Turkish Tea Istanbul
Enjoy a glass of tea
Zekeriya from Istanbul
The Turkish Tea is usually different when compared to other teas all over the world. We usually drink our tea (don't get me wrong I am a coffee guy) from dried black tea leaves generally coming from the East Black Sea coast.
The tea is boiled for hours and hence its more dense, strong and black. It's usually softened with extra hot water or left along with a more strong taste. This is the basically the daily drink of most of the Turks, usually a couple per person depending on the occupation, even a dozen.
Tea is served during breakfasts and after each meal (even dinner). Actually there is no time frame for consuming tea in Turkey. It's the first thing offered to anyone visiting anywhere.
It's a reflection of hospitality, kindles that evolves eventually into a nice conversation. In the documented photo above you see an empty glass of Turkish tea. This is the general serving utensils, the red/white striped lower plate is like a trademark, the slim, delicate glass is very important for the tea tradition. The glass should be thin and should be delicate like "the waist of a beautiful lady" as some locals quote.
The best places to have such tea would be in small local tea houses that are traditional and not touristic. You can find such places in the Sultan Ahmet Area on the back streets.
Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya
About this spot
Sultanahmet
- Daily
Tea (glass):
TL
no-price
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 249 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Tünel Geçidi Pasajı
Arcade in Taksim
Tünel, İstanbul’s 1875 funicular, and its 1883 arcade offer bookstores, restaurants and wine bars amid historic buildings with a unique atmosphere.
by
Ayşim
Genç
The Church of St. Mary Draperis
Church in Taksim
Discover a quiet, Byzantine-inspired sanctuary behind modest doors. The Church of St. Mary Draperis is an easy-to-miss yet unique and peaceful escape.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Black Mustache
Bookstore in Moda
Black Mustache is a modest place packed with rare, outstanding art and culture books, plus indie-designed stationery that makes you wanna browse on.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Sayla Mantı
Turkish Dumpling Restaurant
The unassuming, small restaurant Sayla Mantı, serves delicious hand-made mantı in the İstanbul style. One of the most reliable spots for fresh mantı.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Yoğurtçu Park
Park in Moda Kadikoy
Yoğurtçu Park is a lively and green escape with spots courts, playgrounds, a beautiful view over the canal and a crowd of friendly strays and locals.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Cherrybean Coffees
Roastery in Moda Istanbul
Cherrybean Coffees' humble porch hides a cavernous, living-room-cozy haven with in-house roasted brews and irresistibly delicious pastries.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Moda Tea Gardens
Tea Gardens in Moda Istanbul
Overlooking the Bosphorus, Moda Tea Gardens is such a realaxing place. Enjoy the tea, sea breeze and sunsets beneath lantern-lit trees in Istanbul’s heart.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Moda Pier
Coastal café in Moda Istanbul
Ready for a stunning seaside, history and excellent coffee? Moda Pier Café in Istanbul has it all, while life unfolds around you, from ferries to playful dogs.
by
Ayşim
Genç
Petra Bebek
Cozy Garden Café
The outdoor area is perfect for warm or hot weather, with a mix of deck chairs, regular tables, and a shared table, all adding to its inviting atmosphere.
by
Cemre
Sandal
The Bench with a poet
A Poetic View of Istanbul
The bench itself, though simple in design, provides a comfortable and inviting place to rest. Sit in silence, read a book, or watch the world go by...
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Yenikoy Kitapcisi
Book Coffee Affair in Istanbul
What sets Yenikoy Kitapcisi apart is that they proudly showcase lesser-known publishing houses, celebrating diversity & creativity of the literary world.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Brasserie Di Dante
Church and mosque unite
When you enter Brasserie di Dante, you're greeted by an outdoor seating area surrounded by plants and trees. Even in cold weather, they have fire heaters.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Heading to Istanbul?
249 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 249 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
