Tea, Coffee, and Friendship: The Heartbeat of Turkish Hospitality

In many cultures, a meal ends the moment the plates are cleared. But in Turkey, that’s actually when the best part of the evening begins!

At Lezzet, we don’t just serve food; we invite you to experience. If you’ve ever visited us on St Mary Street, you might have noticed that we love to offer you a glass of Turkish tea or suggest a strong, traditional coffee after your meal. Today, let’s talk about why these two drinks are so incredibly important to our culture.

Turkish Tea: The Symbol of Endless Welcome

In Turkey, tea (Çay) is the ultimate symbol of friendship. It is brewed slowly in a unique double-teapot system, creating a rich, amber-coloured drink served in beautiful, tulip-shaped glasses.

If you visit someone's home, a shop, or a restaurant in Turkey, you will be offered tea within the first five minutes. It’s a way of saying, "Welcome, please stay a while, let's talk." It is always served piping hot, and because the glasses are small, they are constantly refilled. It’s the perfect, comforting way to wash down a delicious lunch of Manti or Pide!

Turkish Coffee: A Cup with 40 Years of Respect

While tea is for everyday chatter, Turkish coffee (Türk Kahvesi) is reserved for deeper, more meaningful moments. It is one of the oldest coffee-brewing methods in the world, dating back to the 16th century, where the finely ground beans are boiled directly in a small copper pot called a cezve.

There is a famous Turkish proverb that says: "A single cup of coffee carries forty years of gratitude." It means that sharing a coffee with someone creates a bond of respect and friendship that lasts a lifetime.

It is strong, velvety, and served with the sediment left at the bottom of the cup—which is traditionally used for fortune-telling once the cup is empty and flipped over!

The Perfect Finish to Your Lunch

Whether you are seeking refuge from a sudden Welsh rain shower or just wrapping up a wonderful lunch with colleagues from the city centre, don’t rush away.

Order a warm cup of tea or a rich Turkish coffee, take a moment to unwind, and enjoy a tradition that has kept people talking and laughing together for centuries.

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Find us: 106 St. Mary Street, Cardiff CF10 1DX