How to Serve Turkish Tea the Traditional Way
In Turkey, drinking tea isn’t just about the drink — it’s about the ritual.
From how it’s poured to what kind of glass it’s served in, Turkish tea comes with its own customs. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply want to recreate the authentic experience at home, here’s how to serve Turkish tea like it’s done in Rize or Istanbul.
1. Use the Right Tea Glass (İnce Belli Bardak)
Turkish tea is never served in mugs — instead, it’s poured into a small, tulip-shaped glass called an ince belli bardak, meaning "slim-waisted glass."
Why?
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It keeps the tea hot while allowing you to hold it from the top
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The curved shape enhances aroma and color
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It’s part of the cultural charm
Each glass holds around 100 mL — just enough for a few sips, so the tea stays fresh and warm with every pour.
2. Choose the Strength: Açık vs Demli
Everyone drinks their tea differently in Turkey. The beauty of brewing with a çaydanlık is that you can customize each glass.
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Açık çay → Light tea: just a splash of concentrate, more water
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Demli çay → Strong tea: more concentrate, less water
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Some locals prefer it “rabbit blood” red — strong, dark, and crystal clear
Ask your guest how they prefer it — it's part of Turkish hospitality.
3. Add Sugar Only (Never Milk)
Turkish tea is never served with milk — only sugar cubes (if desired).
Most people drink it unsweetened, especially when the tea is high quality, like Mayıs Çayı, which doesn’t need any additives to shine.
🧊 Some people place a sugar cube in their mouth while sipping tea. This is especially common among older generations in rural areas.
🤝 4. Serve It With Respect
In Turkish homes and cafés:
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The youngest usually pours tea for elders
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It's common to offer two cups per guest, sometimes even without asking
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Tea is often accompanied by a small cookie, simit, or dried fruit
If someone refuses tea more than once, then it’s polite to stop offering. Otherwise, keep that kettle warm — Turkish hospitality means keeping glasses full.
🕰️ 5. When Is Turkish Tea Served?
Short answer: all day long.
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With breakfast
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After lunch
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During office breaks
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At family gatherings
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When guests arrive
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Even late at night
There’s no specific “tea time” — any time is tea time.
✨ Bonus: Serving Mayıs Çayı
At Tami Gourmet, we recommend serving our Mayıs Çayı in the most traditional way:
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Brew it slowly in a çaydanlık
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Serve in thin glass cups
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Skip the sugar unless your guest asks
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Offer a second round — always!
Our tea is smooth, floral, and naturally full-bodied — perfect for serving without milk or additives.
🛒 Shop Mayıs Çayı – Premium Turkish Tea from Rize
Serve it the traditional way. Pure, spring-harvested, and made to share.