Turkish Property Port

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

If you are looking for ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, Istanbul is the place to be. The former Ottoman capital has every right to be a dessert-lover’s top destination. Traditional Turkish deserts can be found all over the larger geographical area of the Balkans, Anatolia and the Middle East, due to the once-vast size of the Ottoman Empire. However, nowhere else other than Istanbul, can you find the best versions of each time-honored recipe. From the best baklava to the Balkan sensation trileçe, here is a short list of the top Turkish deserts and the best confectioneries offering them in Istanbul. Bon appetit, or as they say in Turkey: Afiyet olsun!

Baklava

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

Possibly one of the most famous deserts in the world, you can taste decent baklava just about anywhere in Turkey. However, Karaköy Güllüoğlu, will make you forget about all the other baklavas you have ever tasted. Located in the hip neighborhood of Karaköy, one of the most attractive places for tourists as well as foreigners investing in Istanbul, Karaköy Güllüoğlu offers superb quality and taste that remains unchanged since 1820.

Künefe

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

Künefe originates from Hatay (Antakya) in southeastern Turkey and is traditionally made with a special kind of cheese. If you want to try this original taste, Ekol Hatay is the first confectionary you should visit, as this place offers the best quality combining real cheese with the traditional method of cooking. Located in Kadıköy, it is very easy to reach either by metrobus or by boat and then a ten-minute walk to Söğütlüçeşme. After you taste the famous künefe of Ekol Hatay, don’t miss visiting the gorgeous neighborhood of Moda. It is one of the most popular residential areas in Kadiköy, where one can find some of the most beautiful apartments for sale in Istanbul, with views of the Prince’s Islands.

Tulumba

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

Tulumba is another one of those deserts that you can find just about anywhere in Turkey. Yet, the famous Meşhur Balkan Tulumba with its unique location in Alibeyköy has to be the best place to try some. Made daily with only the highest quality ingredients, this tulumba is easy on the stomach and must be combined with their own delicious ice cream. Alibeyköy is very close to the famous tourist attraction of Miniaturk and a popular neighborhood for those planning to buy real estate in Istanbul

Muhallebi

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

Another must-try desert is this simple, yet delicious milk pudding made with rice flour and mastic. Saray Muhallebicisi, a famous and historical restaurant chain with multiple locations around the city, excels in this refreshing desert. Try one of its convenient locations in Taksim or Nişantaşı, Istanbul’s most popular neighborhoods in terms of international real estate. Muhallebi can be topped with cinnamon or pistachios, depending on your preference. While at Saray, you can also have your pick from their food menu as well, before moving on to the muhallebi.

Helva

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

Helva (halva) may be a world famous desert, but Koska probably has more varieties of this delicacy than anywhere else. They also excel in other deserts as you can witness at their flagship location on Istiklal Street, Taksim. 

Lokum

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

We know we don’t have to remind you the obvious. Dessert lover or not, one doesn’t leave Istanbul without trying lokum (locoum), the world famous Turkish Delight. Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir offers the best Turkish delights with a great selection, as Hacı Bekir was the first confectionary in the Ottoman Empire specializing in innovative varieties of this delicacy. Be sure to visit the famous branch on Istiklal Street in Taksim. Turkish delight is also one of the most exotic and authentic gifts to bring back home. Just discover your favorite variety of lokum and then continue your tour from Taksim Square to Tunel. This zone is greatly transformed in recent years due the increasing demand for Turkish property investment, and offers the best environment for shopping and cultural events.  

Trileçe 

The best Turkish desserts in Istanbul

A trending dessert made of three types of milk and caramel, this Balkan delicacy is now being served in many restaurants. However, if you want to taste the best trileçe, Köfteci Arnavut is the place you should visit. It is a very old and famous local restaurant in Balat, with a menu of simple and delicious Turkish food, such as meatballs and piyaz, a traditional salad of beans and onions. They have been offering the desert way before the trileçe craze took over. You will definitely enjoy your lunch here, since Balat is also one of the historical districts of Istanbul. Home to historical houses and gorgeous pathways, it is one of the most fashionable districts nowadays for both Turkish and international real estate investors.