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This drink is more than 10,000 years old
Plus: a recipe e-book helping families in Gaza
Julius Fiedler
August 22, 2025
Boza, the drink you eat with a spoon
One of my favourite parts of travelling for my YouTube series Vegan Cultures is stumbling into culinary traditions I’d never have discovered had I not followed in the footsteps of locals. One such path led me to Vefa Bozacısı, where for the very first time I sipped and spooned my way through a cup of Boza, a fermented millet drink. Fruity, slightly tangy, crowned with roasted chickpeas and a dusting of cinnamon, it was unlike anything I’d tasted before. It took a few tries (and more than a few fails) to get the recipe right at home, but eventually I did, and it was worth every misstep.
The simple ingredients behind a traditional boza
The roasted chickpeas, by the way, are the locals’ secret. They’re not just a garnish but an essential addition, giving it a nutty, almost popcorn-like flavour that completes the drink. At Vefa Bozacısı, you’ll sometimes find them tucked behind the counter, though the roasted chickpea vendor across the street makes for a memorable detour and an even better story. In my YouTube episode below, you can watch me pick up a bag from him before carrying it back to Vefa for my first true taste of Boza.
From the Archive
 Lablabi (Tunisian Spiced Chickpea Soup)Chickpeas, stale bread and a punch of aromatics like harissa and cumin come together in a humble yet vibrant bowl of comfort. |  Adas Bil Hamod (Lebanese Lentil & Lemon Soup)A fragrant lentil soup often eaten during Lent, finished with a garlic & mint oil and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. |
Featuring contributions from 76 creators from 10 countries. I am honoured to have joined Cocomero, a volunteer-based project launched by a group of Italian food bloggers. The initiative raises funds for Palestinian civilians, left homeless and without a livelihood by the devastating bombings and forced displacement that began in October 2023. By purchasing the Cocomero e-book, you're making a tangible difference in the lives of the people this project supports. Your donation will help them and local organisations to buy much needed food, water, tents and medicine. |  “Cocomero” means watermelon in Italian. This glorious fruit is not only one of the driving forces of Palestinian economy, but also a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and hope for the people of Gaza. |
I hope you enjoyed reading this week’s shorter-than-usual newsletter. See you next week for more updates from the test kitchen. Have a good weekend!
Much love,
Julius