Karadeniz
Haci Tahsinbey Sokak, Sultanahmet
(Off of Divan Yolu)
Istanbul, Turkey
When lookign for cheap eats in Istanbul, we got this recommendation from the lovely blog Istanbul Eats. Karedeniz is located on one of the many pedestrian side-streets off of the major thoroughfare Divan Yolu, right at the Sultanahmet tram stop. There are picturesque outdoor tables, though as in other places in Istanbul, you may be joined by a feline friend looking for a few scraps (we sure were!). The specialty of Karedeniz is Pide – though they also sell other Turkish favorites like kebabs.
Pide is sometimes called “Turkish Pizza” but is in reality a canoe shaped piece of flat leavened dough with a variety of toppings. Pide are not usually a street food, and are often sold in Pide restaurants called “pideci.” This was our first experience with Pide in Turkey, and it was one food we were really looking forward to. The one we got below was cheese – and it was excellent, simple lunch fare, not to mention, easy on the wallet. Other pide varieties available included various combinations of meat and vegetables. M got a generous salad topped with a chicken kebab, which was flavorful and fresh off the grill. If you are in the Sultanahmet, Karedeniz is a great place for great food at a good price. Don’t be lured into the tourist traps!
Eating The World 