Free Shipping* $50+, Free Returns, & 30-Day Trial.
turkish tea

easy traditional turkish tea recipe in 5 steps

SAKI Team January 17, 2024
Easy Traditional Turkish Tea Recipe in 5 Steps

Summary: Learn how to brew a perfect cup of authentic Turkish tea in easy 5-steps with this guide! We'll help you select the best tea leaves, explan the significance of a Turkish tea pot, and show you how to serve this delightful beverage like a local.

At the heart of Turkey lies its treasured beverage, "çay" (pronounced "chai"). More than just a drink, it signifies hospitality, culture, and the age-old tradition of meaningful conversations. Those vibrant tulip-shaped glasses, brimming with a deep amber potion, often spark curiosity. Today, we unravel the secrets of this iconic beverage and guide you in replicating the authentic experience at home.

Brewing Essentials: Meet the "Çaydanlık"

The core of a genuine Turkish tea lies in its brewing method. The "çaydanlık", a two-tiered pot, is the secret. The bottom boils the water, while the top, filled with tea leaves, brews a concentrated infusion.

If you are unable to locate a çaydanlık, it is not an issue. We have a modern solution that honours the old tradition - the TeaSmart Turkish Tea Maker. This handy electric Turkish tea kettle offers a seamless blend of authenticity and convenience.

Ingredients: Quality is Key

Turkish tea is a testament to the beauty in simplicity. The pillars of this exquisite drink are premium black tea leaves and clean, filtered or bottled water. Your tea's essence lies in the quality of these core ingredients. As a general guideline, for every 40 ml of water, use about 1 gram of tea and adjust to taste.

For the adventurous at heart, a sprinkle of Earl Grey, a hint of clove, or a cinnamon stick can elevate the experience. The world of flavors is vast; explore it at your discretion!

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons of loose leaf Turkish tea or 4 teaspoons of Turkish tea bags
  • 1.75L of water.
  • Çaydanlık or Electric Turkish Tea Kettle
  • Optional: Sugar cubes and lemon slices to taste.
  • Serving: Tea Glass

Step-by-step Guide to Brewing Authentic Turkish Tea

  • 1. Begin with Quality Tea: Choose good quality, loose black tea. Rize tea from the Black Sea region of Turkey is the most traditional and gives a unique flavor. However, if you can't find this, any high-quality black tea will suffice.
  • 2. Master the Double Boiling Method - "Caydanlik": Brew Turkish tea using a two-tier kettle known as "çaydanlık." The bottom pot is for boiling water and the top pot is for steeping the tea. This setup lets the flavors mix just right, so you get a good balance of strength and aroma.
    • Fill the bottom pot with fresh water and bring it to a boil.
    • Place 2 full tablespoons of black tea into the top pot. Once the water in the bottom pot boils, pour half of it over the tea leaves in the top pot.
  • Pro Tip: For an effortless authentic tea-making experience, we recommend using the Electric Tea Maker. It replicates the traditional brewing process easily.

  • 3. Let it Steep: With your SAKI TeaSmart, start by boiling water in the bottom kettle. Once the water boiled, add tea leaves to the top kettle and pour boiling water over. Refill the bottom kettle again and bring to boil. Let the leaves steep for 10-15 minutes for an optimal extraction of flavors.

  • 4. Serve It Right: The unique aspect of Turkish tea is its strength. Fill a small tulip shaped glass a quarter to half with tea from the top pot. Then dilute it with the boiling water from the bottom pot until it's just how you like it. It should have a deep reddish-brown hue.

  • 5. Add-ons and Garnishing: People traditionally enjoy Turkish tea without milk. Some people prefer a sugar cube or two, and some might like a slice of lemon. All about personal preference. The key is to sip and savor

A Cup of Culture

Remember, a cup of Turkish tea is more than a beverage - it's an experience steeped in culture and tradition. It fosters conversations and strengthens bonds.

Keep in mind, the perfect cup of Turkish tea depends on the tea's quality, the double boiling technique, and the patience in brewing. Here's to many delightful tea sessions ahead. As the Turkish adage goes, "Çay keyfi" – savor the elegance of tea

Ready to experience the authentic flavor of Turkish tea at home? Explore the convenience of brewing traditional Turkish tea with the TeaSmart Turkish Tea Maker.

Common Questions & Answers

Q: Can I also use samovar to make Turkish tea?

A: Yes, you can use samovar to make Turkish tea because it is a dual teapot as well. Explore modern electric samovars in this link.

Q: Should I use loose tea leaves or tea bags?

A: Choosing loose tea leaves is always better are for a richer taste. Tea bags, with their added material, might slightly alter the brew's flavor.

Q: What type of teapot is best for Turkish tea?

A: Porcelain teapots are the most recommended teapots to make Turkish tea. However, the essence lies in the tea leaves' quality and water. For porcelain teapot options, click this link.