Comments on: Istanbul: Meyhane Food (Meze and Rakı)

By: hande

hande — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:32:47 +0000

John,
thank you for the nice words. I hope you have a great time in Istanbul and enjoy as much as possible: Not everything is great! I am of Turkish origin but don’t live there anymore and have gained a different perspective on a lot of things. But the food: one of the best cuisines, I tell you! A great read that might also interest you is the blog “The Turkish Life”, have a look there for more insights.

By: john

john — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:24:13 +0000

hi Hande,
I’m about to move to istanbul to teach english for a while, and found your posts while researching the culture – youve done an amazing job, and I really appreciate it – you should consider sending some of your opinions to lonely planet:) Best regards.

By: hande

hande — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:51:24 +0000

Sureyya,
thanks for the info. Next time I am in Turkey, I will try the fresh grape version of Tekirdag and decide. In any case, Efe did a better marketing job.

By: Sureyya

Sureyya — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:58:34 +0000

Thanks for the entries and for the information. Giving some advise and tips about Raki. Tekirdag is the first brand to produced raki from fresh grapes. Unfortunately they did not put a name “green” at the label and they lost most of their market to Efe .
My vote goes to Tekirdag

By: Gizem de Bruxelles

Gizem de Bruxelles — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:39:12 +0000

Hande,

I will look this post whenever I feel homesick!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:21:23 +0000

We just went to Istanbul for the first time, even though we checked out the stylish restaurants. An it was really amazing: http://gotorio.squarespace.com/display/ShowJournal?moduleId=1262791&categoryId=117231

By: hande

hande — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:29:04 +0000

Emre,
thanks for the extra info on rakı and the musicians. Unfortunately, the rakı monopole was lifted only after I left Turkey, so I am not that well informed on the various types. I am dependant on what some nice guy brings from Istanbul… Maybe an Efe with green label next time? And your remark about the tipping of the musicians reminds me of one more rule (rule, what rule?): Women almost never do this, it is the men’s job, that is why I wouldn’t know it. Sometimes it is nice being a woman!

By: emre

emre — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:15:18 +0000

Great entry again Hande! So, did I really recommend you Helva? Hahaha, Rakı is such a drink.
If you don’t mind, I would like to give 2 more hints for the first timers at a meyhane.

There are more or less 10 brands and at least 30 different types of Raki. Unless you ask for something else, Yeni Raki (its branding can be seen on our glasses at the pictures), the most common one, is served. For the ones who want something more special, I recommend Efe Raki with green label. This type is made out fresh grapes and it’s much smoother. The bottle that Hande put the picture of is the highest quality, Tekirdag Gold, which is double distilled and aged in baric. Unfortunately it is very hard to find at a meyhane because of its price. However, you can buy it at the Duty-Free inside the Istanbul airport.

The musicians play couple of songs to the general audience at the beginning then they start to visit every table to collect tips. Depending on how much you tip them they might play more songs, singing only for you. A tip around 10-20 Turkish lira is more than enough. As long as you keep tipping they keep playing at your table. If you want them to leave just make gesture like “thank you”. And don’t worry, this blowing into the ear thing is only for crazy Turks and no, I am not deaf….yet.