With the recent capture of Ratko Mladic (the former Bosnian Serb general accused of ordering the massacre of over 8,000 Muslims in 1995), there has been a lot of news centering around these Balkan states. While their recent history still echoes with the aftershocks of nations struggling to overcome lifetimes of ethnic division and a 3 years of war starting in 1992, there are at least a few items that, regardless of one’s cultural heritage, serve as ties to unite the Balkans as well as much of the Middle East, North Africa, and Caucasus countries (like Armenia). One of those is their unrivaled love for rich, sweet and potent ‘Turkish’ Coffee.
Each of these regions has their own adaptations of this special coffee brew but at their heart the Turkish Coffee experience is quite similar. This is owed in a good part to the influences of the once vast Ottoman Empire that expanded and contracted over a massive area throughout its 600 years (from the early 1300’s - 1900’s). Today it has many names, but whatever the locals call it, this caffeinated shot of bliss tends to hold true to an old Turkish saying, "Coffee should be dark as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love."
They aren’t kidding. A finely ground coffee (finer than espresso) is prepared by gently boiling it and (often) a healthy dose of sugar till the mixture foams in a specially designed, long handled pot with a narrow neck (called a cezve). This brew is then served - grinds and all.
Most cafés don’t offer Turkish coffee, but if you want to try it in Boulder then the news is good. The Brewing Market’s main store at Folsom and Arapahoe recently started serving it (with other locations to follow). Established in 1977, the Brewing Market coffee chain has been working the Boulder coffee scene for quite a while. Their foray into Turkish coffee isn’t a surprise when one considers the history of its owner, Artine Yapoujian. Artine grew up with his Armenian family in Lebanon, where he learned how to brew a mean cup of coffee. It was only a matter of time before their special 'Turkish Blend' found its way into a Turkish style, specialty drink.
Their Turkish Coffee is also graced with a single, cracked cardamom seed. This small touch adds a delicious, tangy spice that continues to shift as the drink ages. Also, don’t expect a Bosnian style 8 to 12oz cup of heady, dark coffee; the Brewing Market experience is more like the ‘traditional’ Turkish version and is served in shot sized portions. $2.50 will get you a single espresso sized glass and $3.50 will get you two.
Be warned, the staff has a tendency to OVER sugar the Turkish coffee. It’s a good idea to request only a teaspoon (not a tablespoon) to start and see if you'd like more. Remember, the grinds are STILL in the coffee so make sure you give your drink at least 30-60 seconds to cool and settle. Though it’s espresso sized, ‘shooting’ this dark little dream of a drink is a very bad idea. So, as soon as you taste grit, it’s time to stop drinking.
Click this how-to video to see how you can make Turkish Coffee at home.
BeanScene Magazine reports that the oldest coffee house in Europe (Café Baum - Leipzig, Germany) has an entrance graced with a sculpture that depicts an Ottoman offering cupid a cup of coffee. Turns out that this symbolises the meeting of the Christian western world with the Islamic east. Even in 1694 they were hopeful that coffee could be a bridge between cultures. Here’s hoping that little things like sitting down over a commonly beloved cup of coffee can help to bridge ethnic divides and start a dialogue that highlights our common ground.
Not in the Boulder area? Check out your local Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Many serve thier own version of Turkish coffee.
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