Savoring Turkey: Must-Try Traditional Turkish Desserts

When you think of Turkish cuisine, what comes to mind? Kebabs, baklava, and maybe some Turkish coffee? But let me tell you, there’s so much more to it, especially when it comes to traditional Turkish desserts. Since moving to Istanbul from the Bay Area, I’ve been on a mission to try every sweet treat this city has to offer. And believe me, it’s been a delightful journey. So, if you’re planning a trip to Turkey or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, here are some must-try Turkish desserts that will leave you craving for more.

I still remember my first encounter with Turkish desserts. It was a chilly evening, and I was wandering around the bustling streets of Taksim. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and sweet syrup drew me into a small, cozy patisserie. That night, I tried the famous baklava, and it was like an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crispy layers of phyllo dough, the rich pistachio filling, and the sweet syrup on topit was love at first bite. But that was just the beginning. There’s a whole world of Turkish desserts out there, and I’m excited to share some of my favorites with you.

In this article, I’m going to take you on a virtual tour of Turkey’s sweet side. We’ll explore the classics, like baklava and Turkish delight, and also dive into some lesser-known but equally delicious treats. I’ll share my personal experiences, some fun facts, and even a few tips on where to find the best desserts in Istanbul. So, grab a cup of tea (or Turkish coffee, if you prefer), and let’s embark on this sweet journey together.

A World of Sweet Delights: Traditional Turkish Desserts

Baklava: The Queen of Turkish Desserts

Let’s start with the most famous of them allbaklava. This sweet pastry is made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s a staple in Turkish cuisine and a favorite among locals and tourists alike. But did you know that baklava has a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire? It’s believed to have been created in the imperial kitchens of Topkapi Palace. Isn’t that fascinating?

Now, I’ve tried baklava in many places, but nothing compares to the ones you find in Turkey. They’re crispier, fresher, and just overall more delicious. If you’re in Istanbul, I highly recommend checking out Karaky Gllolu. They’ve been making baklava since 1949, and their recipe is a closely guarded secret. It’s a bit touristy, but trust me, it’s worth the hype.

Turkish Delight: A Sweet Surprise

Next up, we have Turkish delight, or lokum as it’s known locally. This soft, chewy candy comes in a variety of flavors, from rose and lemon to pistachio and hazelnut. It’s often dusted with powdered sugar and can be found in almost every sweet shop in Turkey. But here’s the thing: not all Turkish delight is created equal. Some can be too sweet or artificial-tasting. So, you gotta know where to look.

My go-to place for Turkish delight is Hac Bekir, a historic candy shop in the Eminn district. They’ve been making lokum since 1777, so you know they’re doing something right. Their Turkish delight is fresh, flavorful, and melts in your mouth. Plus, the shop itself is a sight to see, with its beautiful displays and old-world charm.

Knefe: A Cheesy, Sweet Treat

Knefe is a unique dessert that combines cheese and sweet syrup. Yes, you read that rightcheese and syrup. It’s made of thin noodle-like pastry, or kadayf, filled with melted cheese and soaked in sweet syrup. Sounds weird, I know, but it’s actually really delicious. The salty cheese balances out the sweetness, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

The best knefe I’ve had is from Knefe Alt in Hatay, a city in southern Turkey known for its cuisine. But if you can’t make it to Hatay, there are plenty of great places in Istanbul too. Just look for a shop that specializes in knefe, as freshness is key with this dessert.

Aure: The Oldest Dessert in the World

Did you know that the world’s oldest known dessert is believed to be aure? This Turkish pudding is made with a mix of grains, fruits, and nuts, including chickpeas, apricots, figs, and walnuts. It’s often served during the Islamic month of Muharram, but you can find it year-round in many restaurants and cafes.

What I love about aure is that it’s not overly sweet, and it has a unique texture thanks to the mix of ingredients. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about indulging in this treat. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider that while it might not be as decadent as baklava or knefe, aure offers a different kind of satisfaction, one that’s rooted in tradition and nourishment.

Tulumba: Sweet, Fried Delights

If you’re a fan of doughnuts, you’re gonna love tulumba. These small, round pastries are made of fried dough soaked in syrup. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and oh-so-sweet. In fact, they might be a little too sweet for some, but I think they’re perfect with a cup of strong Turkish coffee.

Tulumba is a popular street food in Turkey, so you can find it in many markets and bazaars. I personally like the ones from the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. They’re always fresh and perfectly fried. But be warned: these little treats are addictive!

Muhallebi: A Creamy, Milky Pudding

For those who prefer creamier desserts, there’s muhallebi, a traditional Turkish pudding made with milk, sugar, and rice flour. It’s often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, giving it a delicate, floral aroma. Muhallebi is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing treat on hot summer days.

I was a bit skeptical about muhallebi at first, as I’m not usually a fan of milk-based desserts. But one spoonful changed my mind. It’s light, creamy, and just sweet enough. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for something a bit healthier. Maybe I should clarify that while muhallebi is lower in calories than some other Turkish desserts, it’s still a treat, so enjoy it in moderation.

Revani: A Sweet, Moist Cake

If you’re a cake lover, you’ve gotta try revani. This sweet, moist cake is made with semolina, yogurt, and lots of syrup. It’s often topped with coconut flakes or ground pistachios, adding a nice crunch. Revani is a popular dessert in Turkish homes, and it’s often served during special occasions.

What I love about revani is its texture. It’s dense and moist, almost like a pudding cake. And the syrup gives it a rich, sweet flavor that’s hard to resist. I’m torn between revani and baklava as my favorite Turkish dessert, but ultimately, I think they’re both winners.

Kazandibi: The Turkish Crme Brle

Ever heard of kazandibi? It’s often referred to as the Turkish crme brle, but it’s actually quite different. Kazandibi is made by caramelizing the bottom of a pan of muhallebi, creating a unique, burnt sugar flavor. It’s then flipped over, so the caramelized side is on top.

Kazandibi has a unique texturecreamy on the bottom and slightly crispy on top. And the burnt sugar gives it a rich, smoky flavor that’s unlike anything else. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but if you’re a fan of crme brle or other caramelized desserts, you’ll love kazandibi.

Stla: The Turkish Rice Pudding

Rice pudding lovers, rejoice! Turkey has its own version of this classic dessert, and it’s called stla. This creamy, comforting pudding is made with rice, milk, and sugar, and it’s often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. It’s typically served chilled, making it a great summer treat.

Stla is a staple in Turkish homes, and it’s often served during Ramadan. But you can find it year-round in many restaurants and cafes. What sets stla apart from other rice puddings is its creamy texture and delicate flavor. It’s a simple dessert, but sometimes, simple is best.

Helva: A Sweet, Nutty Treat

Last but not least, we have helva, a sweet, nutty treat made with tahini (sesame paste) and sugar. It’s often flavored with pistachios, almonds, or cocoa, and it has a unique, crumbly texture. Helva is a popular dessert during religious holidays, but you can find it year-round in many sweet shops.

Helva is a bit different from other Turkish desserts, as it’s not as sweet or syrupy. But it’s still delicious, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for something a bit lighter. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the sesame seeds and nuts. I guess you could say it’s almost like a health food… almost.

Ready to Indulge?

And there you have ita sweet journey through Turkey’s most delicious desserts. From the crispy, syrupy goodness of baklava to the creamy, comforting delight of stla, there’s something for every sweet tooth. So, are you ready to indulge?

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, make sure to add these desserts to your must-try list. And if you’re not, well, maybe it’s time to start planning. After all, life is short, and there’s always room for dessert. Right?

FAQ

Q: What is the most popular Turkish dessert?
A: The most popular Turkish dessert is probably baklava. This sweet pastry is made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It’s a staple in Turkish cuisine and a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Q: Is Turkish delight vegetarian?
A: Yes, Turkish delight is typically vegetarian. It’s made with sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings like rose water or lemon juice. However, some varieties may contain honey, so if you’re a strict vegan, you might want to check the ingredients first.

Q: What is the oldest dessert in the world?
A: The world’s oldest known dessert is believed to be aure, a Turkish pudding made with a mix of grains, fruits, and nuts. It’s often served during the Islamic month of Muharram, but you can find it year-round in many restaurants and cafes.

Q: What is the Turkish version of crme brle?
A: The Turkish version of crme brle is called kazandibi. It’s made by caramelizing the bottom of a pan of muhallebi, creating a unique, burnt sugar flavor. It’s then flipped over, so the caramelized side is on top.

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