Three of ISTANBUL'S cosiest cafes
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Three of ISTANBUL'S cosiest cafes

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Exploring the streets of a new city can be a little daunting at times, and deciding where to eat even more so. Gone are your dreams of stumbling across a local hidden gem by chance as you fight your way across the tourist-packed square to the nearest hawker offering yet another over-priced national dish.

We know what it’s like to want to distinguish yourself as a traveller versus tourist. And the thing we’ve come to learn is that it’s all about what you know...before getting on that plane. Don’t get us wrong – sometimes it is possible to stumble across hidden local gems as you veer off the beaten path, but we suggest doing the work before you take off, just in-case.

Today, we’ll be pointing you towards three of the cosiest and locally-loved cafe’s in this bustling Middle-Eastern metropolis – for the perfect way to spend a few mornings or afternoons away from the crowds.

 

Introducing cafe # 1: Cuma

 

Located just a few metres from the Orhan Pamuk Museum of Innocence, and tucked behind a row of charming antique shops, this house-restaurant will make you feel like you’re visiting an old friend at home. After entering via a narrow staircase, you’ll be met with an entrance area, kitchen, living room, and dining hall, filled with antique décor and old toys lining the shelves.
The owner of this vintage, homely cafe is Banu Tiryakiogullari – a Maslak Culinary Arts Academy alumni and ex-chef at the acclaimed restaurant Changa. It was love at first sight for Tiryakiogullari – upon seeing the charming space, she knew it had to be a cafe/restaurant. The name Cuma heralds from the old French maps of Cukurcuma, where it is based.

Tiryakiogullari is a big believer in locally sourced, organic foods and finds most of her ingredients at the local Ferikoy organic, and Kastamonu markets. Her dairy and olive products find their way to Cuma from Bandirma – across the Marmara sea.

The cuisine here is as authentic as it comes – Tiryakiogullari is proud of her Turkish culinary heritage. Some of the dishes you will find include the egg-tomato-and-pepper dish menemen, a traditional firik (roasted green durum wheat) salad, grilled chicken skewers, zucchini-and-cheese patties with cucumber-yoghurt sauce, eggs with sucuk (spicy beef sausage), a variety of toasted sandwiches, and a cheese-and-fresh-herb omelette.

Details:
Address: Firuzaga Mahallesi, Cukurcuma Caddesi 53/A, Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 09:00 – 21:00

 

 

 

Introducing cafe # 2: Mums Cafe

 

When it comes to a cosy, ‘homemade’ cafe, mums the word! This cafe is located near the French Passage in the Karakoy area, and is somewhat of a local legend, thanks to its owner, Yildiz Dural’s homemade milk jams. Yes, homemade milk jams – delicious edible souvenirs made with travellers in mind – they are packaged in cute vintage jars so you can take them home with you.
 

The menu is simple, and mixes traditional Turkish flavours with the owner’s 15 years’ experience in Sweden. Something like smoked salmon and asparagus is available for those who are looking for something comfortable – pair with a tea for a truly belly-warming experience.

The interior of this lovely cafe reflects its name perfectly; Mum boasts mis-matched chairs, woven baskets, and crocheted lace doyleys draping from low-hanging light fixtures. But perhaps the crowning feature of this cosy cafe is the constant presence of Dural’s own mother, making each visit a truly heart-warming affair. It’s an intimate, quiet resting place – a far cry from the fast-paced streets on which it resides.

Oh, and try the crumble – we hear it’s to die for!

Details:
Address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mahallesi, Mumhane Caddesi, Fransız Geçidi Sokak, No 1/16-17 Karaköy, Beyoğlu İstanbul, Turkey

 

 

 

Introducing cafe # 3: FiLBooks

 

The Fil team is led by Cemre Yesil, who is a teacher of contemporary photography at Bilgi University, which is why many of the books focus on the art of photography; it also explains why famous photographer Martin Parr was seen enjoying a cup of coffee in this charming cafe.
 

FiLBooks stands out thanks to its bright, pastel colour palette, making it a cosy but modern space to sit back and relax in. They have a range of different seating options, including two cosy swing chairs that are perfect for a spot of reading and bite of cake.

We highly recommend enjoying a rest stop at FiLBooks on your travels, for a unique food+art experience!

Details:
Address: Ali Paşa Değirmeni Sokak 1/1, Beyoğlu İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 00:00 / closed on Monday

 

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