Istanbul's Top Eateries Recommended by Rick Steves, With His Preferred Dish Mentioned
In the heart of Istanbul's Sultanahmet district, nestled between the iconic Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, lies a cafeteria with a rich history and a unique ambiance - Lale Restaurant, also known as the Pudding Shop.
Founded by two brothers in the late '50s, this establishment has a fascinating past. Once a popular meeting spot for beatniks and hippies in the 1960s and '70s, the Pudding Shop was a place where travelers from all walks of life would leave each other messages on a bulletin board, sharing advice, recommendations, tips, and advertisements.
Today, the Pudding Shop remains a great place to grab a casual snack while exploring the attractions of Sultanahmet. Its menu now includes a variety of Turkish delicacies such as dolma, gyros, haydari, and a range of kebabs including iskender and doner.
Rick Steves, a renowned travel journalist, considers Lale Restaurant as one of the greatest places to grab a quick bite in Istanbul. He highly recommends the traditional Sütlaç, a baked rice pudding made with cream and vanilla, and the Turkish specialty called tavuk göğsü, a mixture of thick, yoghurt-like milk, cinnamon, and boiled and flattened chicken, which was a particular highlight for many travelers.
The Pudding Shop's ambiance and the excellent food contributed to its growing reputation amongst new arrivals to Istanbul. In fact, the restaurant gained its nickname due to its expansion from a pastry and sweet shop to include various 'puddings'.
Istanbul, a city located at the intersection of two continents, Europe and Asia, is known for its rich history and unique cultural influences. It is also home to some of the best attractions in Europe. The Grand Bazaar, a massive market known for its sweets, grilled meats, tea, and gozleme, is just one of the many attractions that draw visitors from around the world.
The city's practical and efficient public transport network makes exploring these attractions a breeze. Istanbul even boasts the best-connected airport in the world.
The Pudding Shop's appearance in the 1978 film "The Midnight Express," directed by Oliver Stone, added to its aura and helped it stand as a landmark and tourist attraction in its own right.
Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply a traveler looking for an authentic Turkish experience, a visit to the Pudding Shop is a must when in Istanbul.
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