or mevsim balığı which is sea caught fresh fish. This choice is a personal preference and it is worth trying both to see which suits your taste.

A list of some of the Popular Fresh Fish Found in Istanbul and their Turkish Name.

  • Anchovy – Hamsi (normally from the Black Sea and best in December and January)
  • Bonito – Palamut (Best in September)
  • Turbot– Kalkan (Best February - May
  • Crab - Yengeç (Best in August)
  • Sea Brass – Levrek (Best February – June)
  • Horse Mackeral – İstavrit (Best July –August)
  • Mackeral – Uskumru (Best July)
  • Shrimps – karides (Best in May)
  • This is only a selection of the variety of fresh fish and when best to buy but remember that farmed fish does not have a season as such and can be available all year round.
    Afiyet olsun