Blog
Welcome to the Istanbul Elsewhere Blog!
Stay connected with the stories, flavors, and Istanbulite experiences around the world. From meyhane rituals and culinary traditions to personal journeys and cultural threads, we explore how the spirit of being an Istanbulite travels and transforms beyond its borders.
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Istanbul Elsewhere
Stay in the loop with the latest and juiciest stories, fresh from Istanbul Elsewhere!
You cannot stop breathing because the air is dirty, because hope never forgets the paths it has travelled and never returns to its starting point. It is always much further ahead than where it started.
Not only is pickle a great companion to rakı but brine is a great hangover cure, as Istanbulites learned from the Russian emigres who fled the 1917 Revolution.
The rakı table is an ensemble cast, where every bite plays its part in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and traditions.
Istanbulites carry their traditions wherever they go, and their first task is always the same—finding the local farmers' market
Life’s too short for bad wine, and Paris is always a good idea! L’anason’s Barba Memed spills his favorite hidden gems for the best wine & nibbles in Paris.
Defne a.k.a our Lisbon barba, share stories from Lisbon, in one way or another, carry the scent of Istanbul.
Articles
Explore the culinary, cultural, and historic roots of Istanbul, from its vibrant meyhane culture to the hidden stories behind its timeless flavors. Each article uncovers the traditions, recipes, and tales that have shaped the city's rich gastronomic and social heritage.
Istanbul London Connections
We embark on a journey into the history of Istanbul-London connection with stories of Londoners in Istanbul and Istanbulites in London.
What’s on our plates?
In our journey towards opening London’s first Istanbul meyhane we have often alluded to the special relationship between rakı and meze.
How to Decorate a Meyhane?
From the tables and chairs where memories are made to the walls adorned with stories of companionship, meyhanes cultivate connections that extend far beyond their walls.
Rakı 101
From its ancient origins to modern production techniques, Rakı has a rich history. Origins, distillation, aroma, serving, glasses and everything about Rakı…
Regular/Müdavim
Regulars play a key role in preserving meyhanes' collective memory by observing rituals, sharing stories, embracing change, and sustaining their distinctive ethos.
Gastronomy | Istanbul's Meze Culture
Each week, we explore the rich world of Istanbul’s mezes, uncovering the stories and traditions behind every bite!
Open call by @gunbugundur.la for protests photos exhibition in LA