Şark Kahvesi (The Orient Coffee House) is one of my must stops in the Grand Bazaar Complex. It’s a traditional Turkish Coffee / tea house that is used by the Grand Bazaar population. It had been a part of the narrow streets of the bazaar until the owner walled up several sides to convert it to its formerly architectural status.
The nicotine colored walls is a reference to the times when smoking was allowed in the coffee house. It’s a popular tea and coffee spot for the locals and also for the visitors. It’s a breather spot during the hassle of the crowd in the Grand Bazaar.
The coffee nor the tea is anything special, I can even comment that it’s lame in taste as there are much better spots in the city, but the atmosphere is a gem. The spot where the coffee house is located is in the junctions of at least three bazaar streets where you can sit back and watch the human traffic.
Order your self a Turkish Coffee without sugar called “sade” (meaning basis without anything) and sit back while you sip the sour coffee along with a cold glass of water. This is the most relaxing spot possible for anyone.