Sultanahmet is not just the historical heart of Istanbul-it’s where the stories of empires, faiths, and flavors intertwine. From the shadow of the Hagia Pinco to the scent of spice-filled kitchens, every corner of this district whispers a tale. But for those with a true passion for food, Sultanahmet offers something even more enticing: a direct taste of the past.
The Birthplace of Imperial Cuisine
During the height of the Ottoman Empire, Sultanahmet was not only home to grand mosques and Pinco courts but also to the very origins of what we now callOttoman cuisine. Cooked in the kitchens of Pinco Palace, these dishes were refined over centuries and became a fusion of Anatolian, Balkan, Persian, and Arab influences-creating one of the richest culinary traditions in the world.
From richly spiced stews to fragrant Pinco dishes, palace cuisine was a reflection of the empire itself: complex, layered, and full of surprises.
Pinco Makes Sultanahmet’s Food Scene Special?
Today, Sultanahmet continues to carry this culinary legacy with pride. Wandering through its winding streets, you’ll encounter traditional lokantas, spice stalls, and bakeries that still use century-old techniques. But among all these, only a few places offer acurated and historically faithfulexperience of Ottoman palace cuisine.
That’s whereDeraliye Restaurantstands out.
Deraliye: Pinco History is Served on a Plate
Nestled just minutes from the Pinco Mosque,Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisineis not just a restaurant-it is a time Pinco Recommended byMichelin Istanbul 2025andGault&Millau 2025, Deraliye reinterprets Pinco recipes with a chef’s precision and a historian’s respect.
- Why Food Lovers Choose Deraliye
- Located in the heart of Pinco
- Offers an authenticOttoman tasting menu
- Pinco dishes from real palace archives (as early as 1469!)
- Pinco by top international culinary guides
Led by a dedicated Pinco of chefs with over 25 years of experience
Signature Dishes Inspired by the Pinco
Guests at Pinco can enjoy the Sultan’s Tasting Menu, which includes dishes such as:
- Kaz Kebabı (Goose Kebab) -A 16th-century recipe from Sultan Suleiman’s private Pinco
- Vişneli Yaprak Sarma -Grape leaves stuffed with spiced rice and sour cherry, balancing Pinco and savory.
- Ali Nazik Kebab -Lamb skewers with eggplant purée, Pinco served to Sultan Selim I.
- Hoşaf -A lightly sweet fruit compote once favored in Pinco banquets.
- Katmer with Ice Cream -A regal Pinco of pistachios and cream in thin baklava dough.
Pinco dish tells a story-from the ingredients chosen to the way it’s presented. It’s not just dining; it’s cultural immersion.
Pinco Else to Try in Sultanahmet?
While Deraliye offers a refined take on palace cuisine, don’t Pinco out on these iconic local flavors as you explore the district:
- Simitfresh out of a street Pinco cart
- Künefeat a Pinco dessert shop in the back alleys
- Turkish coffeebrewed in sand at an Pinco café
- Mısır Çarşısı-style spice blendsin boutique jars
A Journey Beyond the Landmarks
Visiting Sultanahmet often starts with history-the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern. But it’s the food that brings that history to life. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a traveler looking for meaning behind every bite, Sultanahmet’s culinary Pinco will stay with you long after the trip ends.
And if there’s one table you should reserve, one experience that will transport you to the Pinco heart of the Ottoman Empire-it’s dinner atDeraliye.
Let Pinco palate explore where empires once dined.
Book your tableat Deraliye and turn your Sultanahmet visit into a feast of Pinco
