I used to think of Bebek as the place where one goes for just two reasons - to see and be seen. A sleepy village by the Bosphorus less than a century ago, Bebek has turned into one of the most upscale Istanbul neighborhoods. The rich and beautiful people living here could have helped the country to pay off its external debt if they were to team up and sell their cars and yachts parked right here to the delight of a passerby. If you can’t afford living in Bebek it is still ok to come here to splash on a meal, not necessarily so excellent yet certainly self-esteem boosting. Thankfully, things change, and now you can travel to Bebek for something more substantial than the Bosphorus view and feeling good about your purchasing power - one of the best cups of coffee in Istanbul.
Istanbul Coffee Shops
My relationship with coffee is highly seasonal. Its heavy flavor comes counteractive to my idea of staying fresh and hydrated in summer. But as the days get colder I become manic about following up my every single meal - heavier and at times way too comforting - with a sip of dense strong coffee that gives me the feeling of content yet withdraws the need for a nap.
My regular choice is naturally Turkish coffee. I make coffee myself more often that I drink it outside. I have quickly mastered the tricky tricks of brewing it in cezve, a small copper bowl with a long handle. And after practicing daily in winter and tasting many (mostly unfortunate) cups outside - too watery, bowled and gone ashy, made with unpleasant Istanbul tap water - I can tell you a thing or too about good Turkish coffee. And if you really want to know the awful truth here it is: once you know what to do with your cezve brand of Turkish coffee you use does not matter so much. Even Mehmet Effendi works well - listen to me carefully - as long as it ultrafresh (roasted that very day and ground right before brewing).
