Istanbul: Turkish Coffee Making on Sand & Fortune Telling

Istanbul: Turkish Coffee Making on Sand & Fortune Telling – An In-Depth Review

If you’re visiting Istanbul and want a taste of authentic Turkish culture beyond the typical sights, a workshop that combines coffee craftsmanship with fun fortune-telling might be just what you’re after. This experience, hosted by Highlights Turkiye Workshops, offers a 1.5-hour journey into the world of Turkish coffee in a cozy studio setting, led by friendly guides.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll learn to brew Turkish coffee on hot sand, a centuries-old method that’s both engaging and unusual. Second, the hands-on approach allows you to pick your favorite blend and take home your own coffee set — perfect for coffee lovers. Third, the fortune-telling session adds an entertaining twist that makes this activity memorable. That said, it’s worth noting that some might find the timing or group size a little tight for personalized attention.

This activity suits culture enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers looking for a mix of education and entertainment. If you enjoy tactile experiences or want a fun way to connect with Turkish traditions, this workshop hits the mark. However, those seeking a more relaxed, less interactive activity might want to consider other options.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Brewing Technique: Master the traditional art of Turkish coffee on hot sand and stove.
• Cultural Insights: Gain knowledge about the history and significance of Turkish coffee.
• Personalized Blends: Choose from three unique coffee blends, including the special Menengiç coffee.
• Take-Home Souvenir: Leave with your own copper cezve, coffee cup, and a ground coffee set.
• Fun Fortune Telling: Experience the playful tradition of reading coffee grounds.
• Local Hospitality: Enjoy unlimited Turkish delights and snacks in a warm, welcoming setting.

What to Expect from the Workshop

Exploring Turkish Coffee Heritage

We start in a bright, spacious studio located just across the street from Lavander Café and diagonally from Arada Beyrut. Here, the guides—who speak English, Turkish, and Russian—introduce you to the fascinating history of Turkish coffee, emphasizing its cultural importance in social and ceremonial contexts. As you look around, you’ll see the setup for brewing with sand and traditional cezves, setting the scene for an authentic experience.

The Brewing Process: Sand and Stove

One of the main highlights? Learning to brew on hot sand. This technique involves carefully placing coffee in a cezve and gently heating it over sand, which acts as an even heat source. Many reviewers, like Mackenzie from Canada, highlight how engaging and interactive this part of the workshop is: “We were hands-on with making the coffee, and it was such a fun way to learn about Turkish brewing traditions.”

The guides are attentive and patient, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate, whether it’s grinding the beans with a hand-operated grinder or watching the coffee foam up perfectly. The other method—using a stove—complements the sand brewing, giving you two authentic ways to prepare the coffee.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Choosing Your Blend

Once the brewing is underway, you get to select from three specialty blends. One of the standout options is Menengiç coffee, a caffeine-free, nutty-flavored brew that’s quite different from traditional Turkish coffee. Several reviewers enjoyed trying this as a unique local treat, with Daria from Russia noting how much she appreciated the different flavor profile. This personalized choice allows you to tailor your coffee experience, adding to the fun and educational nature of the activity.

Savoring Turkish Treats

While your coffee brews, you’ll indulge in Turkish delights and snacks. The hosts go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable and well-fed, with unlimited treats on offer. Carolyn from South Korea appreciated the “lovely cup and cezve as a takeaway gift” and how the treats complemented the coffee perfectly. These snacks are a vital part of Turkish dining culture, and enjoying them in this setting makes the experience even more memorable.

Coffee Ground Fortune Telling

After your coffee is ready, the fun begins—reading the coffee grounds. This playful tradition involves interpreting symbols formed by the residue, adding an element of mystery and laughter. Reviewers like Mackenzie and Sarah from Canada mention how accurate and entertaining this part was, making the experience both interactive and lighthearted.

Take-Home Gifts and Tips

At the end of the session, you’ll receive a special booklet about Turkish coffee, along with the chance to take home a copper cezve, coffee cup, and ground coffee in an exclusive gift set. Many guests, including those who posted reviews, highlighted how much they loved the thoughtful souvenirs, which serve as tangible memories of their time in Istanbul.

Practical Details and Logistics

Duration, Cost, and Group Size

The workshop lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short activity to slot into a busy Istanbul itinerary. The price is around $33 per person, which covers all the brewing equipment, coffee beans, treats, and souvenirs. Considering the quality of instruction, the personalized experience, and the takeaway gifts, this fee offers good value—especially for those interested in culture, food, and interactive activities.

Groups tend to be small enough for personalized attention, with guides speaking multiple languages, including English, Turkish, and Russian. The studio’s accessibility and the friendly atmosphere make it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.

Meeting Point and Ease of Access

The studio is easy to find, located diagonally from “Arada Beyrut” Café and across from “Lavander” Café. The location is centrally positioned in Istanbul’s vibrant district, and the orientation is straightforward. It’s advisable to check availability and starting times beforehand, as the experience is popular and can fill up quickly.

Cancellation and Flexibility

With a full refund available if you cancel 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence, knowing that plans can adapt if needed. The activity is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all guests.

Authentic Experience: What Reviewers Say

The consistent praise from past participants highlights the knowledgeable and friendly guides, with Islam, Sami, and Ihsan receiving special mentions for their engaging presentation skills. Multiple reviewers appreciated the clear and entertaining explanations about Turkish coffee, paired with plenty of opportunities to get hands-on.

For example, G from Denmark said, “The instructor was witty and welcoming, and no one left without making coffee on sand or interpreting coffee grounds.” This speaks to the interactive nature that makes this workshop so engaging.

The reviews also emphasize stunning views and a warm atmosphere, often complemented by a sense of fun and curiosity. Many guests appreciated the personalized attention and the chance to enjoy Turkish hospitality with generous snacks and drinks.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This workshop is ideal for anyone curious about Turkish culture and coffee. It’s especially perfect if you want a hands-on activity rather than just sightseeing. Families or groups of friends will find it engaging and light-hearted, while solo travelers can enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills.

Those interested in local traditions and storytelling will find the fortune-telling particularly entertaining. If you’re after souvenirs that are meaningful and memorable, the included takeaway set enhances the experience further.

The Sum Up

The Turkish Coffee Making on Sand & Fortune Telling workshop in Istanbul offers a rich, interactive glimpse into a beloved cultural tradition. You’ll learn authentic brewing techniques, taste unique blends, and enjoy the playful art of coffee reading—all wrapped in a warm, welcoming environment. The included souvenirs and treats make it a great value for the price, and the knowledgeable guides ensure you gain more than just a drink—you take home a piece of Turkish history.

This experience is best for creative spirits, curious learners, and those wanting a fun, memorable activity without the fuss of long tours. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys hands-on learning, cultural storytelling, and the joy of discovering new flavors.

If you’re visiting Istanbul and want a unique, meaningful activity that combines tradition, taste, and a little bit of mysticism, this workshop is a solid choice. It’s a delightful way to connect with Turkish customs and make some fun memories along the way.

FAQ

How long does the workshop last?
It is approximately 1.5 hours long, making it a manageable and enjoyable activity without taking up your whole day.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the brewing experience with sand and stove, high-quality coffee beans, a traditional cezve to take home, a hand grinder, Turkish delights and snacks, a booklet on Turkish coffee, and an exclusive gift set.

Is the activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a fun, interactive experience suitable for families and all ages, especially those interested in learning about Turkish culture.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

What languages are spoken during the workshop?
Guides speak English, Turkish, and Russian, making it accessible for a diverse group of travelers.

Where is the meeting point?
The studio is located diagonally to the right of “Arada Beyrut” Café and directly across from “Lavander” Café in Istanbul’s vibrant district.

Do I get to participate in fortune-telling?
Absolutely. The coffee ground reading is a fun, interactive part of the experience, and many guests find it surprisingly accurate and entertaining.

Is the workshop accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the studio is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

This detailed review aims to give you all the insights needed to decide if this Turkish coffee workshop aligns with your interests. Whether you’re a coffee fanatic, culture seeker, or just looking for a unique activity in Istanbul, it promises a memorable, flavorful experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: