Iskender Kebap is one of the most favuorite kebaps in Turkey. In simple terms it’s made of thin-sliced meats (doner) with yoghurt, pita and butter sauce. But, obviously it’s more than that!!

1 – Kebapci Iskender
The founder of iskender kebap having the privilege to legally use the name “Iskender” comes from the family owning this restaurant since 1867. The restaurant origins from another city – Bursa, and most of the materials from yoghurt to pita comes from Bursa. The only choice in the menu is iskender kebap. It is located in Kadikoy close to the harbour, next to the main post office and has also branch in Erenkoy – Bağdat Street.

2 – Uludag Kebapcisi
Another restaurant originating from city of Bursa specialized on Iskender Kebap considered as the best for some of the gurme in Turkey. Boiling butter dressing the kebap is said to provide this unique taste. Some people used to travel more than 200 km from Istanbul to Bursa just to eat this phenomenol iskender kebap, but now it has a branch in Istanbul. One of the branch is behind the Carrefour in Kozyatagi, and there is also a branch in a popular street – Nispetiye in Etiler.

3 – Niyazibey Kebap
Another Anatolian-side iskender kebap restaurant Niyazibey is considered to offer one of the best iskender kebap in Turkey. The menu is varied, you can try Niyazibey special – a larger size of iskender kebap with various type of meat. Here is the list of branches.

4 – Uludag Et Lokantası
This first branch of this restaurant is founded in Ankara, and this restaurant has a branch in Florya – a neighbourhood close to Ataturk Airport. The restaurant has a huge garden with a capacity of 2.000 – sometimes full of people – giving you a hint how delicious the iskender kebap is.

Even you are not interested in shopping so much you can enjoy a cold , rainy winter day in one of the below malls.

1 – Kanyon

It is one of the best shopping malls in Istanbul with its modern architectural style, its spread over 4 levels and its innovative positioning allowing visitors to really connect with top local and international brands such as Harvey Nichols, further as most walking areas are covered and climate controlled. If you are lucky you can also catch a live open-air performance too. For eating, our suggestion will be Konyalı Restaurant where you can taste best dishes from Ottoman & Turkish cuisine.

Kanyon is located on Buyukdere Avenue, in Levent, you can take the subway from Taksim to the Levent Stop. Vist the English version of the website for more information: http://www.kanyon.com.tr/ .

2 - Istinye Park

İstinye Park is another huge shopping mall, it is not close to the city center but if you are already located at the business area (Maslak) you can visit. It has both outdoor and indoor shops where you can find also a little local Turkish bazaar and an IMAX cinema, the mall’s glass roof lets you to feel the sun or watch the stars. If you like kebab and Turkish food you must try Gunaydın restaurant.

3 – Akmerkez

Another awarded mall in European side of the city. You will find a large variety of stores and also the best Italian food in İstanbul . Papermoon is popular not only with their excellent food but also their service quality (average check will be between 70-100 Euro per person).

For location details and other info visit http://www.akmerkez.com.tr/ .

4 – Palladium

It is at the Asian side and if you have limited time for İstanbul most probably it will be a far alternative but if you stay at that part of the city, this is the bestshopping mall. It is the tallest building at Asian side and sunlight is maximized with its giant glass sphere.You can also have a nice lunch or dinner in Kitchenette where mostly mediterrenean cuisine served.

The best way to get there is to take a taxi, if you take it from Kadikoy or Bagdat St., the fee will be around 15 – 20 TL.