Those unacquainted with Istanbul may know it primarily for an enduring infatuation with tea and a preference for its country’s own style of coffee. In recent years it has also become a speciality coffee destination to rival anywhere on either of the two continents on which it sits.
What was previously a handful of speciality shops across the city has evolved into a formidable industry of roasters, baristas and SCA-trained professionals. There’s the inevitable concentration around the tourist hub of Galata and across the water in Moda. But its influence is steadily pushing deeper into countless neighbourhoods across this enormous geographical expanse.
Balat is emerging as an unlikely coffee destination in itself, with half a dozen independent roasters setting up shop in its historic backstreets. More and more quality speciality shops can be found along the suburban Marmaray line, as it drifts eastwards from Kadıköy to Maltepe.
Pioneering brands in the city like Kronotrop have continued to expand their footprint not just across Istanbul and Turkey, but internationally, with a shop in London’s Fitzrovia. Bebek’s Cup of Joy has recently followed suit with a branch opening in nearby Marylebone.
What must also be stressed is how many great coffee shops there are in Istanbul which are not included here. We’ve intentionally kept the scope as tight as possible. That means places truly serious about the coffee they brew: a curated selection of beans, a range of brew methods, and a care for what they produce.
If we’ve missed somewhere that fits the bill, or you think something needs updating, let us know at [email protected].
