Apr 29, 2025

Turkish Tea Istanbul

Enjoy a glass of tea

"Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet."

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Sultanahmet

Tea (glass):

TL

2

Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul

Müz Botanik & Kahve

Muses dancing all around

"Müz Botanik & Kahve" in Istanbul is a plant shop, workshop space, cafe & design store in Istanbul. Just the name 'muse' was enough for me to fall in love.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Bord İstanbul

Fine dining at the museum

"Bord İstanbul" is one of the city's best restaurants and it's right inside the naval museum. Everything's fresh, organic and seasonal here...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Helvetia

Just like your mum's cooking

"Helvetia" in Asmalimescit, Beyoglu, Istanbul is one of my favorite spots to have quick lunch. I really like the cozy communal feeling of this place...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Craft Beer Lab

Fancy a pint?

"Craft Beer Lab" in Istanbul is a brand new pub with a big beautiful garden and a huge selection of beers. I know where I'll be brining my friends now!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Sobremesa Coffee

Mi casa es tu casa

"Sobremesa Coffee" in Istanbul's Besiktas: great for meeting friends w/ coffee or working on the laptop. Its name is a Spanish word which is a perfect fit!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Nail Kitabevi & Cafe

Bookstore around the corner

"Nail Kitabevi & Cafe" in Istanbul is in a historical baroque, rococo-style building. I come here for peace of mind and a nice cup of coffee with my book!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Vildan

Ay

Apr 29, 2025

Dem Kadıköy

Cheesecake heaven

"Dem Kadıköy" is cheesecake heaven in Istanbul. They've got more than 35 different types (!) and all of them are inspired by some Japanese tea on the menu.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vildan

Ay

Apr 29, 2025

Firuze İKSV

Sunset dinner at the Golden Horn

"Firuze İKSV" in Istanbul is a beautiful place for meze, cocktail and raki with a modern twist. It has a stunning view over the Golden Horn - how lovely!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Maezae

Local design store

"Maezae" is my must-visit place whenever I am in Istanbul's Karakoy. I can just spend hours and hours in this lovely, inspiring local design store...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Seyda

Vardar

Apr 29, 2025

Jacqueline Cookies

The best cookies I've ever had

"Jacqueline Cookies" Istanbul: my favorite cookies, period, even though they're much more American than Turkish. Try the Extra Dark Chocolate & Pecan Nut.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vildan

Ay

Apr 29, 2025

Misk

A lovely taste experience in a flower garden

"Misk" is one of my favorite places in Istanbul -- their beautiful flower arrangements and sense of decoration really pushes their moniker 'floral cafe'.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Cuma Cafe

See you at brunch!

"Cuma Cafe" is my favorite spot for a long brunch or coffee & dessert in Istanbul. Their scrambled eggs w/ goat cheese on sourdough toast is a must-taste.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Arzu

Damli

Apr 29, 2025

Heading to Istanbul?

236 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

236 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7291
Filters