Turkish sip

Famous for so many things — from its history and hamaams to pottery and kilims — Turkey’s varied delights have been written about enough. I visited the country two years ago, my head full of set ideas about what to expect. But ‘an authentic Turkish experience’ that most guidebooks don’t recommend is tea. If you think that’s banal, stop right there. This is no ordinary brew. Served black and hot — in dainty tulip-shaped glasses to flaunt colour — this decoction packs the buzz of a stiff shot of alcohol. While one such experience was more than enough for my system, what I couldn’t get enough of were the glasses. Ubiquitously available and in diverse patterns, the nicest of the lot is the traditional version — aclear glass and saucer, with a tiny silver spoon for visual effect. Available at Pasabahce outlets across Istanbul, from $7.