Sipping Through Istanbul: Must-Try Turkish Drinks

As the Erasmus Destination of the Year Finalist, Istanbul is a city that shelters a multicultural environment. Istanbul accommodates a diverse range of Turkish cuisine. From local drinks to traditional drinks, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, this blog post will highlight some Turkish drinks that you should try when you come to Istanbul.

ÇAY

Did you know Türkiye is the biggest consumer of tea in the world? A Turkish person drinks 1,300 cups of tea per year on average. After trying out çay for the first time, you will understand why they are so crazy about it. Çay is a richly brewed black tea that you can enjoy any time of the day. It can be the companion of your simit (bagel) breakfast, or you can also sip on it after a long and tiring day. Çay will be one of your best friends during your Erasmus in Istanbul.

TÜRK KAHVESİ

It is also possible that çay is just not your… cup of tea. Istanbul also has a lot of historical Turkish coffee places where you can enjoy this foamy, intense enjoyment. Turkish coffee is traditionally made in a copper pot and is best enjoyed with a view of the beautiful Bosphorus.

AYRAN

This salty yoghurt drink is rather unique to Turkiye. It is best enjoyed with a döner or a çiğköfte, but it is a very flexible drink that could practically be consumed with every meal.

SALEP

This cosy drink is best enjoyed during the cold seasons. Try sitting at the window table of a small cafe, in a calm neighbourhood, and enjoy your cup of salep while watching the street.

ŞALGAM SUYU

If şalgam has 100 fans, I am one of them, if şalgam has only one fan, that means I am the last person on Earth, if nobody likes şalgam it means that humanity has gone extinct. This salty drink is made by fermenting purple carrots and turnips. It is definitely an acquired taste, and we suggest that you start with the normal one before trying the spicy one if you are not used to spice. Turşu suyu (pickle juice) is its cousin and it is just as good.

BOZA

Treat yourself to Boza, a beloved Turkish classic. Made from millet or cornmeal, water, and sugar, Boza's smooth texture and hint of tartness make it a delightful choice. Whether you're strolling through bustling markets or relaxing in a café, Boza promises a taste of Turkish tradition in every sip.

Like what you saw so far? Istanbul is a wonderful city that will definitely leave you thirsty for more. Choose Istanbul as your Erasmus Destination to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of having an unforgettable semester in the bustling capital of çay and street cats.