Mandabatmaz, where Turkish coffee is still made the traditional way

Inside these windows lie the best kahve [kah-vey] in Istanbul. Located on a narrow alleyway just off the bustling Istiklal Caddesi, Mandabatmaz seems like it's worlds away from the rest of Beyoğlu. At this classic and feel-good old school place is where Turkish coffee is still prepared the old fashioned way which often times is the way to get the best out of the coffee beans. The owner is not afraid of sticking to traditions when making kahve and for this, he has earned many fans. The place is tiny and people come to Mandabatmaz not to stay and hang out for loud conversations, but to complete their ritual of having a cup of excellent kahve before continuing with their day. For those who prefer to take their daily coffee ritual outside, there are low tables by the wall along the alleyway where Mandabatmaz is located.

As each kahve order gets taken by the young assistant, the gentle owner behind the counter continuously and quietly prepares each cup with care. The traditional Turkish pot, cezve, is used here on the mini stove top burner. With foam so thick and creamy, the kahve at Mandabatmaz is really something to write about. If you've had kahve, you'll know that it is generally thick coffee. Mandabatmaz takes "thick" and "rich" to another level with its incredible smoothness. Every sip feels like we're on a Turkish coffee pilgrimage.

 

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Mandabatmaz
Olivia Geçidi No:1/A
Istanbul

If walking north on Istiklal Cd, go past St Antoine Cathedral (it will be on the right) and continue walking a little more, then take your first left onto the alleyway.


When ordering kahve, the general practice is to tell the server the level of sweetness you'd like. I like mine with little sugar, az şekerli [ahz sheh-kehr-li] and T likes his with medium sugar, orta şekerli [or-tah sheh-kehr-li]. Learning these simple and very, very useful Turkish words helped us go a long way. English is barely spoken at Mandabatmaz. Gesturing helps and it's easy to gesture for "one" or "two" cups of coffee but learning to say in Turkish how sweet you take your coffee is even better.