Explore Guides
Local food map
Istanbul (Turkey)
Hotels in area
Drink
Vegan
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
2kcal
—Protein
—Carbs
—Fat
—Fibre
150 mlServing
* Per serving · 150 ml. May vary.
Turkish Tea
How to order / say it
Say it
Türk Çayı — [TOURK CHY]
Order
I'd like a Turkish tea, please.
Locally
Bir Türk çayı alayım lütfen.
Say locally
A black tea served in a small, tulip-shaped glass.
Why try it?
Turkish Tea is an integral part of social interaction in Istanbul, served at any hour and associated with hospitality, conversation, and tradition. Sharing tea is considered a gesture of warmth and friendship.
How it tastes
Rich, strong, and slightly astringent, with a deep amber color, traditionally served with sugar in a delicate glass, offering a comforting warmth.
Origin & History — first documented: 1900
The tradition of Turkish Tea started in the early 20th century in response to high coffee prices, becoming rapidly popular thanks to local cultivation in Rize, Turkey's tea-producing region.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌿 10 g black tea leaves
- 500 ml water
Method
- 1 Boil water in a kettle.
- 2 Add tea leaves to a pot and pour boiled water over them.
- 3 Let steep for 10-15 minutes.
- 4 Strain and serve in small glasses.
More from Rize
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Manti
Mantı
MAHN-tuh
Tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat, often served with yogurt.
🌿
Main course
Vegetarian
Sarik Bey
Sarı Beğ
sah-REE beh
A dish of char-grilled aubergines with garlic yogurt sauce.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegan
Grape Molasses
Pekmez
PEK-mez
Thick, sweet syrup made from boiled-down grape juice.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegetarian
Pumpkin Dessert
Kabak Tatlısı
kah-BAHK tah-tluh-SUH
A sweet and tender pumpkin dessert cooked with sugar and nuts.
🌿
Dessert
Vegetarian
Taurus Mountain Honeycomb
Toros Dağı Petek Balı
TOH-rohs DAH-guh peh-TEHK BAH-luh
Raw honeycomb harvested from the Taurus Mountains.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Sautéed Lamb Liver
Arnavut Ciğeri
AR-nah-voot JEE-yeh-ree
Tender, spiced lamb liver served with raw onions.
© Wikimedia Commons
Street food
Meat
Kumpir
koom-PEER
Baked potato with various fillings such as cheese, sausage, and salads.
© Wikimedia Commons
Starter
Vegan
Cracked Wheat and Vegetable Salad
Kisir
KIH-sir
A refreshing salad of bulgur mixed with vegetables and tomato paste.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Lamb Shish Kebab
Kuzu Şiş Kebap
KOO-zoo SHEESH keh-bab
Skewered and grilled marinated lamb cubes.
© Wikimedia Commons
Drink
Vegan
Turkish Coffee
Türk Kahvesi
turk KAH-veh-se
Finely ground coffee brewed in a special pot, served unfiltered with foam on top.