Kasim's

Kasim's is an unusual nightspot since it does not serve alcohol, as its proprietor, Kasmbek, is a devout Muslim of Turkish descent. What Kasim's has, is strong, thimble-sized cups of Turkish-style street coffee, and some of the best-scented tobacco on the market, all compounded to be smoked in water-pipes, or nargile. Kasymbek's thick, bitter street coffee is served in small cups, unfiltered, and flavoured with cardamom, and drinkers are intended to drain the liquid contents and leave the dregs behind.

As a compliment to guests, Kasmbek serves each bot of coffee with a plate of free sweets, sometimes Ioukum (turkish delight) or baklava, made by Kasmbek's mother Elif, who runs the kitchen. Elif will occasionally leave the kitchen to come out and greet fabourite customers, and take a puff or two of rose-scented tobacco herself. If she really likes you, she might read your coffee grounds for you and try to tell your future. Kasim's is closed on Fridays for Friday prayers.

Signature Drink: Strong black street coffee, with a small plate of sweets. 10eb per cup, although Kasymbek will keep refilling you as long as you keep buying tobacco for your nargile, at 20eb per foil packet.