Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Turks have a fairly relaxed attitude towards alcohol, but public drunkenness is frowned
upon.
Similar to Greek ouzo, the Turks' beloved rakı (aniseed brandy) is served in long thin
glasses - neat or with water, which turns the clear liquid chalky white. Add the water be-
fore the ice
(buz),
as dropping ice straight into rakı kills its flavour. Rakı is best accom-
panied by melon and
beyaz peynir
mezes and seafood.
Bira
(beer) is also popular. The local pilsener, Efes, comes in bottles, cans and on tap.
Turkey makes its own
şarap
(wine), which has improved in quality over the past dec-
ade but is expensive. Head to Cappadocia or the Aegean island of Bozcaada to taste-test.
The major producers of
kırmızı
(red) and
beyaz
(white) wine are the Doluca Company
(
www.doluca.com
;
look out for its labels Sarafin, Karma, Kav Tuğra and DLC); and
Kavaklidere (
www.kavaklidere.com
), known for its labels Ancyra, Prestige, Pendore - the
red
boğazkere
(one of several Turkish varietals) is particularly good - and quaffable
Çankaya white blend. Smaller producers such as Vinkara (
www.vinkara.com
)
and Kayra
(
www.kayrasaraplari.com
)
are starting to build a reputation with wines such as Kayra's
buzbağ
.
Nonalcoholic Drinks
Drinking çay is the national pastime. Sugar
cubes are the only accompaniment and you'll
find these are needed to counter the effects of
long brewing, although you can always try ask-
ing for it
açık
(weaker). In hotels and Western-
style cafes it's acceptable to ask for
süt
(milk).
The wholly chemical, caffeine-free
elma
(apple) çay is mainly for tourists.
Surprisingly,
türk kahve
(Turkish coffee) isn't
widely consumed. A thick and powerful brew,
it's drunk in a couple of short sips. If you order
a cup, you will be asked of you want it
çok
şekerli
(very sweet),
orta şekerli
(middling),
az
şekerli
(slightly sweet) or
şekersiz or sade
(not
at all). A glass of water should accompany the
coffee, to clear your palate before sampling the
heady brew.
Culinary
Hotspots
1 BEYOĞLU, İSTANBUL (
CLICK HERE
)
2 BODRUM (
CLICK HERE
)
3 ŞANLIURFA (URFA;
CLICK HERE
)
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