Turkish tea set is one of the symbols of Turkish culture. The Turkish tea set, as unique as it is, has a different way of serving tea and exclusive tradition. It holds a special place in culinary art. Culinary collectors would love to have a Turkish tea set on their sideboard.
A Turkish tea pot, often called a “çaydanlık” or “semaver” in Turkish, is a unique and traditional vessel used for brewing and serving Turkish tea. Here’s a description of a typical Turkish tea pot:
Design: Turkish tea pots are usually made of stainless steel or copper, sometimes with decorative patterns etched or engraved onto the surface. They often have a shiny exterior and a handle for easy pouring. The traditional shape is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top
Two-Storied Structure: The most distinctive feature of a Turkish tea pot is its two-tiered structure. It consists of two separate compartments stacked on top of each other. The bottom compartment holds water, while the top compartment holds loose tea leaves. The bottom compartment, usually the larger of the two, is where water is boiled. It has a spout for pouring and a lid to keep the water contained and to prevent it from evaporating too quickly. This is called Water Revoir. The top compartment, which sits snugly on top of the bottom one, contains a smaller pot or basket with tiny holes to hold loose tea leaves. This allows the tea leaves steep in the hot water without mixing directly. This part is called Tea Infuser.
Brewing: To brew tea using a Turkish tea pot, water is boiled in the bottom compartment. Loose tea leaves are placed in the infuser in the top compartment. Once the water reaches a boil, some of it is poured over the tea leaves. The remaining hot water is kept in the bottom compartment to maintain the heat. This process allows for multiple rounds of brewing without the tea becoming too strong or bitter. But the boiling of water takes more time, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Serving: Turkish tea is typically served in small tulip-shaped glasses, often on a tray accompanied by sugar cubes or Turkish delight. The tea is poured from the tea pot into these glasses, producing a strong and aromatic beverage that is enjoyed throughout Turkey. Turkish tea cups, known as “çay bardağı” in Turkish, are an essential part of the Turkish tea-drinking experience. Here we will know more about Turkish tea cups.
Turkish tea cups are typically made of clear glass, allowing the vibrant color of the tea to be appreciated. They have a distinctive tulip shape, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for sipping hot tea. Turkish tea cups are relatively small, usually holding around 100-150 milliliters (3.4-5.1 fluid ounces) of liquid. This smaller size encourages the consumption of small, frequent servings of tea, which is a common practice in Turkish culture.
The glass used for Turkish tea cups is usually heat-resistant, allowing them to withstand the high temperatures of freshly brewed tea without cracking or breaking.
Unlike many Western-style tea cups, Turkish tea cups typically do not have handles. Instead, they are held by the rim or the sides of the cup. some rims may have handles. This design facilitates the enjoyment of hot tea while also contributing to the elegance of the tea-drinking experience.
While the basic design of Turkish tea cups is simple and functional, they may also feature decorative elements such as gold or silver rims, intricate patterns, or traditional motifs, adding to their beauty.
Turkish tea set is not just a tea set. It is a culture, an experience, a tradition passed down through generations for tea enthusiasts.