Turkish coffee is more than just a drink; it is a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in Turkish culture and hospitality. Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant café culture, is the best place to experience an authentic Turkish coffee tasting. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a historic Ottoman-era café or trying a modern twist on the classic brew, an Istanbul Turkish coffee tasting is a must for coffee lovers and cultural explorers alike.
This guide takes you through the history of Turkish coffee, where to find the best coffee spots in Istanbul, and how to enjoy a traditional coffee tasting experience.
Istanbul Turkish Coffee Tasting: The History of Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when it was introduced to the Ottoman Empire from Ethiopia and Yemen. By the mid-1500s, Istanbul’s first coffeehouses opened, becoming important social and cultural gathering places.
Unlike other coffee brewing methods, Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee in a special copper pot called a cezve. It is traditionally served in small cups with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight.
Turkish coffee is not just about taste; it is also famous for coffee fortune telling, where the grounds left at the bottom of the cup are used to predict the drinker’s future.
Best Places for an Istanbul Turkish Coffee Tasting
1. Mandabatmaz
Located near Istiklal Street, this small café is one of the best places for a traditional Turkish coffee experience. The name Mandabatmaz translates to “so thick that even a buffalo wouldn’t sink”, referring to its rich, frothy coffee.
2. Pierre Loti Café
For a coffee tasting with a stunning view, Pierre Loti Café in Eyüp offers breathtaking sights of the Golden Horn. This café is named after the famous French writer who was inspired by Istanbul’s beauty.
3. Hafız Mustafa 1864
One of the oldest sweet shops in Istanbul, Hafız Mustafa is famous for both Turkish coffee and desserts. Pair your coffee with baklava or Turkish delight for a complete experience.
4. Fazıl Bey’s Turkish Coffee
Located in Kadıköy, Fazıl Bey’s is a local favorite on the Asian side of Istanbul. Their coffee is known for its strong aroma and expertly prepared foam.
5. Ethem Tezçakar Kahveci
Nestled in the Grand Bazaar, this historic coffee shop has been serving authentic Turkish coffee for generations. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a shopping spree in the bazaar.
The Traditional Istanbul Turkish Coffee Tasting
A proper Istanbul Turkish coffee tasting involves several key steps:
- Selecting the Strength – Turkish coffee is available in different levels of sweetness:
- Sade (no sugar)
- Az şekerli (a little sugar)
- Orta (medium sugar)
- Şekerli (sweet)
- Watching the Brewing Process – The coffee is slowly brewed in a cezve (small copper pot) over low heat until it becomes frothy.
- Serving Style – Turkish coffee is served in small porcelain cups alongside a glass of water and Turkish delight or chocolate.
- Sipping Slowly – Unlike espresso, Turkish coffee is sipped slowly to fully enjoy its rich and intense flavor.
- Fortune Telling (Fal Bakma) – After finishing the coffee, the cup is flipped upside down onto the saucer. A fortune teller or experienced local interprets the patterns left by the coffee grounds.
Best Neighborhoods for Istanbul Turkish Coffee Tasting
1. Sultanahmet
The historic heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet is home to some of the oldest coffeehouses in the city, offering a mix of authentic and touristic experiences.
2. Karaköy
A trendy neighborhood with both traditional and modern cafés, perfect for those who want to try Turkish coffee with a modern twist.
3. Balat
A colorful district filled with authentic and charming old cafés, where you can enjoy Turkish coffee in a nostalgic Ottoman atmosphere.
4. Kadıköy
Located on the Asian side, Kadıköy offers a laid-back and local experience, with some of the best Turkish coffee spots hidden in small side streets.
5. Beşiktaş
A vibrant student-friendly area with both traditional and contemporary coffee shops, ideal for exploring different coffee variations.
Turkish Coffee vs. Other Coffee Types
- Turkish Coffee vs. Espresso – Turkish coffee is boiled, not brewed, and has a thicker consistency compared to espresso.
- Turkish Coffee vs. Arabic Coffee – Arabic coffee is often spiced with cardamom, while Turkish coffee is stronger and unspiced.
- Turkish Coffee vs. Filter Coffee – Unlike filtered coffee, Turkish coffee contains fine grounds that settle at the bottom of the cup.
Pairing Istanbul Turkish Coffee Tasting with Traditional Turkish Sweets
Turkish coffee is best enjoyed with classic Turkish desserts. Some of the best pairings include:
- Baklava – Layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup.
- Lokum (Turkish Delight) – A chewy, flavored sweet that balances the bitterness of the coffee.
- Şekerpare – A soft semolina dessert soaked in sweet syrup.
- Künefe – A crispy pastry filled with sweet melted cheese.
Tips for Enjoying an Istanbul Turkish Coffee Tasting
- Drink slowly – Turkish coffee is meant to be sipped, not rushed.
- Avoid stirring – The coffee grounds settle at the bottom and should not be mixed.
- Try different styles – Each café has its own unique brewing method and flavor profile.
- Ask for fortune telling – Many cafés offer traditional Turkish coffee fortune reading for a fun cultural experience.
- Buy Turkish coffee as a souvenir – Many shops sell ground coffee and cezves, allowing visitors to make Turkish coffee at home.
An Istanbul Turkish coffee tasting is more than just a coffee break; it is a cultural ritual that connects people through history, tradition, and hospitality. Whether you try it in a historic café in Sultanahmet, a modern coffeehouse in Karaköy, or a traditional spot in the Grand Bazaar, Turkish coffee offers a rich and unforgettable experience.
For coffee lovers and cultural explorers alike, an Istanbul Turkish coffee tasting is a must when visiting the city.
