Audio GuideVefa Bozacisi

Step onto the worn marble floor of Vefa Bozacısı, a living piece of Istanbul history. This quaint shop has been welcoming guests since the late eighteen seventies, standing firm in the Vefa district — an area known for its timeless character. The building itself is a treasure, with polished wood surfaces and distressed marble that hint at more than a century of stories and lively conversations. Every corner whispers of the city’s rich past.

Mehmet Cırıt

Vefa Bozacısı is famous throughout Istanbul for boza, a unique, traditional drink that has delighted sultans, local families, and even national heroes. On the wall inside, you will spot a special glass used by Ataturk, a sign of this shop’s remarkable legacy. The air carries a gentle, sweet scent from boza poured fresh from cool marble jugs. Each cup arrives thick and creamy. The drink is slightly tart and sweet, topped with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas — a blend of comfort and surprise.

Emin Gümüş.

Boza is made by fermenting grains such as wheat, with sugar, water, yeast, and sometimes a touch of butter or semolina. The Vefa method swaps wooden barrels for marble containers, improving the flavor and keeping the drink fresh longer. In ancient times, boza was closer to beer — it was even a little intoxicating. Today, its tangy taste is mostly free of alcohol and has become a cherished winter custom. Some say boza even helps with colds or stomach troubles. City legends claim it can boost one’s strength or physical charm.

The heritage of boza reflects a mosaic of cultures. Albanians and Armenians brought unique techniques when Istanbul’s neighborhoods filled with craftsmen from every corner of the region. It was a young Albanian named Haci Sadik who founded Vefa Bozacısı. He started the tradition that still draws crowds. Over generations, the recipe and skills have stayed in the same family, passed wisely from parent to child.

Beyond boza, the menu brims with local flavors year-round. In summer, the shop offers “sir,” a sweet-tart grape drink. The counter displays traditional Ottoman sherbets, tamarind refreshments, and creamy ice creams. Bottles of pomegranate sauce and fine vinegars line the shelves, offering the tastes of old Istanbul.

Even today, the nighttime call of “bozaaaa!” echoes through narrow lanes, as street vendors keep the city’s customs alive. A visit to Vefa Bozacısı isn’t just a tasting experience. It is a way to become part of living history, savoring the flavors and stories of Istanbul in one friendly, atmospheric setting.