Istanbul Coffee Scene = Authenticity

Walking the busy streets of Istanbul is like stepping back in time, not necessarily from the architecture, fashion or art around you, but for the Coffee Culture steeped in history; passed from one generation to the next -it runs deep.

Depending on which books you read and your opinions on the anchor point of Coffee Culture and where it came from. It is easy to see why people can agree that Turkey laid the founding principles of the brew methods and coffee culture that spread across the world, before the Italian's invented Espresso.

Walking the streets you see that the culture hasn't died or changed, in fact it is thriving. Chains and Independents alike follow the same traditional methods of brewing both Coffee and Tea. Turkey is also the highest consumption per person of Tea in the World.

But the most impressive thing is the youngsters are on board, with the tradition of their fore-fathers, continuing to drink the traditional way, play the card games and backgammon with friends and allow for a vibrant coffee scene to thrive.

The tastes for heritage products is still strong - Turkish Coffee is still served in all stores whether independent or Chain, a fine powder, brewed and then poured without straining into the cup for the customer - a great tasting product, but I have to admit that the powder isn't for me. But in Istanbul nothing is wasted as they tip the powder into the saucer and tell you your fortune.

Flavour Profiles are pretty unique as well with Salep, Sage Tea, Lindon and other more interesting flavours - plus an obsession with Mastic Flavour,

But while the traditions are steeped in the old, their is a definite culture of exploration - at the moment in terms of Stores and Atmosphere, rather than product innovation. It will come but your not going to see Matcha Latte on the streets of Istanbul soon,

Istanbul is an incredible City, with a Heritage that isn't going anywhere when it comes to Tea and Coffee - but a market which is starved of innovation for the future. Menu's are relatively safe and no exploration really into true third wave flavour profiles.

Watch this Space! Istanbul is in a country of 80 million inhabitants with an obsession of Coffee and Tea. It's going to be awesome to watch over the next 2-5 years.