A cup of Turkish coffee with Turkish delight (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Did somebody say ”Kahvaltı?”
The Turkish word for breakfast, ”kahvaltı” is derived from two words; kahve (coffee) and altı (under) as it was initially a meal eaten before the morning coffee.
While it is now considered a nationwide morning essential, Turkish breakfast as we know it today is relatively new.
Traditional breakfast of Türkiye (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
With the standardisation of working hours in the 20th century, breakfast became a hearty morning meal in Türkiye.
Offering an impressive range of simple ingredients to intricate recipes, Turkish breakfast can be enjoyed on any occasion, no matter the number of people or the length of the meal.
Youngsters enjoying a traditional breakfast in the highlands of Black sea (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Turkish breakfast is served buffet style, which allows people with different tastes and preferences to share the same table.
As it offers something delicious for not only meat and pastry lovers, but also vegetarians, the glorious Turkish breakfast brings people together with diversity at its core.
Turkish Breakfast in Artvin, Black Sea Türkiye
Turkish breakfast spread (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
The fundamentals of a Turkish breakfast include bread, a variety of cheeses and olives. Turkish churned butter known as tereyağı, honey and jam, and eggs.
With a plethora of things to choose from, each bite of bread is accompanied by a different taste.
A portion of delicious börek with a cup of Turkish tea (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
As breakfast gets longer, and more people join in the feast, exceptional Turkish pastries take centre stage.
While kahvaltı pastries such as börek, gözleme and poğaça could be a quick bite in the morning, they are also an exquisite addition to an everlasting morning feast.
Simit and Turkish tea in traditional glasses (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Simit & Çay
Let's not forget about simit, a ring-shaped bread covered with molasses and sesame, for a perfect Turkish breakfast.
It is a common sight to see vendors selling simit and Turkish tea, çay on the streets of Türkiye, as they are simply the inseparable breakfast duo that is cherished by everyone.
A view of Black Sea highlands with a cup of Turkish black tea and local snack Simit (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Turkish Tea O’clock
Turkish tea, or çay, is an integral part of Turkish culture and breakfast in Türkiye. Consumed throughout the day to help with digestion, and as a palate cleanser in between bites, it is traditionally served in small, tulip-shaped glasses as a breakfast pick-me-up.
A woman in the ferry enjoying a freshly brewed Turkish tea (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Going beyond the tulip-shaped glasses called çay bardağı, Turkish tea holds a special place in Turkish customs. In Turkish culture, it is customary to serve tea to guests as a sign of hospitality, and it is considered a social beverage enjoyed in the company of others.
A tulip shaped glass of Black tea with authentic Turkish teapot (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Considering that the guests may have different brew preferences, tea is brewed with two teapots: the smaller teapot sitting on top of the bigger one.
This allows the tea to brew more thoroughly and be served at desired amounts to suit the guests' individual preferences.
