The appeal of Istanbul is endless--the omnipresent sense of history, the minaret-studded horizons, the friendly (and beautiful) people--but among the finest qualities of this truly awesome, ancient city, food stands out, as it should; everything I've tasted here has been wonderful.
Spending a morning taking in the splendors of the Blue Mosque, the Ayasofia, and the Topkapi Palace really works up an appetite. Bordering this tourist-heavy area is Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta, the original outpost of the nationwide Sultanahmet Köftecisi chain, dating from 1920--as evidenced by the Arabic script on the art adorning the walls--with a very limited menu that allows the kitchen to focus on its calling card: Izgara köfte (seasoned, grilled meatballs). They are very tasty indeed, tender and perfectly spiced, although I of course poured on the pul biber and hot sauce to raise the heat level. Best enjoyed with the excellent bread and a side salad with a foundation of white beans, followed with honeyed desserts and hot çay (tea) or Turkish coffee, this is a simple, solid meal to provide the energy to soldier ahead, until the next meal...
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta
12 Divan Yolu
Phone: +90 212 513 1438
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