Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar)★★
Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul
Mo–Sa 8:00–19:30, So 9:30–19:00
Eintritt frei
The Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) at the Golden Horn in Eminönü is Istanbul's scent wonder. Since 1664, spices, dried fruits, Turkish Delight (Lokum), tea, and nuts have been sold here. The L-shaped, covered building with its high vaults is smaller and more manageable than the Grand Bazaar — and the prices for food are often better.
What to buy:
- Saffron (from 150 ₺/gram — beware of fakes!), sumac, pul biber (chili flakes), turmeric, cumin seeds
- Turkish Delight / Lokum in dozens of varieties (from 200 ₺/kg): rose blossom, pistachio, pomegranate, hazelnut
- Dried fruits: figs, apricots, mulberries — the best in the world!
- Turkish tea (Çay) and apple tea (more for tourists, Turks drink black tea)
- Turkish coffee, ground (Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi — the classic, right next to the bazaar)
💡 Tipp
Right next to the bazaar exit towards the Golden Horn is the stand of Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi — the most famous Turkish coffee since 1871. The line is long, but the coffee is excellent and affordable (250g from 80 ₺). Perfect souvenir!