Turkish Tea Culture: How to Order Çay in Istanbul
Order çay in Istanbul, choose a lighter or stronger glass and recognise the double teapot and tulip-shaped glass.

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Explore Istanbul’s hot drinks, starting with the small glass of black tea known as çay. The guide explains how tea is served and how to ask for a lighter or stronger glass. Use it when ordering at breakfast, stopping at a café or taking a break near the ferry. If you’re trying Turkish tea for the first time, taste it before adding sugar so you can decide how you like it.
Order çay in Istanbul, choose a lighter or stronger glass and recognise the double teapot and tulip-shaped glass.
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