Kerem Soyer

Local Food Editor

Kerem values continuity over spectacle. His perspective follows busy lunch services, regulars’ habits, value for money and why a familiar dish can feel right at a particular moment of the day.

Areas of focus

Traditional lunch restaurants
Street food
Kebab and ocakbaşı
Good-value dining

Editorial principles

Consider price as part of the experience
Observe turnover and service rhythm
Avoid romanticising local habits

Neighbourhoods followed: Fatih · Beşiktaş · Kadıköy · Üsküdar
Languages: Turkish · English

Editorial stories

What to Order at ROKA

Compare four ordering plans at ROKA Galataport, from a focused weekday lunch to a celebration built around signature dishes.

Read storyWhere to Eat Döner in Istanbul

A quick wrap near the Grand Bazaar, lunch in Beşiktaş or a sit-down plate in Kadıköy. Find an Istanbul döner stop that fits your route and appetite.

Read storyWhere to Eat near the Grand Bazaar

A proper lunch at Havuzlu, a quick döner at Şahin Usta or a sweet stop in Nuruosmaniye: how to fit a good meal into a Grand Bazaar visit.

Read storyIstanbul Street Food

A practical route through simit, fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels, kokoreç and the city's fast-moving food culture.

Read story

Guides by this editor

Seven Istanbul restaurants that work across three generations

For a large family meal, the best restaurant is not necessarily the one perfecting a single dish. It is the place that handles different appetites at the same time, keeps service together and does not rush the group. These seven choices stand out for generous portions, easy sharing and their ability to serve three generations.

View guide

A selection of recommended places

Tam Ocakbaşı

Arnavutköy · Kebab

View placeTek Kebapçı

Etiler · Kebab

View placeÇıra Ocakbaşı

Seyrantepe · Kebab

View placeKülhan

Suadiye · Kebab

View placeSıralı Kebap Ataşehir

İstanbul Finans Merkezi · Turkish · Kebab

View placeAhmet Ustam Ocakbaşı

Maslak · Grill · Kebab

View place