Istanbul’s mahalles at times seem like individual villages. And, at times like villages there isn’t always the urgency to leave yours. That said, it’s unfortunate that we do not get around to Kadıköy more often. But when we do, there are certain stops we have to make. Montag Coffee Roasters is one of them.
If you’re like us, then you’re probably getting to Asian side by boat – if we could we would probably ferry everywhere. Head toward Starbucks and continue straight on up until you hit the Armenian church. Directly across from it will be a series of apartments. You’ll have to go into one of them. Don’t mind the confused looks of the men selling sunglasses out of their 2m2 kiosk. Walk up the stairs (their labeled) and through the glass doors, give a nod to the one of guys behind the counter (although they may be on the balcony), have a seat, and pat yourself on the back for making it. Now, you can reward yourself with some of the neighborhood’s finest coffee (let’s not forget about Cherrybean Coffee in Moda).
Once settled, you can choose a number of different coffees and their styles. And, because the team is roasting their own coffee, this is the time to go wild. The last time we checked they had five different roasts available. All varieties can be made through espresso based drinks as well as the chemex drip and the aeropress. But If you are overwhelmed by the variety, the gentlemen behind the counter always have a suggestion at the ready.
Montag set up shop in April 2015. By the end of 2016, they set up their own roasting studio to ensure that the quality of coffee they could serve is their absolute best. And it is. Apparently, the team first conceived the idea of the coffee shop while in Amsterday in 2014. It was probably there that the name “Montag” meaning Monday in German was conceived.
The next time you find yourself in Kadıköy Çarşı, perhaps on a Monday, with a couple of minutes to spare, head on up the stairs. Take a minute or two. Enjoy the fabulous coffee and watch the many rush below you.
Montag Coffee Roasters
Coffee Shop
Caferağa Mahallesi
Muvakkithane Caddesi No.16 Kat.1
Kadıköy, İstanbul
t: 0533 460 90 38
Roasting Studio
By appointment only. Contact Burak Bener (t:0533 690 4798, e: burak@montagcoffee.com)
Cevizli Mah.
Hızır Reis Sokak No. 19C
Maltepe, İstanbul
istanbites 
My favorite part of Istanbul!
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It’s such a great hideaway, not to mention great coffee too!
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