Here's my top ten of outdoor cafés in Istanbul. Some of the places in this article offer you a chance to experience history and mysticism, others offer an escapade to serenity in the middle of the hectic city life. It's very unlikely you can try them all out during your visit, but I'm sure you'll find a few that are just what you were looking for. Çorlulu Ali Paşa This is … [Read more...]
Salep and Boza – History and Recipe of Special Turkish Winter Drinks
When the winter comes two traditional and historic drinks, salep and boza, color up the cold grey days. Salep with its ancient medical history warms you up. Boza with its nutritious thick texture cools you down. If you happen to be in Istanbul during winter, these drinks most definitely offer a different experience to your taste buds. Boza - One of the Oldest Turkish … [Read more...]
Turkish Tea, an Offer You Can’t Refuse
Tea is big in Turkey. A great deal of the population admires this drink. When asked to describe a hot summer day, a cold winter day, a visit to family or friends, a quick way to relax and especially a full breakfast, tea will be part of it. People often associate Turkish tea with apple tea, but that's just a touristic thing. Traditional Turkish tea is black, and it's … [Read more...]
Nargile or Turkish Water Pipe – 500 Years of Smoking Tradition
The Turkish water pipe or nargile (sometimes also called a hookah or hubble-bubble) has been around for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an instrument to smoke hashish or any other drug. The only products used are different flavors of (Turkish) tobacco. There is nothing shady about this 500 year smoking tradition. It's just a great way to slow life down and … [Read more...]
What to Drink in Istanbul?
In Istanbul you have a wide variety of local drinks to try out -- hot or cold, with or without alcohol. Some of them will sound and look familiar but come with a Turkish twist, such as tea or coffee. Others will be new to you and are well worth a try to please your taste buds. Among those are ayran, boza and other juices. In the alcoholic department, rakı is the undisputed … [Read more...]