From the UNESCO-listed coffee ritual to the endless glasses of çay that punctuate every day, hot drinks are the soul of Turkish hospitality. Here is the story.
In Türkiye, offering a guest coffee or tea is the very definition of hospitality. Both drinks carry centuries of ritual and meaning — and tasting them the traditional way is one of the simplest joys of a trip. Here is what makes them special.
Turkish Coffee — A UNESCO Tradition
Turkish coffee is finely ground, simmered slowly in a copper cezve and served unfiltered in tiny cups with the grounds settling at the bottom. Its preparation and social culture are recognised on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is served with a glass of water and often a piece of Turkish delight.
Fortune Telling in the Cup
When you finish, tradition says to turn the cup upside down on the saucer, let it cool, and read the patterns the grounds leave — fal, or coffee fortune telling. It is playful, social and a lovely window into Turkish culture.
Çay: The National Drink
Tea (çay) is everywhere — brewed in a double teapot (çaydanlık) and served in tulip-shaped glasses from breakfast to bedtime. It fuels conversation, business and rest alike, and is offered freely in shops and homes across the country.
Where to Enjoy Them
Sip coffee in a historic han in the Grand Bazaar, or tea in a garden overlooking the Bosphorus. Both feature in our Turkish food guide. Want to taste your way across Türkiye? Build your own culinary tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Turkish coffee special?
Turkish coffee is finely ground, simmered slowly in a copper cezve and served unfiltered in small cups. Its preparation and culture are on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
What is Turkish coffee fortune telling?
After finishing, you turn the cup upside down on the saucer, let it cool, and “read” the patterns the coffee grounds leave — a playful tradition called fal.
Why is tea so important in Türkiye?
Tea (çay) is the national drink, served in tulip glasses from morning to night. Offering tea is a core gesture of Turkish hospitality in shops, homes and offices.
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