I’ve become that strange girl who photographs her food. I’m not sure if it’s a natural urge that I’ve previously suppressed through social awareness, or a new habit that’s sprung from a sincere appreciation for finding good, safe, yummy eats on the travel trail. Perhaps it’s because food is so connected to the cultures I’m exploring; a sensory story about the produce, customs and national flavours. It could have something to do with me being hungry a lot of the time… Or maybe, I’m just a strange girl who likes to photograph food.
Regardless of the why, I thought I’d go that extra, embarrassing step further and share my photos of food. So here it is, a post about the food of Istanbul; the first in what will likely become a continuing series themed by the places I travel.
Istanbul
Think lamb and spices, yoghurt, pomegranate, pickles and nuts.
Buy French bread, Italian pizza/ pasta and Middle Eastern rice.
Imagine walls of honey-drenched, pistachio-encrusted sweets next to vats of tacky ice-cream tended by fez-wearing men.
Remember to drink çai and Turkish coffee in ornate little cups with and between every meal. Recognise tomato everywhere. 
Taste parsley, salt, tumeric. Order köfte, dümur, kebap, şiş.
Choose fresh produce from bustling market lanes, noisy street vendors and western-fusion restaurants with fancy menus. 
Stay tuned for more foody travel delights as I bring you a budget-conscious exploration of Istanbul in my next post: ‘Must-have Istanbul meals for 10 Turkish Lira’.
Nic Freeman 
What do you think?