The city offers ancient food culture shaped by a unique cultural heritage to diners

İstanbul, known among centres for gastronomic tourism, has been recognized in a special selection by the MICHELIN Guide, Turkiye Tourism Board has announced. The city offers ancient food culture shaped by a unique cultural heritage to diners.

As a capital for empires throughout history, İstanbul has been the foundational point of gastronomic traditions that span continents for a long time, and it is also the birthplace of celebrated palace cuisines. The MICHELIN Guide would spotlight İstanbul for gastro tourists. İstanbul is the 38th destination to be brought to the global platform by the MICHELIN Guide.

Speaking at a meeting for İstanbul to join the MICHELIN Guide, Republic of Türkiye, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy noted that activities to position İstanbul as a “gastrocity” would attract tourists interested in good food and exceptional flavours to Türkiye. He said, “This interest of the MICHELIN Guide in the İstanbul food and drink sector demonstrates that Türkiye is also at the forefront of gastronomy tourism. The MICHELIN Guide will move our businesses, which stand out with their originality, diversity, sustainability and creativity, to the global stage with an entirely new perspective.”

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, said, “The MICHELIN Guide’s selection for İstanbul will present the city to gourmets around the world. Fuelled by ancient traditions and young, open-minded and creative talents that shape an original taste identity, İstanbul's culinary scene amazed our team.”