Tulip Tea Glass Set (6-person, 12-piece) + Turkish Tea
Tea is Turkey's true national drink (more per capita than anywhere on earth) and the tulip glass is its icon — a complete authentic set for under $11.
Price: 479 TRY (Paşabahçe Timeless 96991 12-piece (6 glasses + 6 saucers) çay set at 479 TRY; Heybeli set from 359 TRY (~10 USD). Add Çaykur Rize tea 500g ~120 TRY.)
Where to buy: Paşabahçe stores citywide (Istiklal Caddesi flagship) at fixed prices; ornate gold-rimmed versions at the Grand Bazaar cost more and require haggling
Price checked 2026-07-03
- Paşabahçe is the national glassmaker — the plain 'ince belli' (slim-waisted) glass is the authentic everyday item; heavily gilded bazaar sets are for tourists
- Glass is the classic broken-souvenir; Paşabahçe stores box sets properly for transit — bazaar stalls often don't
- A single set is under the 1,000 TRY tax-free threshold; glassware carries 20% VAT, so larger Paşabahçe hauls are worth a form
- Pair with a çaydanlık (double teapot, from ~600 TRY) only if you'll actually brew the two-stage way