Istanbul’s urban dwellers have become increasingly aware of the movement toward a healthier lifestyle, beginning foremost with correct sustenance. Organic markets and shops have begun to open in almost every neighbourhood, while farms from various areas around Turkey have opened their own shops selling their naturally produced goods. We took a look at the best places in Istanul to get your healthy food shopping on.
Almost every Istanbul neighbourhood has its own aktar (a shop that specializes in natural products), which sells natural spices and teas as well as beauty products. Kırk Ambar is one of the best aktars in the city and stocks a whole range of 100% natural products including tea, coffee, spices, oils and nuts, as well as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and house cleaning products.
Sinanpaşa Mahallesi, Kazan Sokak, Gürün Pasajı No. 23/A Beşiktaş, +90 212 258 65 48
Established in 1994 in the Evrenseki/Mavgat region of Antalya, Rani is an eco-friendly organic farm that produces milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables. Their Istanbul store has their excellent Turkish cheese varieties, including their delicious self-produced parmesan, gouda, ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar and mascarpone. In another corner, a refrigerator stocked with a colourful spectrum of organic produce is also worth a look (and buy).
Süleyman Seba Caddesi No.60 Akaretler, +90 212 259 01 00
Another natural farm with eco-friendly practices, Palivor Çiftliği is located in the Kırklareli province on the Bulgarian border and sells its excellent products in their Istanbul store and cafe. You’ll find a huge range of goods from meat products like chorizo, roast beef, smoked turkey and sucuk, to Turkish cheeses, jams, peanut butter, teas and sauces. Their huge breakfast, which showcases all their amazing products, is also definitely worth a try. Their Bebek store has a much larger variety for food shopping, while the Nişantaşı branch is a great place to sit down and eat dishes made from their organic products.
Maçka Caddesi No.35/A, Reasürans Çarşısı Shop No.55 Nişantaşı, +90 212 234 31 91
Manolya Sokak No:9 Bebek, +90 212 231 81 53
A café and shop, Balya is focused on sustainability and an organic lifestyle with a range of bio, vegan and gluten-free products. Before you shop, try out their salads, soups, sandwiches and daily specials, all made from the ingredients they sell, which should help you to make a better decision regarding what to buy.
Defterdar Yokuşu Batarya Sokak No.16/A Cihangir, +90 212 252 35 82
One of the Asian’s side’s best organic stores, Elta-Ada Organik is known for their delicious milk products that are produced on an organic farm in Gökçeada. Their boutique offers all their delicious milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, olive oil and meat varieties. Ada also stocks a good selection of organic household products from Germany.
Caferağa Mahallesi Yenifikir Sokak No:3/A Moda Kadıköy, +90 216 336 23 76