My trip to Turkey last year turned me into a sweet tooth. Turkey's rich culinary heritage is a delightful blend of flavors from the many regions once part of the vast Ottoman Empire. This mix has given Turkey a unique and diverse food culture that reflects the best of many worlds. If you're planning a trip to Turkey, you simply must try these delicious Turkish sweets. They're sure to tantalize your taste buds and give you a true taste of Turkey's sweet side. Let's dive into this mouthwatering list! And the best part, most of these are vegetarian friendly, and perfect for the Indian palate.
Common Flavors in Turkish Desserts
Turkish sweets are famous for their unique and rich flavors, cherished for generations. They often feature a delightful mix of honey, nuts, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Fruits such as dates and figs add natural sweetness, while dairy products like yogurt and clotted cream contribute to their creamy textures. Semolina flour and sweetened pastry dough are also commonly used to create these delicious treats.
What makes Turkish desserts so special is the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness. Many of these desserts also have a satisfying crunch, thanks to the addition of nuts or crispy fried breadcrumbs. The result is a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that make Turkish sweets truly unforgettable.
1. Turkish Baklava
Baklava is Turkey's most famous dessert, loved by people all around the world. While it has roots going back to the Byzantine Empire, the recipe we know today was perfected during the Ottoman Empire. Baklava is made by layering thin sheets of dough with a generous filling of nuts like pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts. For the best and most authentic baklava experience, you have to try it in GAZIANTEP, where this sweet treat was born centuries ago. Trust me, one bite of this delightful dessert will transport you to the heart of Turkey's rich culinary history! I tried it at the oldest and original Hafiz Mustafa in Fatih, Istanbul. The cherry on the cake for me was the extra pour of their home made milkmaid.
Where to find it: For the ultimate baklava experience, dive into the lively bazaars of Istanbul. Here, you'll find family-owned patisseries like Karaköy Güllüoğlu and Hafız Mustafa, where the art of making this sweet treat has been mastered over generations. These families originally hail from GAZIANTEP, bringing with them the finest ingredients straight from their hometown.
Hafiz Mustafa: One of the oldest spots in the centre of Istanbul, and one of the most crowded too. Also don't miss the Turkish tea here.
2. Şekerpare
Those delicate semolina cookies soaked in sweet syrup are a Turkish sweet you can't miss. They melt in your mouth with their irresistible texture. For the best şekerpare experience, head to local bakeries in Gaziantep, known for their mastery in creating this soft and sweet treat. This is where I tried this yummy dish for the first time. It's an excellent dessert for vegetarians. Places like Imam Çağdaş have perfected the art of making şekerpare, making them a must-try in this culinary gem of the southeast.
Where to find it: Places like Imam Çağdaş in the city of Gaziantep have perfected the art of making şekerpare, making them a must-try in this culinary gem of the southeast. When exploring Istanbul's vibrant food scene, be sure to visit these local bakeries renowned for their exceptional şekerpare. It's a sweet adventure you won't forget!
3. Fırın Sütlaç
Fırın Sütlaç is a beloved dessert from Ottoman times that is still popular in Turkey today. This oven-baked rice pudding is made with simple ingredients like sugar, rice, rice flour, water, and milk. While the traditional recipe used rosewater for flavor, the modern version often includes vanilla for a delicious twist. The result is a creamy, comforting dessert with a golden, caramelized top. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Where to find it:
Karaköy Güllüoğlu (Beyoğlu): Established in 1820, this iconic bakery is celebrated for its commitment to traditional recipes and top-notch ingredients.
Hafız Mustafa 1864 (Multiple Locations): A renowned chain with numerous locations across Istanbul, Hafız Mustafa 1864 is a go-to for Turkish sweets lovers. Their sütlaç stands out with its slightly thicker consistency, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a comforting and satisfying dessert experience.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi (Sultanahmet): Established in 1920, this historic restaurant is famous for its authentic Turkish cuisine and timeless ambiance. Their sütlaç is a must-try, offering a rich and creamy texture complemented by perfectly balanced sweetness—a true taste of Turkish culinary tradition.
4. Künefe
Künefe is a must-try dessert when you're in Turkey. It looks like a cake but don’t be fooled – it's best enjoyed hot and fresh. This delectable treat is made with a special local cheese similar to Mozzarella, butter, and soaked in a sweet sugar syrup. The combination of the crispy exterior and the gooey, cheesy interior is simply irresistible. For the most authentic experience, try Künefe in the southern regions of Turkey, where it’s a beloved specialty. Trust me, one bite of this dessert and you'll be hooked!
Where to find it:
Cinaralti Kunefe Yusuf Usta (Antakya): Known as the birthplace of künefe, this legendary spot in Antakya is where you'll find melt-in-your-mouth cheese wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry, all soaked in sweet syrup. It's a true delight you shouldn't miss.
Gülhane Park Çınaraltı Künefe (Istanbul): Located in the beautiful Gülhane Park, this künefe stall not only offers delicious treats but also stunning views. Enjoy the fresh air as you indulge in their crispy, cheesy künefe—a perfect blend of flavors in a picturesque setting.
5. Turkish Delight
Turkish Delight, or "lokum," is a world-famous treat that originated in Istanbul. First made by an Ottoman confectioner in 1776, these delightful sweets are soft, chewy, and incredibly tasty. They’re made with cornstarch, fruit paste or nuts, and sugar. In the old days, high-society ladies enjoyed them as a fancy evening treat. Today, Turkish Delights add a charming touch to any tea table and are perfect for sharing at gatherings. Their delicate, colorful cubes are not only delicious but also a lovely sight to behold. Don’t miss out on trying this classic Turkish sweet! I carried them back home for all my friends and family. Plus, its vegetarian friendly!
Where to find it: Egyptian Bazaar located in Istanbul's historic Eminönü district.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul - The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is not just a historical landmark but also a shopper's paradise. Imagine over 4,000 shops filled with everything from carpets and jewelry to ceramics and leather goods. And tucked within these bustling walls, there's even a special place called Lokum Çarşısı, dedicated entirely to Turkish Delight!
6. Ashure
Ashure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a beloved Turkish dessert with a rich history. According to Islamic tradition, Noah made this pudding using all the ingredients he had left after surviving the great flood. Today, Ashure is made with a variety of grains like chickpeas, wheat, and haricot beans, sweetened with sugar. It's also packed with dried fruits like figs and apricots, along with nuts such as hazelnuts. This special dessert is typically made during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, with the 10th day being particularly significant. People often prepare Ashure on this day and share it with their neighbors. It's a delicious way to experience a piece of Turkish culture and tradition!
Where to find it:
Many mosques and Cem Houses throughout Istanbul prepare and distribute aşhure during Muharram. Inquire at local mosques near your accommodation or visit the website of the Religious Affairs Directorate for information on nearby events.
Grand Bazaar: While not a specific location for enjoying aşhure, the Grand Bazaar offers a vibrant atmosphere during Muharram, with many vendors selling ingredients and traditional utensils used in its preparation.
7. Cezerye
Cezerye is a delightful Turkish treat made from caramelized carrots, and its name actually means "carrot" in Arabic. This sweet is infused with the warm flavor of cinnamon and enriched with nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts. To top it off, it's garnished with a sprinkle of crushed coconut. Cezerye is a dry, chewy sweet, making it perfect for travel or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Its unique flavor and texture make it a must-try for anyone exploring Turkish desserts!
Where to find: You can find this Turkish Sweet in almost every mainstream dessert shop in Istanbul. I tasted some in Hafiz Mustafa. Although one quick tip, when you do head to Hafiz Mustafa, be ready to find it super crowded. The best time to head there and relish in peace is at 11 AM or somewhere around 2 PM when it's just after lunch.
Planning a trip to Istanbul anytime soon? Here's a rough estimate of how much it can cost to travel to the land of two continents.
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
