A good Turkish coffee cup holds about 90 ml, is made of porcelain that keeps the coffee warm, and comes with a matching saucer for the glass of water and piece of lokum. Beyond that, the choice is about style: footed or classic shape, plain or gold-trimmed, and a set for six guests or a smaller set for two.
This guide walks through each decision so you can choose cups you will actually use, whether they are for daily coffee or for the cabinet you open when guests arrive.
What size is a Turkish coffee cup?
Turkish coffee is served in small portions, so the cups are small too. Most of the sets we carry hold about 90 ml. That size matters for three reasons:
- It suits the drink. A standard serving is about 65–75 ml of coffee, which leaves room at the top for the foam.
- It doubles as a measure. When brewing, you fill the cup with water once per guest and pour it into the cezve. Our guide on how to make Turkish coffee explains the method.
- It keeps the coffee hot. A small, thick-walled cup loses heat slowly.
Larger cups of 150 ml and more are better suited to tea, espresso drinks or filter coffee. If a product title lists the capacity, check it before you buy.
Material: why porcelain is the classic choice
Porcelain holds heat well, has a smooth surface that does not take on flavours, and gives a clean white background for colourful patterns and gold work. Most cups in our coffee cup sets collection are porcelain from Turkish makers ACAR and Kosova, plus a Güral Porselen set and a couple of Paşabahçe cup sets.
Ottoman-style sets often pair the cups with a decorative metal-toned tray. Each product page lists exactly what is in the box.
Footed or classic cups?
Footed cups
Footed cups sit on a small raised base. The shape looks a little more formal and lifts the cup off the saucer, which shows off the pattern. Our footed cup collection brings together designs from Kosova and ACAR. They are a popular choice for guests, holidays and gifts.
Classic cups
Classic cups have a flat base and a simple, rounded or straight-sided shape. They stack more easily, take up less space and feel natural for everyday use. If you drink Turkish coffee daily, a classic set is often the practical pick.
There is no rule here. Many households keep a classic set for the family and a footed or more decorated set for guests.
A set for six or a set for two?
- Sets for six. The traditional size. Usually sold as 12 pieces: six cups and six saucers. This is what most families serve guests with, and it is the usual choice for weddings, çeyiz and housewarmings.
- Sets for two. Ideal for couples, small apartments or a daily coffee ritual. ACAR offers 2-person porcelain sets and 2-person sets with a metal tray, and there is a 2-person set that comes with a coffee pot, a ready-made starter kit.
Think about how many people you host at once. If you regularly serve more than six, two matching sets of six are easier to find than one large set.
Gold details and how to care for them
Gold rims, gold handles and gold patterns are a signature of Turkish coffee cups. Many of our sets from ACAR and Kosova feature gold or silver accents. They look beautiful, but metallic decoration needs a little care to stay bright:
- Hand wash in warm water with mild dish soap and a soft sponge, unless the product page says otherwise.
- Skip abrasive pads and powders, which wear away gold and silver detail.
- Never put metallic-trimmed cups in the microwave. Metal decoration can spark and will be damaged.
- Do not leave them soaking for long periods.
- Dry with a soft cloth and store with a paper napkin between stacked cups to avoid scratches.
Coffee stains on the inside usually lift with a paste of baking soda and water, rubbed gently with your fingertip.
Serving extras that complete the set
Turkish coffee is almost always served on a tray, with a glass of water and something sweet beside each cup. If your set does not include a tray, our serving trays from Özlife come in plain and gold finishes, including footed designs. A small dish of Turkish delight finishes the presentation.
Choosing a coffee cup set as a gift
Coffee cups are among the most common gifts in Turkish culture. In many families, a new coffee set is part of a bride's çeyiz, and during the traditional kız isteme visit, the bride-to-be serves Turkish coffee to the groom's family. A playful custom has her add salt to the groom's cup to see how he reacts.
When choosing a gift:
- For a wedding or new home, a 6-person set with gold details or a matching tray feels generous.
- For a couple or a first apartment, a 2-person set is thoughtful and easy to use every day.
- For someone who loves colour, browse the multicoloured patterns in our Kosova collection.
- For a traditional Ottoman look, the sets with metal trays in our ACAR collection come in silver tone, gold tone, tinned and antique finishes.
Every order ships from our family's store in Toronto to addresses across Canada with Canada Post. If anything arrives damaged, send us photos within 48 hours and we will replace it or refund it in full. For more ideas, see our Turkish gift guide.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a Turkish coffee cup?
Most Turkish coffee cups hold around 90 ml. A standard serving of about 70 ml of coffee fills it with room left for the foam.
How many pieces are in a Turkish coffee set for 6?
Usually 12: six cups and six saucers. Some sets also include a tray or other serving pieces, so check the product page for the exact contents.
Can I put gold-rimmed coffee cups in the dishwasher?
Care depends on the product, so check the product page. Hand washing with mild soap is the safest way to keep gold and silver details bright, and metallic-trimmed cups should never go in the microwave.
Can I use espresso cups for Turkish coffee?
Yes, if they are a similar size. Many espresso cups hold roughly the same volume, though the shape and saucer may differ from a traditional Turkish cup.
