Turkish Breakfast — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Traditional Turkish breakfast is a candidate for inclusion in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. And for good reason! It's not just a meal, but a true lifestyle. In this article, I'll tell you about the nuances of this magical ritual.
Just imagine: on Sunday morning, you wake up to soft sunlight. You visit relatives or meet friends at a café on the waterfront. You breathe in the aroma of fresh bread, pass colorful small plates to each other, trying to guess which jam will be served today. The main reason for the Sunday meal is to gather with loved ones and discuss the latest news.
Breakfast must be enjoyed slowly. It's perfectly normal if the morning meal smoothly transitions into lunch or even stretches until evening. Turks love to savor the moment. It's not surprising that many establishments specializing in breakfasts work until 5:00-6:00 PM.
If you've never heard of this traditional meal, congratulations! You're in for a surprise and, hopefully, delight. Dozens of dishes with various meze, fresh vegetables, fruits, olives, pastries, and other delicacies. All of this is completed with unlimited amounts of strong, tart tea served in the famous tulip-shaped glasses. There probably isn't a person on Earth who wouldn't enjoy such a start to their day.
Breakfast must be enjoyed slowly. It's perfectly normal if the morning meal smoothly transitions into lunch or even stretches until evening. Turks love to savor the moment. It's not surprising that many establishments specializing in breakfasts work until 5:00-6:00 PM.
If you've never heard of this traditional meal, congratulations! You're in for a surprise and, hopefully, delight. Dozens of dishes with various meze, fresh vegetables, fruits, olives, pastries, and other delicacies. All of this is completed with unlimited amounts of strong, tart tea served in the famous tulip-shaped glasses. There probably isn't a person on Earth who wouldn't enjoy such a start to their day.
What makes up a Turkish breakfast
The classic Turkish breakfast consists of a "basic set" - components that are constant. These are fresh vegetables, various kinds of cheese, sausages, olives, and eggs. Some places will silently serve fried eggs with a runny yolk, while others will ask how you'd like your eggs prepared.
Then comes the most interesting part: each region of Turkey (or restaurant representing that region's cuisine) serves different components. Various types of meze: yogurt spread, spicy adjika (red pepper paste), hummus... The same applies to the sweet part: honey with kaymak (fatty cream similar to butter), rose jam, orange peel jam, and even milk jam! Everything depends on the chef's imagination and their background. Some places will serve liquid halva, others homemade kumquat jam. The pastries will also differ: simits (Turkish sesame bagels), hot fluffy flatbreads... Endless variety!
You can go to restaurants endlessly, evaluating the taste, aesthetics of the place, and enjoying yourself.
You can go to restaurants endlessly, evaluating the taste, aesthetics of the place, and enjoying yourself.
History of origin
The word kahvaltı literally translates as "before coffee", or more precisely "under coffee" - kahve altı. Turks mean that food enters the stomach first, and only afterward, on top, comes strong Turkish coffee. That's why tea is served during breakfast. Consuming caffeine on an empty stomach is considered harmful to health.
Where did the tradition of long and beautiful breakfasts come from? Until the beginning of the 20th century, the concept of breakfast did not exist in Turkey. During the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, locals limited themselves to two meals: lunch and dinner. Lunch was usually taken five to six hours after morning prayer.
Where did the tradition of long and beautiful breakfasts come from? Until the beginning of the 20th century, the concept of breakfast did not exist in Turkey. During the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, locals limited themselves to two meals: lunch and dinner. Lunch was usually taken five to six hours after morning prayer.
The first mentions of a breakfast similar to modern ones date back to the reign of Sultan Bayezid II - the grandfather of the famous Suleiman the Magnificent. The Sultan loved to dine early in the morning. He preferred chilled meat, kaymak, cheese, fresh and stuffed vegetables, and dried fruits.
Modern Turkish breakfast appeared in the early 20th century under the influence of European gastronomic traditions. During this time, the Ottoman Empire began using knives and forks, and low tables and carpets were replaced with high dining tables and chairs. Coffee houses in the European style began to open in Istanbul. The tradition of drinking coffee in the morning took hold, and pastries and snacks began to be served with it.
How not to make a mistake with your order
If you're afraid of making a mistake when ordering, ask for serpme kahvaltı. They will definitely bring you what urgently needs to be taken under UNESCO protection.
The price for breakfast is often fixed, for 1 or 2 people. But perhaps you'll want to supplement your "tasty constructor" with dishes from the menu. There will be many dishes in the basic set. Therefore, I recommend ordering something extra only if you're confident in yourself. You can order:
▪︎ menemen - fried eggs with tomato and pepper sauce;
▪︎ muhlama - Turkish equivalent of fondue - melted cheese in a pan;
▪︎ pişi - donuts, which are so delicious to spread jam on.
Tea is usually unlimited. They will bring a teapot or will constantly serve new tulip-shaped glasses. You can order freshly squeezed orange or pomegranate juice, depending on the season.
Often, breakfast establishments don't have menus, apparently to make the choice easier. If you've come, it's assumed that you want to have breakfast. And in such a way that it would be difficult to take a breath afterward. If the restaurant doesn't have a menu, inform the waiter about any additional requests.
The price for breakfast is often fixed, for 1 or 2 people. But perhaps you'll want to supplement your "tasty constructor" with dishes from the menu. There will be many dishes in the basic set. Therefore, I recommend ordering something extra only if you're confident in yourself. You can order:
▪︎ menemen - fried eggs with tomato and pepper sauce;
▪︎ muhlama - Turkish equivalent of fondue - melted cheese in a pan;
▪︎ pişi - donuts, which are so delicious to spread jam on.
Tea is usually unlimited. They will bring a teapot or will constantly serve new tulip-shaped glasses. You can order freshly squeezed orange or pomegranate juice, depending on the season.
Often, breakfast establishments don't have menus, apparently to make the choice easier. If you've come, it's assumed that you want to have breakfast. And in such a way that it would be difficult to take a breath afterward. If the restaurant doesn't have a menu, inform the waiter about any additional requests.
Best places for Turkish breakfast
Turkish breakfast is very easy to find. For tourists, cafes and restaurants will definitely write "turkish breakfast" in English on the menu. But I'll recommend several proven places in Istanbul to make your introduction to the cuisine perfect.
Bazlama Çeşme Kahvaltı
Adress: Osman F. Seden Street, 8B
This restaurant is located in the fashionable Nişantaşı district on the European side of Istanbul. It's easily recognizable by the constant queue of visitors that forms outside the establishment. The concept is as if you've come to visit a Turkish grandmother's apartment. She treats you to gözleme flatbreads, freshly baked, while her nephews distribute jam. Here, guests are constantly being offered something and having their plates refilled. Bazlama Çeşme Kahvaltı is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Istanbul among locals.
This restaurant is located in the fashionable Nişantaşı district on the European side of Istanbul. It's easily recognizable by the constant queue of visitors that forms outside the establishment. The concept is as if you've come to visit a Turkish grandmother's apartment. She treats you to gözleme flatbreads, freshly baked, while her nephews distribute jam. Here, guests are constantly being offered something and having their plates refilled. Bazlama Çeşme Kahvaltı is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Istanbul among locals.
Nezih Kebap Yuvalama
Adress: Yahya Kemal Street, 22
This is a place with the vibe of old Istanbul from the photographs of famous photographer Ara Güler. Tin dishes, loud neighbors, an amazing view of the Bosphorus, and quite unceremonious Turkish service where you're treated like a relative from the moment you enter. Yes, in Turkey, you'll often hear yourself addressed as "sister," "brother," "daughter." Coming here, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. After breakfast, you can walk along the embankment and visit the Rumeli Fortress. A boat trip on the Bosphorus would be an excellent continuation of the day.
This is a place with the vibe of old Istanbul from the photographs of famous photographer Ara Güler. Tin dishes, loud neighbors, an amazing view of the Bosphorus, and quite unceremonious Turkish service where you're treated like a relative from the moment you enter. Yes, in Turkey, you'll often hear yourself addressed as "sister," "brother," "daughter." Coming here, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. After breakfast, you can walk along the embankment and visit the Rumeli Fortress. A boat trip on the Bosphorus would be an excellent continuation of the day.
Van Kahvaltı Evi
Adress: Defterdar Yokuşu Street, 52
This cafe is located in the hipster district that Europeans adore - Cihangir. There are no views of the Bosphorus here, nor beautiful dishes. But there is delicious food, complemented by an incredibly warm atmosphere. They serve traditional breakfasts from the Van region, which is located on the border with Armenia. The service is warm and feels homey. The restaurant prepares the most delicious liquid halva with poppy seeds. They keep pouring tea even when you're already begging the waiters to stop.
This cafe is located in the hipster district that Europeans adore - Cihangir. There are no views of the Bosphorus here, nor beautiful dishes. But there is delicious food, complemented by an incredibly warm atmosphere. They serve traditional breakfasts from the Van region, which is located on the border with Armenia. The service is warm and feels homey. The restaurant prepares the most delicious liquid halva with poppy seeds. They keep pouring tea even when you're already begging the waiters to stop.
Çelebi Oğlu Sokak
Adress: Çelebi Oğlu Street
Can you imagine that the first meal of the day is so important to Turks that they dedicated an entire street to it? It's located in the European part of the city, in the Beşiktaş district. There are establishments exclusively for breakfasts. Choose any one you like and enjoy.
Can you imagine that the first meal of the day is so important to Turks that they dedicated an entire street to it? It's located in the European part of the city, in the Beşiktaş district. There are establishments exclusively for breakfasts. Choose any one you like and enjoy.
Ethem Efendi Kahvaltı
Adress: Ethem Efendi Street, 50
You enter a stylish, large country house whose hostess loves to tend to the garden, buy beautiful dishes, art objects, and, of course, feed her guests deliciously. A special aesthetic and gastronomic pleasure awaits you! The restaurant is located in the Asian part, in a quiet, green area. Here you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and relax. By the way, it would be great to combine a visit to Ethem Efendi Kahvaltı with a voyage to the Princes' Islands.
You enter a stylish, large country house whose hostess loves to tend to the garden, buy beautiful dishes, art objects, and, of course, feed her guests deliciously. A special aesthetic and gastronomic pleasure awaits you! The restaurant is located in the Asian part, in a quiet, green area. Here you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and relax. By the way, it would be great to combine a visit to Ethem Efendi Kahvaltı with a voyage to the Princes' Islands.
Big Chefs Moda
Adress: Meclis-i Mebusan Street, 8B
Another establishment located in Asia, in the Moda district. Big Chefs is a popular restaurant chain. The location in Moda is worth attention. The interior is stylish and airy. The terrace offers a view of the Marmara Sea. The breakfast is traditional and delicious. If not everyone in your group wants exactly that, they'll find many alternatives on the menu. The selection of dishes is rich. You can order a glass of sparkling wine if you wish to start your day beautifully.
Another establishment located in Asia, in the Moda district. Big Chefs is a popular restaurant chain. The location in Moda is worth attention. The interior is stylish and airy. The terrace offers a view of the Marmara Sea. The breakfast is traditional and delicious. If not everyone in your group wants exactly that, they'll find many alternatives on the menu. The selection of dishes is rich. You can order a glass of sparkling wine if you wish to start your day beautifully.
Yiğit Sofram Gözleme ve Kahvaltı
Adress: Yeni Yuva Street, 31A
This restaurant is known for offering both the traditional Turkish breakfast and its mini-version. An excellent option if you don't want to eat a lot. They'll serve an egg dish in an iron skillet, cheese, olives, vegetables, but all in a size that anyone can manage.
This restaurant is known for offering both the traditional Turkish breakfast and its mini-version. An excellent option if you don't want to eat a lot. They'll serve an egg dish in an iron skillet, cheese, olives, vegetables, but all in a size that anyone can manage.
Villa Cello
Adress: Güzin Street, 13
Here, not only is the breakfast from one of Turkey's most "delicious" provinces – Hatay – good, but also the location. If you're tired of the city hustle, this is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. The special feature is a country house and spheres with views of the mountains and the third bridge over the Bosphorus. You can comfortably accommodate a group, and it will be warm even in bad weather. Each sphere is equipped with a heater as well as windows for ventilation. If the weather is warm and sunny, bring your swimsuit: there's a pool on the premises.
You can spend the whole day at the restaurant. The establishment is located somewhat away from the center, in the Sarıyer district. It takes a long time to get there and isn't simple, but it's worth it.
Here, not only is the breakfast from one of Turkey's most "delicious" provinces – Hatay – good, but also the location. If you're tired of the city hustle, this is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. The special feature is a country house and spheres with views of the mountains and the third bridge over the Bosphorus. You can comfortably accommodate a group, and it will be warm even in bad weather. Each sphere is equipped with a heater as well as windows for ventilation. If the weather is warm and sunny, bring your swimsuit: there's a pool on the premises.
You can spend the whole day at the restaurant. The establishment is located somewhat away from the center, in the Sarıyer district. It takes a long time to get there and isn't simple, but it's worth it.
Try it while you can!
The authorities constantly open discussions about banning the Turkish breakfast because it's practically impossible to finish, even if you're terribly hungry. Leftovers have to be thrown away, which is neither economical nor ecological. Therefore, hurry to enjoy this tradition while it still exists.
Not trying the traditional breakfast would be a crime. Consider that you haven't been to Turkey if you've only eaten breakfast in a buffet format. When visiting different countries, you can discover many new things by tasting local dishes. Getting to know cultural heritage through food is one of the most pleasant components of travel, don't you agree?
Not trying the traditional breakfast would be a crime. Consider that you haven't been to Turkey if you've only eaten breakfast in a buffet format. When visiting different countries, you can discover many new things by tasting local dishes. Getting to know cultural heritage through food is one of the most pleasant components of travel, don't you agree?
Ekaterina Kosova - I moved to Istanbul before it became mainstream. I love exploring the eternal city and discovering interesting and delicious places. I write texts, professionally stroll and travel, and freeze moments through photos and videos.