In taverns, which constitute an important culture in Cyprus, the ‘meze’ culture has been meticulously preserved. In addition to this, the decor of many taverns is still the same as they were in the past. Everything you’ve missed from hummus to cacık, from gabira (grilled village bread) to artichokes, from hellim to şeftali kebab, from çakıstes to almonds and pickled gabbar (pickled caper leaves) will be waiting for you at the meyhane...

Cyprus is making a difference in meyhane culture…

While women are not welcome to go to taverns in some cultures, the situation is very different in Cyprus. 60% of meyhane guests are women. Cypriots come to the tavern with their families and even their children. Like all parts of Cyprus, this is a place where people feel safe and respect each other. So much so that even business meetings are held here.

All together without social rank…

Taverns have a social aspect besides eating and drinking. Regardless of political views, everyone shares the same table. Everything from local issues to football league statistics can all be topics dominating a conversation. Cyprus is perhaps the only place where drinking and having fun at the same place with a minister or a deputy without the limit of social status is possible.

To joys and sorrows, to the greying once youthful hair…

There is no single reason to go to the tavern: for joys, youthful outings, the old and wise, distant loyal friends, the ones we lost, poems and sonnets, Ciğerci Ahmet to Anibal, Bener Hodja to Arif Hodja ... Kyrenia Harbor, Famagusta to Karpaz, Omorfo, Lefke, from cities to London, from Larnaca to Çatoz. Memories, Anafartalar and TMK alumni, all graduates ...

For those longing for these days with a big ol’ sigh of “yef!”, but most of all, for those who are waiting patiently… The meyhanes you miss are waiting for you in Cyprus.