Rakı Tales in a Turkish Tavern

This is an essential Turkish cultural experience, best enjoyed in the company of a passionate local insider and interpreter of food and culture like our food expert, Banu Ozden. Rakı is an iconic anise-flavored spirit in Turkey, and its consumption in a meyhane (a Turkish tavern) setting is always accompanied by a spread of delicious shareable plates, lively conversation, repeatable anecdotes, and a deep sense of camaraderie. You’ll step into an unforgettable evening at a traditional, iconic meyhane in Istanbul where food, drink, and conversation lead to much more than a meal—it’s a celebration of life. Begin with a spread of hot and cold mezes, from creamy yogurt-based dips to tangy marinated seafood, paired perfectly with rakı. As the evening unfolds, you’ll learn about the origins of the various foods you taste, as well as Turkish meyhane traditions, from the proper way to enjoy rakı to the etiquette governing this communal dining experience.

This is an invitation to immerse yourself in Istanbul's meyhane culture, guided by Banu, a passionate food scholar completing her PhD in Turkish gastronomy. She will host you as a friend, sharing the traditions and etiquette of a meyhane, from the art of tasting rakı to the sequencing of mezes, and the deep-rooted history of these local foods and establishments. The tradition of drinking rakı, known as "lion’s milk", dates back to the Ottoman era, when meyhanes were lively social hubs. Each meze—from tangy seafood to smoky eggplant—enhances the anise-infused flavors of rakı, a pairing refined through generations. Starting your Turkey/Istanbul visit with a Meyhane experience led by a food expert immerses you in culinary traditions and authentic flavors. You’ll explore the evolution of Meyhanes and the Rum, Armenian, and Jewish influences on Turkish cuisine. A communal experience that embodies Turkish hospitality, it’s the perfect way to savor the culture from day one of your trip.

Your guide is a passionate expert on Turkish culinary traditions and meyhane culture. Having spent years exploring Istanbul’s most iconic meyhanes, Banu will lead you through every aspect of this culinary journey, from understanding rakı etiquette to selecting the perfect mezes to complement your drink. Her deep knowledge of Turkish cuisine’s history and traditions provides rich insights into the origins and cultural significance of the dishes and customs you'll encounter. With Banu, the meyhane experience becomes an essential, immersive exploration of Turkey's gastronomic heritage.

An open mind and a curious palate – this experience is about savoring new flavors and traditions, so come ready to immerse yourself in the meyhane culture. Wear something comfortable and bring a camera to capture the atmosphere and the dishes you'll sample.