6 things about Turkish coffee you may not know

Turkish coffee has become famous all around the world. But there’s much more to Turkish coffee’s story apart from its delicious taste.

History of Turkish Coffee

Coffee was first brought to Istanbul in 1555 by two Syrian traders, and by the mid-17th century it became an essential part of the Ottoman Court’s elaborate ceremonies. The sultan was served ceremoniously served coffee by his coffee makers, and this coffee ritual also played a role in marriage customs to an extent that women in the harem received thorough training regarding how the perfect brew was to be prepared. As such, potential husbands would judge a woman by her Turkish coffee-making skills. Even today, when a prospective husband’s family asks for the girl’s parents for her hand in marriage, Turkish coffee is served by the bride-to-be.

The Famous Coffeehouses

First opened in the Tahtakale neighborhood in Eminönü almost five centuries ago, coffeehouses became the main source of social life for men. They were also the main place for the dissemination of the oral culture of the Ottoman Empire and exhibition places for folk literature (such as the shadow plays of Karaköz and Hacivat). Today, the coffeehouses continue to be a place where men gather to socialize, talk politics, and play backgammon over cups of tea and coffee.

How to Cook Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is prepared in a cezve, a special small pot with a long handle that is traditionally made of copper. For one cup of Turkish coffee, combine one cup of water (the size of the coffee cup) and two full teaspoons of coffee. Since sugar is never added after the coffee is cooked you have to add sugar into the cezve (two sugar cubes for very sweet, one for medium sweetness, and none for the ones that like it bitter). Once the coffee comes to a boil, let the foam rise and take it off the heat right before it’s about to spill, and this will guarantee that your coffee will have lots of foam. Traditionally, Turkish coffee without foam is simply unacceptable. Serving the coffee with a glass of water (and something sweet, preferably Turkish Delight) is also part of the ritual.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Turkish coffee’s special preparation, brewing techniques, and rich communal culture made it worthy of being inscribed in 2013 into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The tradition itself has also been recognized as a symbol of hospitality and friendship, with locals meeting at coffeehouses to converse over coffee, or coffee being offered to visitors as a welcoming gesture. The beverage’s importance in social occasions was also an important factor in its inscription, with coffee being served during holidays and engagement ceremonies.

Best Place to Buy or Drink Turkish Coffee

Turkey’s most popular purveyor of Turkish coffee is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, whose products can be found in every supermarket or its flagship store in Eminönü where coffee is ground fresh on a daily basis. Nuri Toplar (also in Eminönü and open since 1890) is another excellent choice and a bit of an insider’s tip. If you’d rather someone prepare and serve you coffee, drop by Mandabatmaz in Taksim or Ethem Tezçakar (who only uses coffee from Nuri Toplar) in the Grand Bazaar for traditionally prepared and excellent Turkish coffee.

Turkish Coffee and Fortune Telling

Turkish coffee cup-reading is a very popular method of fortune telling in Turkey, where the shapes left by the coffee grounds represent the past and future of the drinker. You’ll know when you’re done drinking your coffee, because a thick layer of grounds will appear at the bottom; when this happens, close the cup with the saucer, make a wish, and turn it over. Once the cup has cooled, the shapes it leaves on the side of the cup can be read, usually at a Falcı (fortune teller), many of which can be found all around the city (some better than others).

See more: 9 best coffee shops in Taipei

Source: theculturetrip

Admire design-minded ice cream shops in Asia

An ice cream renaissance is taking place around the world. Not only did the industry embrace the growing trend towards fresh, natural, and locally sourced ingredients, but more and more gelaterias decided to take dessert to a whole new level with their innovative techniques, creatively healthy options, and magazine-worthy interiors.

From Italy to Japan, have a look at some of the most beautifully designed ice cream shops across the world. Step into any one of these sweet, stylish places, and you will be swept away into a magical realm of design deliciousness.

Sweet Salvation, Dubai

Escape the desert heat at Sweet Salvation, an Instagram-worthy ice cream shop in the City Walk district of Dubai. The Toronto-based brand’s first store outside Canada has been envisioned by architecture firm Navigate Design, and the result is a funky mix of marble, black and white graphics, and bright accents in their signature pastel blue shade. Expect pimped out soft serve concoctions topped with lotus or red velvet cookie crumbs, as well as a selection of indulgent shakes, frappés, and cold-brew coffee.

Ampersand, Bangkok

Ampersand’s sleek, travel-themed design is a perfect reflection of the menu, which brims with high-quality ingredients and adventurous flavors from around the globe. Space brings to mind a futuristic airport, and its clean palette of white and navy blue with gold accents is delicately enlivened by voyage related items like world maps and souvenir magnets.

The Bangkok gelato boutique specializes in Italian style ice cream, but the frozen desserts on offer are singing with globally inspired aromas. Try Lavender for a touch of Provence, Earl Gray for a sophisticated British flavor, Yuzu for a taste of Japan; or the melt-in-your-mouth Tiramisu – which is literally Italy in a cone.

Ah-chu Ice Cream & Churros, Gimpo

Toy-like furniture and accent walls in candy-striped pink decorate this ice cream café in Gimpo, South Korea. Designed by Wanderlust, the playful locale – called Ah-chu – attracts children and adults alike with its adorable decor, colorful icy treats, and delectable churros, which seem to theatrically emerge from a dough machine before making their way to the oven.

 À tes souhaits, Tokyo

Soft lighting, natural materials, and gently curved surfaces create a sense of comfort and movement in this chocolate and ice cream shop in Tokyo’s sought-after suburb of Kichijoji. à tes souhaits, designed by Japanese studio Nendo, features beautiful geometric tiles and curved striped soil walls in subdued chocolate tones, echoing the layers of an ice cream cake in all its melted glory.

See more: The taste of Asia in 7 local dishes

Source Travel away

4 kinds of affordable Airbnbs in Hong Kong for the budget travelers

For one of the world’s most expensive cities, Hong Kong offers up some pretty affordable Airbnbs. So you can find reasonable, chic apartments that, while small, offer good amenities and prime locations. And you do not have to break the bank. Here are some of the best Airbnbs in Hong Kong for your money.

The one-bedroom apartment with a pretty balcony

While it does not look like much from the pictures, this apartment is highly rated due to other selling points: its convenient location and the nicely-decorated balcony. The apartment is located in a busy area but it is nice and quiet since it is tucked right at the end of the building. Places that are easily accessible from the apartment are Mong Kok MTR Station, Ladies Market, Sneakers (Fa Yuen) Street and Argyle Centre. While the apartment may just be a place to retreat to for the night, light cooking is also possible here.

Location: Mong Kok
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1

The bright and spacious flat with three bedrooms

This tastefully furnished three-bedroom flat is spacious by Hong Kong standards. Two of the bedrooms have king-sized beds, the other one has a double bed, and the common room has a sofa bed. Altogether, eight people can share this home during their trip. As with the other apartments in the Mong Kok area, shopping and dining options are mere steps away. Among others, you will find streetside stalls selling fried seafood, fruits and veggies. Do bear in mind that this apartment is on the fourth floor of a building with no lift, so those with heavy luggage might struggle a bit.

Location: Mong Kok
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 1

The two-bedroom apartment with an urban view

Near Times Square, Hysan Place and Sogo is this two-bedroom apartment along Hennessy Road. It can accommodate up to six persons if you don’t mind the crowd; otherwise, four guests will fit nicely. The typical freebies like towels and toiletries are included, and you might also appreciate the hair dryer, iron and washing machine with detergent. The apartment is a great base to reach the southern beaches in Shek O and Stanley.  It is also within walking distance to the Wan Chai Pier which has ferries to Kowloon. On top of that, with plenty of buses in front of the apartment, you can even get to Mong Kok in less than 15 minutes.

Location: Causeway Bay
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 2

The studio just in front of the MTR Station

This cute little studio apartment along the famous Nathan Road has touches of greenery to add life to the modern space. While it is a studio, the space is compartmentalised into a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. It also comes with air-conditioning, a fridge, a washing machine, and fast WiFi. This is one of the units of the Mirador Mansion and it is located on the tenth floor. Staying here will put you just minutes away from the Avenue of Stars, the Science Museum, malls like Miramar, Miramall and The One, as well as Knutsford Terrace where pubs and bars are aplenty. Getting to other parts of Hong Kong is convenient too as there is an entrance to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station just outside the building.

Location: Tsim Sha Tsui
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: Studio

Read more: Top tourist attractions in Hong Kong

Source Tripzilla