There are a few things in life that can leave a memory to be treasured for 40 years. But a cup of Turkish coffee is always synonymous with this, as locals say, “a cup of coffee is a labor of love that you remember for 40 years.” While visiting Istanbul, you will be offered Turkish coffee numerous times at numerous locations, whether you’re shopping for carpets at the Grand Bazaar or just paused for a break after a long day exploring properties for sale in Istanbul. No matter how good these cups taste and how unforgettable the experience might be, you probably haven’t tasted the best cup just yet. It is the following few select locations that are the recognized masters of the art of Turkish coffee. Going to anyone of these is an experience that will stay with you, hopefully even longer than 40 years.
Mandabatmaz, Beyoğlu
Located on a very narrow street across from St. Antoine’s Church, close to the Galatasaray Square off Istiklal Avenue, is a tiny tea and coffee house with a giant fame, and a beautiful logo to match that. The name translates as “Buffalo Doesn’t Sink” and the logo features a giant buffalo standing on top of a cup of coffee. The thick, delicious Turkish coffee is prepared with hot water instead of cold. The preparation method is more time consuming, but the taste is very well worth the wait. The foamy part on top is indeed thick and strong, making you wonder whether a 2-3 ton buffalo would really be able to stand on it without sinking. Beyoğlu is of course the heart of Istanbul, the wide area between Taksim and Tünel Squares. It also includes some of the most valuable properties in Turkey.
Fazıl Bey, Kadıköy
The Asian Side of Istanbul has a contender for the best Turkish coffee in town and it’s an old, nostalgic place established in 1923. The coffee, the street and the atmosphere all add up to one of the most authentic experiences in the entire city. They rely on traditional coffee grinding methods through old machines, to produce coffee that is “delicious, fresh and pure” as the owners claim. They have a total of four locations on the Asian side, two in the historic Kadıköy bazaar and another two on Bağdat Avenue. The latter two are newer locations located on the most important shopping and residential zone on the Asian side. After exploring the luxury properties and high-end fashion stores, you will find the peace and comfort you need in a delicious cup of Turkish coffee.
Ethem Tezçakar Coffee, The Grand Bazaar
Established in 1909, this historic place with old brick walls still roasts the coffee on wood. In perfect harmony with the nostalgic feel of the Grand Bazaar, the coffee is easily one of the best tasting ones in the city. Sitting on small stools, you can enjoy the timeless atmosphere of the oldest closed bazaar in the world. Its shopkeepers and craftsmen have been enjoying the coffee of Ethem Tezkaçar for decades and now, you can too. Be sure to try a taste of the baklava he serves to accompany your coffee.