Raký,
the national alcoholic drink of Turks has a high degree alcohol
and should not be consumed quickly. Most people drink it by
mixing it with water. Colorless raký turns milky white when
mixed with water. Mindful drinkers fill 1/3 of their glass with
raký then add water and finally ice. Ice is never put in the
glass first. If raký is met with ice before water, it
crystallizes and the taste changes. Some people drink raký
straight. In addition the raký should be cold. One sip raký, one
sip water – it softens this strong drink. Raký goes well with and often inspires good conversation. It is
customary to eat meze (various foods served in small
plates) while drinking raký.
Here are some guidelines to observe when drinking raký:
First, wait until everyone has been served their raký, then join
in the toast all together. Try not to raise your glass higher
than the rest. Never drink raký with other liquors – it does not
mix well and you may indeed find yourself feeling ill or
suffering a terrible hangover the next day. Raký is not a one-shot-liquor
as vodka or tequila..
There is a saying in Turkish that goes something like this: “If
you want to know a person, either travel with them or go and
drink raký with them”. Use good judgment when choosing whom to
drink raký with as it is quickly intoxicating. When you sit down
at a Meyhane, you will first order your drinks and then a
waiter will most likely bring a large tray of meze to the table
and you can pick and choose which ones you would like. Don’t
forget to order some butter with toasted bread as eating them
will help you tolerate the alcohol. Usually, main course dishes
follow the hot mezes. If you are not sure what to order, look
around at the nearby table and point to something you find
appealing. If you happen to sit at a table that is already
loaded with mezes, send back the ones that you do not want (without
touching them of course) so as not to be charged for them on
bill.
It is a good idea to finish your meze before ordering any
main course as you may very well find that you are full and
satisfied with just the meze. If you are ordering fish, go
lightly on the meze or you will be too full to enjoy its
delicate flavor.
Often there are musical groups performing which will roam
throughout the restaurant. If you do not want them to visit your
table, tell the owner or manager immediately. If they do come to
your table and play for you it is customary to give a tip. You
need only tip one of them, but make the tip visible for all to
see, so that they don’t keep standing there playing and coercing
you into giving even yet another tip.
A list of Meyhanes in Istanbul and Ankara are listed in our
Yellow Pages.
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