From the tea houses of the Black Sea to your kitchen — discover Rize's centuries-old tea brewing tradition.
Rize is the heart of Turkish tea production. In every corner of the city, every home, and every tea garden, the çaydanlık never goes cold. In Rize, brewing tea is a daily ritual, a social bond, and an expression of cultural identity.
The Rize brewing method is built on practical knowledge passed down through generations. Water is boiled, rested, poured into the teapot, and waited upon patiently. There is no rushing — good tea takes time.
In this guide, we explore Rize's traditional tea brewing culture, local secrets, and methods you can adapt at home.
The essential steps of local methods.
Rize's natural spring water is ideal for tea. At home, use filtered water.
Traditional copper or porcelain çaydanlık sets are used.
Boiling water rests for 3-5 minutes — in Rize, this is called 'settling the water' (suyu oturtmak).
Water goes into the upper teapot first, followed by fine-sieve Rize tea.
The lower pot is kept on a low flame with a gentle simmer.
After removing from heat, rest 2-3 minutes and serve in thin-walled Turkish tea glasses.
Secrets from local masters.
In Rize, tea is usually drunk without sugar — the strength speaks for itself.
When hosting guests, the teapot is never left empty.
In tea houses, brewing time is tracked by eye, not by timer.
Fresh harvest tea (May tea) is the most valued offering.
In Rize, tea is not just a beverage. At neighborly visits, business meetings, weddings, and funerals, tea is indispensable. Saying 'the tea is brewing' means 'welcome.' This social bond brings care and attention to the brewing process itself.
Rize's humid climate and high-altitude tea gardens produce some of the world's finest tea leaves. Brewing those leaves correctly at home is the best way to experience Rize.
Ordering dye-free, dust-free fine-sieve Rize tea directly from Rize — such as Nayino Tea fine-sieve Rize tea — lets you capture the flavor of Black Sea tea houses in your own kitchen.
Dye-free · Dust-free · Additive-free
Order Nayino Tea's authentic fine-sieve Rize tea directly from the source. Place a quick order via WhatsApp or buy securely on Trendyol.
Common questions about Rize tea culture.
Tea production is central to the region's economic and cultural identity. It is an indispensable part of social life.
The traditional copper or porcelain double teapot (çaydanlık) is the most common vessel.
Yes. With the right water, quality fine-sieve Rize tea, and the traditional method, you can achieve very close results.