The summer of 2019 marked my very first trip to Turkey, a country i had always wanted to visit. After arriving in Istanbul, we couldn’t wait to explore its rich history, vibrant streets, and, of course, its famous cuisine. Every corner of the city felt alive, making us even more excited about what the journey would bring.
As lunchtime approached, I decided to stop at a local restaurant instead of looking for a touristy place. We found Bağdatlım Dürüm Evi, located on Horhor Caddesi No. 47, Fatih, Istanbul. It looked like the kind of restaurant where locals came to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal, which was exactly the experience we were looking for.
The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating facing the street. It was a warm summer afternoon, and sitting outside gave us the chance to watch everyday life in Istanbul unfold. People walked past, shopkeepers greeted customers, and the neighborhood buzzed with activity. It was the perfect setting for our first lunch in Turkey.
Before ordering, I spent some time looking through the menu. Since it was our first day in Turkey, many of the dishes were unfamiliar to me. The restaurant staff was friendly and patient, giving us enough time to decide what we wanted to try. It was a small interaction, but it made us feel welcome from the very beginning.
For lunch, I ordered a kebab and a refreshing Turkish salad prepared with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, sweet watermelon, and plenty of sliced onions. The salad was generously sprinkled with sumac, a tangy spice commonly used in Turkish cuisine, and finished with nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses), which added a delicious balance of sweetness and acidity.
Although the ingredients were simple, the flavors were completely different from what I was used to back home. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and light, making it the perfect meal for a hot summer day in Istanbul.
As I enjoyed our lunch, I realized that traveling isn’t only about visiting famous landmarks. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from sitting at a neighborhood restaurant, trying local food for the first time, and simply observing the rhythm of everyday life.
Looking back now, my first lunch at Bağdatlım Dürüm Evi became one of the highlights of our first trip to Turkey. It wasn’t a luxurious meal or a famous restaurant, but it was authentic, welcoming, and memorable. The food, the atmosphere, and the hospitality gave us a wonderful first impression of Turkish culture.
Whenever I look at these photos and videos today, they instantly take me back to that warm summer afternoon in Istanbul. For me, that simple lunch marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey through one of the most fascinating countries I have ever visited.
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