Turkish Tea, or Çay, is a strong black tea with a rich flavor, strong aroma, and a beautiful deep red color. It’s made using a special brewing method that gives it its unique taste, and is served hot in small tulip-shaped glasses.
Turkish tea is made from tea leaves carefully harvested and processed in the Black Sea region. It is more than just something to drink. It’s a big part of daily life in Turkey, one of Turkey’s cultural symbols and a must-have drink for tea lovers.
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In Turkey, offering tea isn’t just about being polite—it’s a way to show kindness and make people feel welcome. It’s such an important part of the culture that refusing a cup is pretty rare. Sharing Turkish tea is a simple tradition that brings people closer.
Turkish Tea: The Heart of a Traditional Turkish Breakfast
No Turkish Breakfast is complete without a steaming glass of Turkish tea. It’s not just a drink—it’s an essential part of the morning ritual that ties everything together. Whether the table is filled with fresh Simit bread, Paskalya Çöreği (Tsoureki) - Easter Bread, Biberli Ekmek - Turkish Pepper Bread, olives, cheese, Sucuklu Yumurta - Turkish Sausage and Eggs, Healthy Mediterranean Egg Salad, or sweet spreads like honey and jam, Turkish tea is always there to complement the meal.
Served in tulip-shaped glasses, Turkish Çay adds warmth to the breakfast spread. Its rich flavor balances well with the variety of savory and sweet dishes that make up a typical Turkish breakfast. More than just a beverage, it’s a way to slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with family or friends.
In Turkey, breakfast isn’t rushed, and neither is the tea. It’s brewed patiently in a double teapot (çaydanlık), ensuring it’s strong, flavorful, and ready for multiple refills.
What You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
- Loose-leaf black tea - Turkish brand Çaykur Rize Filiz çayi is my favorite and is widely used, but any loose black tea works. I also add Çaykur Tomurcuk or Earl Grey Tea for a deeper and stronger aroma.
- A double teapot (çaydanlık) - or any setup that lets you brew tea and boil water separately. You can find it in large Turkish shops or buy it online from Amazon.
- Turkish tea glass set - You’ll need a 12-piece tea set, perfect for 6 people, which includes 6 tea glasses and 6 matching saucers.
- Water
- Sugar - I have mine without it but you can add sugar to suit to your taste if you like your tea sweet!
How to Make Turkish Tea
If you’re using a çaydanlık, fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a boil. In the top pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of loose tea leaves.
Pour about 2 cups of the boiling water from the bottom pot into the top one.
Place the top pot over the bottom one and let it brew over low heat for 10-15 minutes. This creates a concentrated tea base.
To serve, pour some of the tea concentrate into a glass, filling it about a third of the way. Then, top it up with hot water from the bottom pot. Adjust the ratio depending on how strong you like your tea.
Recipe Tips From the Chef
- Use good quality loose-leaf tea for the best flavor. I personally love adding a tablespoon of earl grey tea for a stronger aroma.
- Using distilled water or bottled water will give you a richer and smoother taste.
- Don't rush the brewing process, letting the tea steep slowly is key to getting the right taste.
- Don't place the small teapot on direct heat, as it will spoil the color and the taste of Turkish tea.
- Make sure the water is boiling when adding over the tea leaves.
- Invest in a two-tiered teapot, as it gives Turkish tea its depth and flexibility.
- Serve Turkish tea in small tulip-shaped glasses, it will never taste the same in a china cup or a thick water glass.
Serving Turkish Tea
Turkish tea is always served in small tulip-shaped glasses. These glasses don’t just look nice—they’re practical, keeping the tea warm while you drink. Sugar cubes are usually offered on the side, but milk isn’t traditionally added.
If you want to make it a little extra special, pair it with snacks like Turkish Boyoz Pastry, Kandil Simidi - Turkish Savory Cookies, and Un Kurabiyesi - Turkish Flour Cookies, or desserts like Un Helvasi, Sari Burma Baklava Rolls - Saragli, Kabak Tatlısı - Easy Turkish Pumpkin Dessert, and Baklava.
Recipe FAQs
The tulip-shaped glasses help keep the tea warm while showing off its rich color.
Milk isn’t traditionally added to Turkish tea. It’s usually served plain or with sugar.
Loose-leaf tea gives the best flavor, but tea bags can work if you’re in a pinch.
Related Recipes
For more delicious snacks and dessert recipes to serve with a glass of hot Turkish Çay why not try:
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making Turkish Tea - Çay as much as you enjoy drinking it! 🙂
Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!
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Turkish Tea - Çay
Equipment
- 1 Turkish teapot
- 1 tea glass set
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon loose-leaf black tea
- 5 cups filtered water
- sugar (optional)
Instructions
- If you’re using a çaydanlık, fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- In the top pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of loose tea leaves. Pour about 2 cups of the boiling water from the bottom pot into the top one.
- Place the top pot over the bottom one and let it brew over low heat for 10-15 minutes. This creates a concentrated tea base.
- To serve, pour some of the tea concentrate into a glass, filling it about a third of the way. Then, top it up with hot water from the bottom pot. Adjust the ratio depending on how strong you like your tea.
Notes
- Use good quality loose-leaf tea for the best flavor. I personally love adding a tablespoon of earl grey tea for a stronger aroma.
- Using distilled water or bottled water will give you a richer and smoother taste.
- Don't rush the brewing process, letting the tea steep slowly is key to getting the right taste.
- Don't place the small teapot on direct heat, as it will spoil the color and the taste of Turkish tea.
- Make sure the water is boiling when adding over the tea leaves.
- Invest in a two-tiered teapot, as it gives Turkish tea its depth and flexibility.
- Serve Turkish tea in small tulip-shaped glasses, it will never taste the same in a china cup or a thick water glass.
Emma Rose says
I was gifted a Turkish tea set but never knew what to do with it. I made my first Turkish tea using your instructions, and it turned out great!
Ayla Clulee says
Dear Emma,
That's so lovely to hear! I'm really glad the instructions helped and that you finally got to use your tea set. Enjoy many more cups!