Rakı Culture

How to drink rakı like a local: water first, ice last, the 1:2 ratio, the right glass and the mezes to pair it with, from Koço, a meyhane in Moda since 1928.

Rakı and poetry - meyhane culture in Turkish literature from Ottoman era to today

The çilingir sofrası is the most intimate and deeply rooted tradition in Turkish meyhane culture. Its name comes from the çilingir — the locksmith — because this table "unlocks" friendship, conversation, and the purest form of togetherness. In this guide, discover the story of the çilingir sofrası and how the perfect one is set. What Is a Çilingir Sofrası? A çilingir sofrası is an unplanned, heartfelt gathering where friends come together over meze and rakı for hours of conve

Rakı-balık (rakı and fish) is more than a meal in Turkey — it is a centuries-old social ritual that embodies Turkish hospitality, conversation, and culinary tradition. Understanding this culture will transform your meyhane experience from a simple dinner into an unforgettable evening. What is Rakı? Rakı is Turkey's national spirit, an anise-flavored alcoholic drink often called 'lion's milk' (aslan sütü) for the milky white color it turns when mixed with water. It is always s