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Embarking on a journey to the heart of Turkish sweets in Istanbul? Get ready to explore a world of indulgence, where age-old traditions meet modern creativity. Uncover the best Turkish desserts in Istanbul and let us guide you through a realm of unforgettable flavors. From decadent baklava to mouthwatering cheesecake, this guide will satiate your sweet cravings in the city that connects two continents.

Murat Muhallebicisi: Delicious Sultac and Tavuk Gogsu

In a city brimming with Istanbul dessert shops, Murat Muhallebicisi stands out as a beacon of tradition. This famous sweet shop in Istanbul has been delighting locals and tourists alike for decades with its delightful array of milky desserts.

  • What to try: Sütlaç (rice pudding) and tavuk göğsü (chicken breast pudding)
  • Dessert highlight: The creamy sütlaç has a velvety texture that will make you swoon, while the unique tavuk göğsü will leave you pondering its delicate flavors.

Sütlaç is a Turkish rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and rice. Tavuk Göğsü is a Turkish dessert made with chicken breast, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. It has a creamy texture and a unique flavor that is difficult to describe.

Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir: Legendary Lokum Artisans

Stepping into Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir is like entering a treasure trove of Istanbul desserts. Established in 1777, this confectionery is renowned for its exquisite Turkish delight (lokum) and has become synonymous with the best Turkish sweets in Istanbul.

  • What to try: Rose-flavored lokum, walnut lokum, and double roasted pistachio lokum
  • Dessert highlight: Savor the delicate balance of flavors and textures as the rose-flavored lokum melts in your mouth, leaving a fragrant aftertaste.

Lokum, also known as Turkish delight, is a type of confectionery that is popular in Turkey and throughout the Middle East. It is typically made from a gel-like mixture of starch and sugar, with added flavors and sometimes nuts or fruit. Lokum has a soft, chewy texture and is often dusted with powdered sugar or coconut flakes. It comes in a variety of flavors, with rose and pistachio being particularly popular.

More shops with Turkish Delight in Istanbul >>

Four Tours We Recommend in Istanbul

  • Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour: Discover the flavors of Asia and Europe on a food tour of Istanbul. Conquer the cuisines of the city’s 7 hills by following a local to neighborhood cafés for Kurdish food, typical drinks, and more.
  • Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents Food Tour: Indulge in fantastic Turkish flavors on a guided walking tour of the best food in Istanbul. Enjoy 9 stops with delicious samples at each one.
  • Istanbul: Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets: Explore Istanbul’s culinary delights on a guided tour of the vibrant Kadikoy neighborhood. Try authentic Turkish delicacies like creamy kaymak, freshly baked simit, tantalizing fish sandwiches, mouthwatering iskender kebap, and more.
  • Bonus: Istanbul: Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus -Enjoy a fun-filled evening with exciting drinking games, complimentary Raki and cocktail shots, and visit three vibrant rooftop clubs on your exhilarating party bus experience.

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J’adore Chocolatier: A Symphony of Chocolate Delights

For chocoholics seeking the best dessert in Istanbul, J’adore Chocolatier is a dream come true. With an enchanting assortment of artisanal chocolates and truffles, this Istanbul dessert shop is a testament to the universal love for cocoa.

  • What to try: Passion fruit truffle, hazelnut praline, and Earl Grey-infused chocolate
  • Dessert highlight: The passion fruit truffle is a perfect harmony of tartness and sweetness, wrapped in a luxurious chocolate shell that will make your taste buds dance.

Koska: A Heavenly Haven for Halva Lovers

Koska is an institution when it comes to Turkish sweets in Istanbul. Established in 1907, this renowned dessert shop offers a wide variety of traditional treats, with halva being their specialty.

Turkish Sweets in Istanbul: Koska
  • What to try: Tahini halva, chocolate halva, and pistachio halva
  • Dessert highlight: The tahini halva is a sublime marriage of nutty sesame and subtle sweetness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience you won’t forget.

Halva is a type of sweet confectionery that is popular in many parts of the world, including Turkey. It is typically made from a base of sesame paste or tahini, sugar or honey, and sometimes nuts or fruit. The mixture is heated and stirred until it reaches a thick, fudge-like consistency, then poured into molds to cool and set. Halva can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder, and is often served as a dessert or snack.

Baylan Kadıköy: A Pastry Paradise

Baylan Kadıköy is one of the best bakeries in Istanbul, where you can savor a delectable array of pastries and desserts. Established in 1923, this Istanbul dessert shop offers both Turkish and European delights.

  • What to try: Kup Griye, almond cake, and chocolate soufflé
  • Dessert highlight: The Kup Griye, a signature dessert, is an enticing blend of caramel, ice cream, and crunchy meringue that will transport you to a world of pure indulgence.

Helvacı Ali 1900: A Journey Through Flavors

Helvacı Ali 1900 is a gem among Istanbul dessert shops, offering a delightful assortment of traditional Turkish desserts. With a rich history dating back to 1900, this famous sweet shop in Istanbul is known for its helva, a dense, sweet confection made from sesame paste.

  • What to try: Tahini halva, irmik helvası (semolina halva), and cevizli sucuk (walnut sausages)
  • Dessert highlight: The irmik helvası, a warm, buttery semolina dessert, is a symphony of contrasting textures and flavors that will leave you craving more

Hatay Ekol Künefe: A Cheesy Delight

When searching for the best restaurants in Istanbul for dessert, Hatay Ekol Künefe is a must-visit. This eatery specializes in künefe, a scrumptious cheese pastry soaked in syrup, which is one of the most beloved Turkish desserts.

  • What to try: Classic künefe, chocolate künefe, and pistachio künefe
  • Dessert highlight: The classic künefe is a perfect harmony of gooey cheese, crispy kadayıf, and sweet syrup, creating an unforgettable taste sensation.

Bolulu Hasan Usta Eminönü: A Baklava Bonanza

Bolulu Hasan Usta Eminönü is a haven for baklava enthusiasts seeking the best baklava in Istanbul. This Istanbul dessert shop is renowned for its flaky, syrup-soaked pastries, which have been delighting dessert lovers for generations.

  • What to try: Classic baklava, şöbiyet (cream-filled baklava), and chocolate baklava
  • Dessert highlight: The classic baklava is a masterpiece of crisp, golden layers, brimming with rich pistachio filling, and bathed in fragrant syrup.

Şekerci Cafer Erol: A Sweet Oasis

Şekerci Cafer Erol is a legendary Istanbul dessert shop, offering an extensive selection of Turkish sweets and confections. This famous sweet shop in Istanbul is known for its akide şekeri (rock candy), which comes in a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors.

  • What to try: Akide şekeri, marzipan fruits, and fruit-shaped marmalades
  • Dessert highlight: The fruit-shaped marmalades are a delightful combination of playful presentation and tangy, fruity flavors that will enchant your senses.

Karakoy Gulluoglu: The Baklava Benchmark

Karakoy Gulluoglu is synonymous with the best baklava in Istanbul. Established in 1949, this iconic dessert shop has set the standard for this quintessential Turkish dessert, attracting both locals and tourists.

  • What to try: Classic baklava, pistachio roll, and walnut baklava
  • Dessert highlight: The pistachio roll is a unique twist on the classic baklava, featuring a delicate, flaky pastry enveloping a generous helping of pistachio filling that’s simply irresistible.

Enjoy Sweets and Desserts with Food Tours in Istanbul

Hafız Mustafa: A Confectionery Wonderland

Hafız Mustafa is a one-stop-shop for the best Turkish desserts in Istanbul. This celebrated dessert shop, established in 1864, offers a wide variety of sweets, from traditional Turkish confections to delectable cakes and pastries.

  • What to try: Revani (semolina cake), trileçe (three milk cake), and kazandibi (caramelized milk pudding)
  • Dessert highlight: The trileçe is a moist, spongy cake soaked in a blend of three milks, creating a divine symphony of flavors that’s not to be missed.

Saray Muhallebicisi: A Royal Affair

Saray Muhallebicisi is a regal Istanbul dessert shop, boasting a menu of both classic and innovative Turkish sweets. With its rich history and commitment to quality, this famous sweet shop in Istanbul is a must-visit for dessert aficionados.

  • What to try: Profiteroles, kazandibi, and irmik helvası
  • Dessert highlight: The profiteroles are a dreamy fusion of delicate choux pastry, velvety chocolate sauce, and luscious cream, creating an exquisite dessert experience.

The name “kazandibi” translates to “bottom of the pot” in Turkish, referring to the caramelized layer that forms on the bottom of the pan. Kazandibi is a Turkish dessert made by caramelizing sugar and then adding milk and rice flour to the mixture. The mixture is then cooked over low heat until it thickens and becomes a pudding-like consistency. The mixture is then poured into a pan and left to cool and set, creating a caramelized layer on the bottom.

Çiğdem Pastanesi Sultanahmet: A Taste of History

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s historic district, Çiğdem Pastanesi Sultanahmet is a charming dessert shop offering a delightful selection of traditional Turkish sweets. This Istanbul dessert shop is the perfect spot to indulge in authentic treats after exploring the city’s iconic sites.

  • What to try: Ayva tatlısı (quince dessert), kabak tatlısı (pumpkin dessert), and güllaç (rosewater dessert)
  • Dessert highlight: The ayva tatlısı is a fragrant, fruity delight, infused with cinnamon and cloves, and topped with a dollop of creamy kaymak.

Çikolata Dükkanı-Moda: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Çikolata Dükkanı-Moda is a chic Istanbul dessert shop, specializing in handcrafted chocolate treats. Located in the trendy Moda neighborhood, this boutique chocolaterie offers a curated selection of truffles, bars, and pralines.

  • What to try: Orange-infused dark chocolate, lavender milk chocolate, and raspberry white chocolate
  • Dessert highlight: The orange-infused dark chocolate is a tantalizing fusion of rich, velvety cocoa and zesty citrus notes that will awaken your senses.

Altan Şekerleme: A Nostalgic Journey

Altan Şekerleme is a quaint Istanbul dessert shop, offering a wide range of nostalgic confections and Turkish sweets. With its charming, retro atmosphere, this dessert shop transports you back in time while you indulge in traditional treats.

  • What to try: Osmanlı macunu (Ottoman paste), akide şekeri, and şekerpare (semolina cookies)
  • Dessert highlight: The Osmanlı macunu, a colorful, sticky candy, is a whimsical, flavorful treat that will evoke childhood memories.

Kukis: The Ultimate Cookie Heaven

Kukis is an irresistible Istanbul dessert shop that caters to cookie enthusiasts. With a delightful variety of gourmet cookies, this bakery offers an indulgent take on a classic comfort food.

  • What to try: Double chocolate cookie, tahini cookie, and cranberry white chocolate cookie
  • Dessert highlight: The tahini cookie is a delightful fusion of East and West, combining the nutty, earthy flavors of tahini with the comforting sweetness of a classic cookie.

Embark on a sweet journey through the best dessert places in Istanbul, savoring the city’s delightful confections and unique flavors. From traditional Turkish sweets to innovative creations, Istanbul’s dessert scene offers a world of indulgence that will leave you craving more. So go ahead, treat yourself to the best Istanbul desserts and let your taste buds embark on a memorable adventure!

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