Istanbul in a Glass

This experience is a sensorial journey through Kadıköy that reveals Istanbul’s cultural identity through its drinks. You’ll begin with Turkish coffee brewed with mastica, and learn how, in Turkish tradition, fortunes are read in the coffee grounds. At the next stop, you’ll taste sherbet, the Ottomans’ favorite refreshment, and ancestor of Italian sorbet. Depending on the season, you might try boza, a fermented winter drink, or salep, a warming blend of orchid root + milk. Then you’ll visit a traditional tavern for the rakı ritual — how it’s poured, paired and enjoyed slowly with cheese, melon and şalgam (pickled turnip juice) to temper the heat of anise. This is where you’ll hear about Turkey’s fermentation story, from yoğurt and tarhana to ayran. Your guide will lead you through Kadıköy’s local bar scene. You’ll try a Turkish beer, a bite of late-night street food, and maybe a cold glass of ayran. The night winds down with Turkish tea, served with sweets and conversation.

Your guide meets you at the ferry pier and leads you through Kadıköy’s lively streets, with stops at hidden cafés, taverns, and bars to uncover the rituals behind each drink. This experience, designed and led by Lisa, draws on her deep knowledge of Istanbul’s drinking traditions — from fermented grains and sweet sherbets to pickled juices — and her passion for the rituals that surround them. She will take you into historic stores and hidden cafés that have been part of the city’s fabric for generations. After soaking up the nightlife, you'll return to the pier where you can ferry across the Bosphorus on your own. Most visitors in Istanbul will try Turkish coffee, tea, and wine — but few are introduced to the wide spectrum of traditional beverages that reveal Istanbul’s liquid heritage, and fewer still will have the chance to sample drinks like boza and ayran. These drinks, each with their own rich history, showcase Istanbul’s blend of Ottoman, Byzantine and modern influences.

Lisa is a Ukrainian-born food and wine expert who has called Turkey home for over two decades, making her uniquely positioned to guide you through Istanbul’s drinking traditions. Raised in Crimea’s winemaking terrain, she developed an early appreciation for fermentation and viticulture - knowledge that translates seamlessly into exploring Turkey’s diverse beverages. Holding a prestigious DipWSET wine expert degree and a Gastronomy degree from the West London Hospitality School, she combines academic expertise with lived experience. As the author of a book on Istanbul’s gastronomic culture, shortlisted for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, Lisa brings stories, context, and nuance to every glass. Her passion for both Turkish wine and traditional drinks makes her the perfect host to help you experience Kadıköy’s cafés, taverns, and nightlife the way locals do.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a light jacket for cooler evenings and a camera to capture street scenes. If you prefer non-alcoholic alternatives or have dietary restrictions, please let Lisa know in advance post booking.