Audio GuideVefa Bozacisi

Step onto the timeworn marble floor of Vefa Bozacısı, a living relic of Istanbul’s past. This charming establishment, welcoming guests since the late eighteen seventies, stands proudly in the Vefa district — an area renowned for its enduring spirit. The building is a true jewel. It features gleaming wooden counters and time-softened marble, which hints at over a century of laughter, stories, and friendships. Every corner murmurs with the city’s colourful history.

Mehmet Cırıt

Vefa Bozacısı is an iconic destination in Istanbul, celebrated for its boza — a one-of-a-kind traditional drink that once pleased sultans, delighted local families, and even attracted national heroes. Inside, you will notice a glass once used by Ataturk; this is a lasting tribute to the shop’s exceptional past. The air is scented with the gentle sweetness of boza, ladled fresh from cool marble vessels. Each serving arrives thick and creamy, with a subtle tartness balanced by sweetness. It is topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and roasted chickpeas — a combination that is both comforting and wonderfully unexpected.

Emin Gümüş.

Boza is crafted by fermenting grains such as wheat, combined with sugar, water, yeast, and occasionally a dash of butter or semolina. The Vefa tradition favours marble containers over wooden barrels. This enhances the flavour and preserves the freshness. Centuries ago, boza was more akin to beer and contained a little alcohol. Today, its sharp flavour is almost alcohol-free, and it has become a much-loved wintertime treat. Some locals believe boza helps to soothe colds or settle the stomach. Old city tales claim it can even boost one’s vigour or charm.

Boza’s rich story reflects the patchwork of cultures that make up Istanbul. Albanians and Armenians brought their own methods as the city’s craft districts grew with newcomers from distant regions. The modern Vefa Bozacısı was founded by a young Albanian, Haci Sadik, whose tradition continues to this day. The closely-guarded recipe and skills have remained in the family, handed down with care from one generation to the next.

The shop offers far more than boza. Throughout the year, the menu features local delicacies, including a tangy-sweet grape drink called “sir” in the summer months. The counter displays classic Ottoman sherbets, refreshing tamarind drinks, and smooth ice creams. Bottles of pomegranate molasses and aged vinegars line the shelves, capturing the authentic tastes of old Istanbul.

Even now, as darkness falls, the cry of “bozaaaa!” can be heard through narrow streets. Vendors continue the city’s time-honoured traditions. A visit to Vefa Bozacısı is more than just a tasting — it is an invitation to step into living history, enjoying the flavours and tales of Istanbul in a warm and welcoming setting.