Pistachio marzipan from Meşhur Bebek Badem Ezmesi.

You can try to prepare for a food-focused trip to Istanbul, but the sheer variety of regional and ethnic cuisines available in Turkey’s cultural capital will overwhelm even the most seasoned visitor. One trip won’t be enough to crack the code, but you can transport the city’s flavors and textures back home to family and friends and share a small part of the big picture with loved ones. (Or just keep them for yourself.) For 13 tips on what to bring back, check out my latest for Bon Appétit.