Egyptian Spice Bazaar
Facing the Eminönü ferry docks, the building that housing the Egyptian Spice Bazaar dates from the 17th century and was built with the tax revenues received from Ottoman-ruled Egypt.
This is a one-stop shop for foodie travelers who want to bring a taste of Turkey back home. Over 80 shops here trade in spices, dried fruit, nuts, specialist Turkish food products, dried flower and herb teas, and local sweet treats such as helva (tahini sweets) and lokum (Turkish delight).
Come here to stock up on the spices that are integral to Turkish cuisine, such as sumac and pul biber (Aleppo pepper), to buy high-quality pomegranate molasses (another important Turkish cooking flavor enhancer), and to taste test a vast range of Turkish honeys.
It can get uncomfortably crowded from around noon to late afternoon, so try to visit in the morning.
