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In southeastern Turkey, a traditional drink often mistaken for coffee offers a rich flavour without any caffeine. Known as menengiç coffee, this unique beverage is made by roasting and grinding the fruit of the wild pistachio tree, rather than coffee beans. The result is a creamy, nutty drink with an earthy aroma that sets it apart from conventional coffee.
Menengiç has been enjoyed in Anatolia for centuries, particularly in regions such as Gaziantep and Mardin where the trees grow naturally. Long before coffee beans became common, local communities relied on this drink as a daily staple, and it remains an important part of cultural heritage in parts of Turkey today.
Because it contains no caffeine, menengiç is popular among those who want to enjoy the comfort and ritual of coffee without the stimulating effects. It is traditionally prepared in a small pot similar to Turkish coffee and is often brewed with milk, giving it a smooth, almost dessert-like texture.
Beyond its taste, menengiç is valued for its natural oils and nutrients, and its revival has attracted attention from travellers and food lovers seeking authentic, traditional alternatives to modern coffee culture.
