Turkey, a country known for its vibrant culture and rich traditions, holds a special place in my heart, especially as a Yerba drinker. It’s a land where I embarked on my journey with Yerba Mate, and I can tell you, it’s not the easiest place to start. In a nation steeped in a tea and coffee culture, Yerba Mate is an anomaly, yet it thrives in its own quiet way.
The Middle East, particularly Syria, has its own tradition of drinking Yerba Mate, but the choice of brands has always been somewhat limited. In Turkey, where tea takes center stage and coffee enjoys its own share of adulation, Yerba Mate was a unique discovery for me.
The Few Yerba Mate Brands in Turkey
In this land of teapots and Turkish coffee, you’d be hard-pressed to find Yerba Mate enthusiasts. However, for those like me who sought the leafy goodness, there are a few brands that stand out.
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Classic red Piporé: Perhaps the most popular Yerba Mate brand you’ll come across in Turkey. I wouldn’t say it’s my personal favorite, but it does the job when I’m unable to find other brands. It tends to be quite bitter and loses its flavor rather quickly. -
Kharta Khadra: This is an exclusive Yerba Mate blend tailored for the Middle Eastern market, including Syria. -
Taragüi: My personal favorite from the list. Taragui offers a more delicate and less bitter taste, making it a gem to savor.
Where to Buy Yerba Mate and Supplies
Now, the question arises: where can you begin your journey with Yerba Mate in Turkey?
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Trendyol, Hepsiburada, and n11: These are the go-to online marketplaces for many in Turkey. Here, you can uncover a selection of Yerba Mate brands, along with affordable bombillas (straws for drinking Yerba Mate) and gourds (vessels to hold the Yerba Mate). It’s where the uninitiated can take their first steps into the world of Yerba Mate.
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Amazon.com.tr: For a more comprehensive selection, Amazon.com.tr is a treasure trove of gourds, bombillas, and some variants of Yerba Mate. But they are quite expensive, as well as delivery.
In Turkey, the Yerba Mate community may be small, but its passion is boundless, and it’s always ready to welcome newcomers into its fold.
Should I say that turkish teacup (bardak) looks like a small Mate gourd?