Drinking Boza.

One of my friends had recommended a place called Vefa Bozacisi. It's one of the oldest boza bars in Istanbul so I set out to find it on my last day there. After many wrong turns down backstreets in the University district a local finally pointed the way. Boza is a fermented barley drink that is served with cinnamon and often accompanied by a bag of dried garbanzo beans. To me it tasted a bit like apple sauce..it was thick and like nothing I have ever experienced before.

The establishment was old and charming. A portrait of Ataturk and one of a mosque adorned the walls, The room was full of students and older well-heeled patrons. I highly recommend the experience!

Boza sprinkled with cinnamon