Istanbul: Turkish Coffee Workshop & Fortune Telling Gift Set

Summary

Turkish coffee making class in Istanbul with fortune reading and gift set

You’ll step inside an old Istanbul han for hands-on Turkish coffee making with a local guide who shares stories and laughs along the way. Taste your own brew with sweet Turkish delight before trying your hand at traditional fortune telling from your cup’s grounds. You’ll leave not just with new skills but also your own Turkish coffee set — plus maybe a story or two that sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the smell to hit me so fast — that thick, earthy scent as soon as we ducked into Balkapani Han. It’s one of those old Istanbul buildings where the walls seem to hum with stories. Our guide, Zeynep, waved us over with a grin and handed me a tiny copper pot. “Cezve,” she said, and I probably pronounced it wrong all afternoon. She didn’t mind. The grinders made this soft clack-clack sound as we tried to get the beans just right (harder than it looks — my arm got tired). There was something kind of meditative about it, though. The light coming through the window was all golden dust.

Zeynep told us how Turkish coffee isn’t just about caffeine — it’s this whole ritual. She had us pour water, sugar if we wanted, then the ground coffee into the cezve and heat it slowly until it frothed up like magic. I burned my fingers on the handle (not badly), but honestly? Worth it for that first sip. Thick, almost chocolatey, with a bite at the end that lingers. We got little pieces of Turkish delight too — rose-flavored, which I thought I’d hate but actually loved.

The part I really didn’t see coming was the fortune telling. After we finished our cups (you have to drink slowly, or you get a mouthful of grounds), Zeynep showed us how to flip them over on the saucer and wait for the patterns to form. She read mine out loud — something about travel and unexpected guests — and everyone laughed when she winked at me like she knew something I didn’t. It felt oddly personal for such an old tradition.

Before we left, they gave each of us our own Turkish coffee set: cezve, cup, beans, even some more Turkish delight wrapped up like a little treasure box. I still think about that smell sometimes when I open my kitchen drawer back home — makes me want to try grinding beans again, even if my arm protests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Turkish coffee making and fortune telling

• Meet at Balkapani Han
• Attend presentation on coffee culture
• Make your own Turkish coffee
• Savor coffee and fortune telling
• Receive Turkish coffee set gift

Top questions

Where does the Turkish coffee workshop take place?

The workshop is held at Balkapani Han on the European side of Istanbul.

Is there a local guide during the experience?

Yes, a local instructor guides you through every step of making Turkish coffee and reading fortunes.

Do I get to keep anything from the workshop?

Yes, each participant receives a Turkish coffee set including a cezve (pot), cup, beans, and Turkish delight.

How long does the experience last?

The exact duration isn't specified but includes presentation, hands-on brewing, tasting, conversation, and fortune telling.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Balkapani Han.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed at this experience.

What drinks and snacks are included?

You’ll taste several types of Turkish coffee plus tea service and Turkish delight; water is also provided.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, all steps are guided and no prior experience is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all materials for brewing your own Turkish coffee—fresh beans to grind by hand, use of traditional pots and mugs—and guidance from a friendly local expert at Balkapani Han in Istanbul. You’ll enjoy tastings of different coffees and tea alongside sweet Turkish delight before learning fortune telling from your cup’s grounds. At the end you’ll receive your own authentic Turkish coffee set as a gift to take home.