How to Make Traditional Turkish Tea for Breakfast

Breakfast is a meal that sets the tone for the day, and in Turkey, it’s a culinary experience that’s incomplete without a steaming cup of traditional Turkish tea. Served in special tulip-shaped glasses, this black tea has been an integral part of Turkish culture for centuries.

Learning how to make Turkish tea at home is not only a delightful way to embrace this rich tradition but also a way to infuse your mornings with warmth and flavor. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the art of making traditional Turkish tea, so you can savor the authentic taste and create an aromatic and inviting atmosphere right in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Loose-leaf Turkish black tea: You can find specially cultivated Turkish tea leaves at most international grocery stores or online. Opt for high-quality tea for the best taste.
• Water: Fresh, cold water is key. Avoid using water that has been sitting for too long.
• A double-stacked teapot: Traditional Turkish tea is generally brewed with a special teapot called a “çaydanlık.” It consists of two stacked tea kettles, with the smaller one placed on top to brew the tea and the larger one filled with boiling water below.
• A heat source: You can use a stovetop or a specialized Turkish tea kettle (çaydanlık) that comes with a built-in heating element.
• Tea glasses: Turkish tea is often served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. They’re designed to keep the tea warm while allowing you to enjoy the rich color.

The Brewing Process

1. To prepare traditional Turkish tea, start by rinsing loose-leaf tea under cold water to remove any impurities and awaken the leaves.
2. Next, fill the larger kettle of the çaydanlık with water and set it on a heat source to bring it to a boil.
3. While the water is heating, place the rinsed tea leaves in the smaller kettle, ensuring they are loose and not packed too tightly.
4. Once the water in the larger kettle reaches a boil, position the smaller kettle with the tea leaves on top.
5. Allow the tea to steam for approximately 15-20 minutes, which brings out the full flavor.
6. After steaming, pour boiling water from the lower kettle into the upper one, covering the tea leaves to begin the brewing process.
7. Let the tea brew for another 15-20 minutes—the longer the brewing time, the stronger the tea.
8. Finally, pour the brewed tea into tulip-shaped glasses, filling them only halfway. You can adjust the tea’s strength by adding hot water from the lower kettle.
9. While Turkish tea is traditionally served without sugar, feel free to sweeten it to your taste if desired.

Savoring Turkish Tea at Breakfast

In Turkey, tea is not just about the beverage itself but also the experience. It’s a moment to pause, connect with others, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. To fully embrace the tradition of Turkish tea, serve the beverage with a plate of assorted breakfast items like olives, cheese, tomatoes, and fresh bread.

Make time to enjoy your tea slowly—it’s not a beverage you should rush. While eating, engage in meaningful conversations with friends or family while, and be open to sharing stories and laughter. Embrace the concept of “keyif,” which is about taking pleasure in the moment. Allow yourself to relax and unwind.