Hotels near Vefa Bozacısı

Two drinks define winter in Istanbul. Salep is hot, thick milk flavoured with flour from orchid roots and dusted with cinnamon, sold in cafes and on the ferries. Boza is a lightly fermented millet drink, sweet and slightly sour, served cold with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas on top. Vefa Bozacısı has been making it since 1876.

The shop has hardly changed in decades, with tiled walls, marble counters and a glass that Atatürk once drank from on display. A glass costs only a few lira. On the way, look for street vendors roasting chestnuts and corn, especially around Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar.

Pro Tip: Visit Süleymaniye Mosque first, about 5 minutes away, for the sunset view over the Golden Horn, then walk to Vefa for boza as the evening chill sets in.