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Raki Review |
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 Partying
in Turkey is much the same as partying anywhere else in the world. The bars
and clubs are of a world standard. Islam forbids drinking alcohol, but most
Turks are European in their lifestyle and enjoy local beer, wine and, of
course, Raki. Drinking is not as ingrained in culture among the locals as it
is in say Australia, England and Ireland, where people aim to get off their
trolley just about every day! The Turks will often only drink with meals.
They don’t mind watching us get lagered up and make complete fools of
ourselves though.
Efes is the most popular beer in Turkey. Brewed in Izmir, it is served
almost everywhere with Tuborg, brewed under license, being it’s largest
competitor. If you get an Efes with an English label, check out the
‘Ingredients’ section. It’s the only beer I’ve ever seen with ‘rice’ as an
ingredient.
Turkey has a plentiful wine industry, as well, with prices varying greatly.
In a market store prices start at around TL2Mill per bottle. These cheap
wines are referred to by the locals as Kopek Olduren (Dog Killer) with good
reason.
With a 400% duty on imported wines, you will only see them in the best
hotels and restaurants. Local ‘boutique’ wineries produce some excellent
vintages, but you may pay anywhere up to USD20. If you’re like me who is
like most backpackers, dog killer can become quite tasty after the first
half dozen bottles.
Raki is Turkey’s national drink and more than 60 million litres are consumed
each year, mostly with meals and Meze (many small entrees) and sometimes
without manners! Even if they are just having a few drinks, the Turks will
still have some sort of food with their Raki, often mandarin slices or some
nuts.
Raki is a clear brandy, made from distilled grapes, then flavoured with
anise. It is very similar to ouzo or sambuca, but mixed with water when
drunk.
Usually pour a third glass or half glass before topping up with the water. I
definitely recommend a night or three on the Raki, but don’t do what I did
and shoot it all night. Now I know why the Turks were laughing at me, the
headache the next day was like Chernobyl.
Istanbul – Sultanahmet is generally the main area for backpackers and budget
travellers in Istanbul. Akbiyik Caddesi has many hostels and therefore many
bars to cater for the backpackers. The best along this street is the Roof
Top Bar and Cafe at Sultan Hostel. It boasts spectacular views of the
Marmara Sea, the Blue Mosque and Saint Sophia. Cheers Bar (opposite), Just
Bar (next door) and Backpackers Cafe are some others along the street worth
checking out.
But don't spend your whole time in backpackerland, get out there, mingle,
eat and drink with the locals. Go and party in Taksim, which is packed on a
Friday and Saturday night. This manic area of the city hosts hundreds of
cool bars, cafes and nightclubs. Drink prices depend on where you go and
range from cheap to elite. Most entry fees include the first drink too. Even
though the best way to experience Taksim is to wander around from bar to
bar, a couple of recommendations are: Cinaralti – Just off Istiklal Caddesi,
the main street of Taksim. Tourists are hard to find here. You can relax on
the back terrace or sit in the front bar and enjoy your drinks. Riddem Bar –
A reggae bar located near the fish restaurants. All the African community of
Istanbul know about this groovy place and come here to chill with there
favourite Bob Marley tunes. Prices are reasonable for Taksim. Also, check
out the student quarter of Taksim near the British Embassy and the fish
market and hook into student priced steins till you fall off your chair. If
you don't believe that eatin's cheatin' then don't miss the Victor Levi wine
bar for the best value T-bone in Istanbul - opposite the British Embassy.
Just mention you’re a mate of Boa’s and they’ll look after you.
Fethiye/Oludeniz – Oludeniz Camping is always a great place to start the
night. Happy hour is legendary, so fill up here before hitting the town. The
party goes all night though.
In Fethiye, bar names and locations change frequently, so just get out there
and see what you can find.
Cappadocia – In Goreme check out Flintstones Bar and Pacha Bar.
Olympos – The Bull Bar at Kadir's is legendary for it’s all night parties
and debauchery and the new Club Bar is set to make things worse .... or is
that better!
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