At first glance, Turkish and Greek coffee seem identical—both are brewed in a small copper pot, served unfiltered, and enjoyed slowly. However, cultural influences, small brewing details, and national pride make these two unique in their own way.
In this guide, we’ll compare:
✅ The history behind Turkish and Greek coffee
✅ How they are brewed and served differently
✅ The unique traditions surrounding each drink
✅ Which one you should try based on your taste preferences
Let’s explore this delicious coffee debate! ☕🇹🇷🇬🇷
A Shared History: How Turkish & Greek Coffee Originated
Coffee was first introduced to the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, when traders brought coffee beans from Ethiopia and Yemen. The Turkish method of brewing emerged in Istanbul, and as the empire expanded, so did its coffee culture—including to Greece.
By the 17th century, coffeehouses (kahvehane) became centers of social life in both Turkey and Greece. However, following political tensions in the 20th century, Greece started calling its version Greek coffee instead of Turkish coffee.
💡 Fun Fact: In Cyprus, you’ll find the same coffee, but it’s called Cypriot coffee!
How Turkish and Greek Coffee Are Brewed
While both are prepared in a small copper pot and served unfiltered, there are subtle differences in the brewing process.
| Feature | Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi 🇹🇷) | Greek Coffee (Ελληνικός Καφές 🇬🇷) |
|---|---|---|
| Pot Name | Cezve (pronounced “jehz-veh”) | Briki (pronounced “bree-kee”) |
| Grind Size | Extremely fine (like flour) | Extremely fine (like flour) |
| Brewing Method | Heated slowly over low flame or hot sand | Heated slowly over low flame |
| Foam (Crema) | Thicker foam (köpük) | Thinner foam (kaimaki) |
| Serving Size | 60–80ml (small cup) | 60–80ml (small cup) |
| Sugar Added When? | Before brewing | Before brewing |
| Typical Serving | With Turkish delight or baklava | With loukoumi (Greek delight) |
💡 The biggest difference? Turkish coffee is sometimes brewed over hot sand, an ancient technique that allows more precise heat control.
Step-by-Step: How to Brew Turkish & Greek Coffee
Both coffees follow a similar brewing process, but Turkish coffee is often more frothy, while Greek coffee tends to be a bit lighter in foam.
☕ 1. Measure the Water
Use a small demitasse cup to measure the exact amount of cold water.
Pour it into the cezve (Turkish) or briki (Greek).
☕ 2. Add Finely Ground Coffee
Use 1 heaping teaspoon of coffee per cup.
Do not stir yet! Let the coffee float on top.
💡 Best Coffee Brands:
🇹🇷 Turkish Coffee: Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, Hafız Mustafa
🇬🇷 Greek Coffee: Loumidis Papagalos, Bravo Greek Coffee
☕ 3. Add Sugar (If Desired)
Both coffees are sweetened before brewing (never after!).
Sweetness levels:
🥄 Sketos (No Sugar) – Strong, bitter
🥄 Metrios (Medium Sugar) – 1 tsp sugar
🥄 Glykos (Sweet Coffee) – 2 tsp sugar
☕ 4. Heat Slowly Without Stirring
Place the cezve or briki over low heat.
Do not stir! Tiny bubbles will start forming around the edges.
💡 Turkish Coffee Pro Tip: In Turkey, some cafés use hot sand to heat the cezve more evenly!
☕ 5. Create the Signature Foam
Just before the coffee boils, remove it from the heat.
Pour a little foam into each cup.
Return the pot to the heat for one last quick warm-up, then pour the rest of the coffee.
💡 Foam lovers should try Turkish coffee—it tends to be richer!
☕ 6. Let the Grounds Settle and Enjoy
Wait 1–2 minutes before drinking so the coffee grounds settle.
Do not stir—drink slowly, leaving the grounds at the bottom.
💡 Tip: Greeks often serve their coffee with a cold glass of water to cleanse the palate.
Cultural Traditions: Turkish vs. Greek Coffee
☕ Turkish Coffee Culture 🇹🇷
- Traditionally served during weddings and engagements.
- Includes fortune-telling (fal) by reading coffee grounds.
- Often enjoyed with Turkish delight (lokum) or baklava.
☕ Greek Coffee Culture 🇬🇷
- Sipped slowly at kafeneia (traditional coffeehouses).
- Associated with relaxed socializing and conversation.
- Served with loukoumi (Greek delight) or a small biscuit.
💡 Fun Fact: Both cultures use coffee for fortune-telling—a skilled reader can interpret symbols left in the coffee grounds! 🔮
Which One Should You Try?
| If You Like… | Try Turkish Coffee 🇹🇷 | Try Greek Coffee 🇬🇷 |
|---|---|---|
| A thick, rich foam | ✅ | ❌ |
| A slightly milder taste | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hot sand brewing (rare but unique!) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Deep cultural traditions & fortune telling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Strong, full-bodied coffee | ✅ | ✅ |
💡 Both are worth trying! The best choice depends on whether you prefer more foam (Turkish) or a slightly lighter texture (Greek).
Final Thoughts: A Coffee Rivalry Rooted in Tradition
Although Turkish and Greek coffee share a common history, each has developed its own unique identity.
✔ Turkish coffee is thicker, often brewed on hot sand, and known for its deep foam and fortune-telling traditions.
✔ Greek coffee is slightly lighter, enjoyed slowly, and part of Greece’s famous laid-back café culture.
Regardless of which one you choose, both offer a rich, historic, and flavorful coffee experience that brings people together.
So, are you team Turkish Coffee or Greek Coffee? 🇹🇷☕🇬🇷
