Mandabatmaz
Mandabatmaz is a hidden gem tucked away in an alley off Istanbul's Istikal Street, serving what many claim is the richest Turkish coffee in the city. This historic café (established in 1967) lives up to its name, which translates to "so thick even a water buffalo wouldn't sink," offering an authentic experience complemented by their famous San Sebastian cheesecake. Despite its modest surroundings, this cozy spot attracts both locals and tourists seeking a traditional Turkish coffee experience with genuine character.
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Edited 4 months ago
This coffee is so good, we had to come back one more time with friends before we went home. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to find this well known secret at the end of the alley of Istikal St to enjoy the richest coffee in Istanbul with a piece of "reasonably priced" San Sebastian cheesecake! 😋 A well-known little secret in this alley off of Istikal Street! They boast the richest cup of coffee in Istanbul and they just may be right! It was legendary, iconic and delicious. We had a wonderful time with friends enjoying dessert and a superb coffee. Really hope to go back soon to experience it again!
3 months ago
Many reviews said their coffee is one of the best category in that area I ordered the set menu: 1 Turkish coffee + 1 dessert (cheese cake poured with chocolate). The coffee is good as per reviewed, the cake is fresh, delicious & nice texture. However, the surrounding may come with a bit of cat urine smell, if you don't mind it.
Edited 6 months ago
UPDATE We returned 2 days later and decided NEVER AGAIN. The place was filled with cigarette smoke, and the cheesecake had way less chocolate than before. What put me off the most is that they changed the rules for their set. On the first visit, I ordered the set with a milk coffee and San Sebastian cheesecake. When I returned and attempted to order the same thing, I was told the set only allows a normal coffee. Then when I conceded and ordered a normal coffee and San Sebastian cheesecake, the staff tried to serve me a normal cheesecake and acted as though he didn’t know what cake I was talking about until I showed him a photo of the cake I took the day before. Then he grudgingly returned with a cake with way less chocolate than before (refer to my photos for a comparison). I repeat. NEVER VISITING AGAIN. FIRST REVIEW Good place to relax with a warm nicely roasted cup of coffee. We ordered the milk coffee and San Sebastian Cheesecake. I’d say this cheesecake is a must-try. It looks decadent and seems like it will be overwhelming after a few bites, but the cheesecake and chocolate flavours balanced out nicely. Reduced by one star because of the persistent cigarette smoke smell even though we sat indoors. Not pleasant.
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