Çay
Turkish Tea
A Way of Life
Ruby-red, brewed in a double teapot, served in tulip glasses — Turkey drinks more tea per capita than any country on earth.
The heartbeat of Turkey
Why Turkish Tea?
Turkey is the world's largest tea consumer per capita — and the ritual of çay is woven into every moment of daily life
300 Million Cups a Day
Turkey consumes more tea per person than any country in the world — roughly 300 million cups every single day. Turkish tea (çay) isn't just a beverage; it's the social glue of an entire nation. It's offered to guests as a sign of welcome, shared between shopkeepers and customers during negotiations, and poured endlessly at family breakfast tables on lazy weekend mornings.
The tea itself comes from the Rize province on Turkey's Black Sea coast, where misty mountain slopes produce a distinctive black tea. It's brewed using a çaydanlık — a stacked double teapot where a strong concentrate steeps on top while water boils below. Each cup is poured to strength, and always in a tulip-shaped glass that shows off the tea's jewel-like ruby color.
Tea Service at Fremont
At Istanbul Mediterranean 2, Turkish tea is a cornerstone of the experience. Order a single cup ($2.45) to accompany your meal, or settle in with a full Tea Thermos ($9.95) — enough for several cups, refilled with hot water so you can brew to your preferred strength.
Our tea is brewed traditionally using a double teapot, served in authentic tulip glasses, and poured with care. Pair it with a simit for the most Istanbul breakfast possible, or enjoy it with a plate of baklava in the afternoon. No sugar is added — but sugar cubes are always on the table.
Turkish Tea FAQ
More to Discover
Explore other authentic Turkish dishes at Istanbul Mediterranean 2
Visit Us
Try It at 505 Fremont
Walk-ins always welcome. For groups of 6+, call ahead to reserve.