Istanbul: Turkish Coffee Sand Workshop & Fortune Telling Gift Set

Summary

Brew turkish coffee on sand in istanbul with fortune telling and treats

You’ll feel right at home brewing Turkish coffee on sand in Istanbul alongside locals, learning old-school techniques (and tasting Menengiç coffee), swapping stories over sweets, and trying your hand at fortune telling before heading home with your own cezve set. It’s cozy, hands-on, and full of those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s pouring the first scoop of fine coffee grounds into a tiny copper pot when I realize how much I’ve underestimated Turkish coffee. Our guide — she introduced herself as Elif — has this way of talking about the history like she’s sharing family gossip. The room smells nutty and sweet, almost smoky from the sand heating up. I’m still not sure if I’m doing it right but Elif just grins and says, “Don’t worry, everyone’s first cup is… interesting.” She’s not wrong. My hand shakes a bit as I stir with the wooden stick — it’s trickier than it looks, especially with everyone watching (and laughing). The sand is warm under my fingers when I brush some away by accident. It’s oddly comforting.

We got to pick our own blend — I went for something strong but there was a milder one too, plus this wild Menengiç coffee that doesn’t even have caffeine but tastes like roasted pistachios. Never had anything like it before. There were little plates of sweets passed around; I think I ate more lokum than anyone else at the table. At one point, Elif showed us how to flip the cup for fortune telling — you swirl, sip, then turn it upside down and wait for the grounds to settle. She read mine and said something about travel and “a small dog” in my future (I don’t have a dog but maybe she saw my messy handwriting?).

The whole thing felt less like a class and more like hanging out in someone’s kitchen — people chatting over cups, joking about whose foam turned out best (not mine), kids running around with sticky fingers. We left with our own cezve and cups wrapped up in paper — honestly, it felt weirdly special carrying them through Istanbul after. I keep thinking about that smell of coffee on warm sand and how quiet everyone got during their fortunes. You know when you’re somewhere new but something feels familiar anyway? That.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turkish coffee workshop experience

• Join immersive coffee workshop
• Explore history and culture
• Learn sand and stove brewing
• Choose personalized coffee blend
• Try caffeine-free Menengiç coffee
• Receive home brewing tips
• Enjoy traditional Turkish treats
• Participate in fortune-telling session
• Take home special gift set

Top questions

Is this Turkish coffee workshop suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience is needed — the guide explains each step clearly.

Do we get to take anything home from the workshop?

Yes, you’ll receive a gift set including a cezve (coffee pot), cup set, and ground coffee.

Is Menengiç coffee included in the tasting?

Yes, you’ll taste Menengiç coffee during the workshop.

Are snacks or Turkish treats provided?

Yes, complimentary Turkish treats are served during the session.

Can children join this Turkish coffee class?

The activity welcomes families; infants and small children can attend with prams or strollers.

Does this workshop include fortune telling?

Yes, there is a fun fortune-telling session using your finished cup.

Where does the workshop take place?

The Turkish coffee workshop takes place in Istanbul.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the venue.

What’s included

Your experience includes all Turkish coffee beans you’ll need (with three blends to choose from), use of traditional equipment like a cezve and roasting pan with sand, your own grinder and stirrer for hands-on brewing practice, digital scale for accuracy, complimentary snacks and tea or coffee throughout the session—and you’ll leave with your own cezve gift set plus cups and ground coffee to recreate everything at home.