Turkish Coffee vs. Tea: What’s the Real Local Favorite?

Turkish Coffee: More Than Just a Drink

Turkish coffee is not only about taste. It is a traditional part of Turkish culture. People have been preparing it the same way for centuries. The ground coffee is boiled slowly in a small pot called cezve. The foam on top is very important. If it disappears, the coffee is not considered good. This coffee is always served in small cups with a glass of water. Sometimes, Turkish delight is offered beside it.

How Do People Drink Turkish Coffee?

Drinking Turkish coffee is not rushed. Locals take small sips and enjoy the strong flavor. After finishing the drink, the cup is turned upside down. Once the grounds settle, some try to read the shapes for fun predictions. This old custom is known as coffee fortune telling. Want to experience a real Turkish coffee ceremony during your trip? Join Turkish Coffee Making & Fortune Telling Workshop and enjoy it in a historic coffee house.

When Is Turkish Coffee Served?

This drink is often part of special moments. One famous example is the engagement ceremony. The woman makes coffee for the guests. She sometimes puts salt instead of sugar in the groom’s cup. This shows how patient he is. Turkish coffee is also enjoyed after meals or when friends come to visit.

Turkish Tea: The Everyday Favorite

Turkish tea or cay, is everywhere in daily life. From big cities to small towns, tea is offered in homes, offices and even stores. It is strong and dark, served in clear, small glasses that look like tulips. Tea is prepared in a double teapot called caydanlik. One pot is used for brewing tea leaves, and the other holds hot water. Everyone can mix them to make the tea as light or as strong as they like.

How Is Turkish Tea Enjoyed?

Tea is served many times during the day. It can be during breakfast, after lunch or while talking with neighbors. If you visit someone in Turkey, you will almost always be offered a glass of tea. It is seen as a warm welcome and part of being polite. Explore authentic tea with locals during our Private Food Tasting Tour. Perfect for those who love true daily traditions.

Why Is Tea So Important?

Turkey is one of the top tea-drinking countries in the world. Most Turkish families drink several glasses each day. Parks and tea houses are full of people chatting and playing backgammon. These spots are more than places to drink tea. They are where people meet, relax and enjoy time together.

Which One Wins? Turkish Coffee vs Tea

Both drinks have deep roots in Turkish life. But if the question is which one people drink more often, the answer is tea. It is cheap, quick to make and always available. Coffee, on the other hand, is for special occasions. People usually enjoy it when they have time or want to offer something traditional to guests.

Turkish coffee is full of meaning. Tea is a part of the everyday rhythm. Locals often drink both depending on the situation. For casual talk, they pick tea. For reflection or tradition, they choose coffee. Can’t decide between coffee or tea? Istanbul Street Food Tour let you taste both in the best spots while learning the stories behind each sip.

Best Places to Try Turkish Coffee and Tea

• Istanbul is a top spot. In neighborhoods like Beyoglu and Eminonu, there are many old coffee houses. They serve strong, well-made coffee. For tea lovers, the tea gardens in Uskudar or those along the Bosphorus offer perfect views.
• In Safranbolu, a town known for Ottoman houses, visitors can find tea shops with historic charm.
• If you want to learn about tea farming, Rize is the place. It is the center of Turkish tea production. The hills are full of tea plants. You can visit the fields and taste the freshest tea there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Turkish coffee different from other types?
Turkish coffee is not filtered. The grounds stay in the cup. It is boiled, not brewed with pressure like espresso. This gives it a thick, rich taste.

Can Turkish tea be made with milk?
Turkish tea is usually served plain. Some people add sugar, but not milk. It is not part of the traditional way.

Do people in Turkey drink both tea and coffee?
Yes. Most locals enjoy both. Tea is the drink of choice during the day. Coffee is preferred in special settings or as a treat.

Want to experience the best of Turkish drinks during your visit? Learn how to prepare real Turkish coffee or find the coziest tea spots in Istanbul and beyond. Let us help you discover the culture behind every cup.
Contact us to plan your delicious Turkish adventure today.