Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

FOOD BEAUTY MEHMET KALMAZ BAHARATÇI ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-522 6604; Spice Bazaar 41, Eminönü; h 8am-7.30pm; j Eminönü) Members of the Kalmaz family have been concocting remedies based on Ottoman-era recipes at this old-fashioned shop since 1950. Customers come here to source potions, lotions, teas and medicinal herbs, enabling them to look younger, feel stronger and overcome ailments. KURUKAHVECI MEHMET EFENDI ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-511 4262; www.mehmetefendi.com; Tahmis Sokak 66, Eminönü; h 8am-8pm Mon-Sat; j Eminönü) Caffeine addicts are regularly spotted queuing outside this flagship store of İstanbul’s most famous coffee purveyor. Housed on the ground floor of an art deco building next to the Spice Bazaar, it is best known for its Turkish-style grind, which it has been producing since 1871. VAKKO İNDIRIM ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Vakko Sale Store; Sultan Hamamı Caddesi 8a, Eminönü; h 10am-6.30pm Mon Sat; j Eminönü) This remainder outlet of İstanbul’s famous fashion store should be on the itinerary of all bargain hunters. Top-quality men’s and women’s clothing – COFFEE FASHION & ACCESSORIES A showcase of colourful and fragrant spices, Ucuzcular concocts its own blends and will vacuum pack them for travellers who are keen to add them to their luggage. MALATYA PAZARI ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-520 0440; www.malatyapazari.com.tr; Spice Bazaar 44, Eminönü; h 8am-7.30pm; j Eminönü) The city of Malatya in central-eastern Turkey is famous for its apricots, and this shop with two branches near the Spice Bazaar’s Tahmis Caddesi doorway stocks the cream of the crop, dried both naturally and chemically. Its other quality dried fruit and nuts eclipse all others in this bazaar.