Most travelers come to Istanbul for the history and you absolutely can’t miss sights like the Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet (the Blue Mosque), the maze-like Grand Bazaar, or a cruise along the Bosphorus, as those are all unforgettable experiences. But if you’re the kind of traveler who loves to go beyond the typical tourist stops, or…
Istanbul is a huge, sprawling city with twice the population of New York City. When I first arrived ten years ago, I spent my time mostly on the European Side close to the historic center or maybe in Beyoglu or Karakoy. In my first few nights, I stayed near Taksim where it’s quite loud. There…
When I first came to Turkiye as a visitor in 2015, I went looking for a new cookbook for my collection, since I usually buy a small one in each country I visit. Instead, I found Istanbul Eats: Exploring the Culinary Backstreets and I read it cover to cover in one sitting! Many of my…
The Galataport cruise ship terminal in the Karakoy area of Istanbul is billed as the World’s First Underground Cruise Ship Terminal. Historically this neighborhood was a melting pot of culture and commerce and an important commercial center in the city. After years of redevelopment, the massive seaside project has finally been opened to the public….
Because I had a bit of a reputation as a foodie back home in Hawaii and now having spent more than nine years exploring the various regional dishes in Turkey, I’m often asked for my favorite restaurant in Istanbul. The question makes me nostalgic! I can remember the exact moment I fell in love with…
My first visit to Athens was in 2008 on our way to a cruise of the Greek islands – which also included my first ever stop in Turkey. That trip, we visited the Acropolis ruins in the middle of a sweltering summer day and I was too hot and weary of the crowds to truly…
When it comes to trying wines in another country, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Although I love wine and have gotten into native grapes in Turkey, I had very limited experience with Greek wines. The grape names are long and unfamiliar – I didn’t even know which were white grapes and…
Many people have asked for trusted charities that are getting aid to those on the ground here in the regions of Turkey and Syria affected by the devastating earthquakes on February 6, 2023. I’ve started to add links to just a few of the organizations that I’ve either donated to personally or know to be…
Find the answers to all your questions about visiting Istanbul. Where to stay, what do do and most importantly – what to eat! Travel tips and inspiration from ShoyuSugar.com.
When I first moved into my apartment it was unfurnished. In Turkey that means a complete blank slate: no appliances, curtains, not even light fixtures. I felt excitement at being able to fill up my space thoughtfully, surrounding myself only with carefully-selected things I loved. But at the same time, furnishing a whole 2-bedroom apartment…
