Darlings, if you're seeking a city that buzzes with ancient history and exciting culinary delights, pack those bags and get ready to jet off to Istanbul, the heart of Turkey. 

Istanbul is the literal bridge between the Middle East and Europe. With its legacy deeply rooted in the Ottoman Empire, it's like the runway where traditional Turkish delights strut their stuff side by side with an ever-evolving food scene. This blend of old and new is exactly why Istanbul is a dessert lover's dream.

This dazzling metropolis marries the charm of the East with the finesse of the West. But — let's not forget — the real scene-stealer is the food. We're about to embark on a mouthwatering food tour of Istanbul's great baklava shops. It's a baklava and Turkish delight extravaganza!

Baklava and Turkish Delight: A Sweet Legacy

Baklava and Turkish Delight are two quintessential treats in Turkey, their histories intertwined with the country’s own tapestry.

Turkish baklava is a layered masterpiece — thin sheets of phyllo dough brushed with butter, stacked high, and filled with chopped nuts. You can’t go wrong with fresh baklavas, whether pistachio baklava or walnut baklava! It's then baked to a golden perfection and drenched in sweet syrup. 

The result? A pastry with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a sweet, nutty interior. Its history stretches back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a luxury enjoyed by the elite. Today, it’s a staple in Turkish and Middle Eastern celebrations.

On the other hand, Turkish Delight, or lokum, is a softer, chewier delight. Made from a gel of starch and sugar, it's traditionally flavored with rosewater, lemon, or mastic and dusted with icing sugar. 

Cubes of lokum often conceal surprises, like chopped dates, pistachios, or hazelnuts. Introduced in the 18th century during Ottoman times, lokum quickly became a popular sweet across the empire.

Sound delicious? Trust us, it is. So let’s talk about where to go the moment you set foot in Istanbul to taste these delectable treats.

1. Karaköy Güllüoğlu

First on our lip-smacking tour is none other than Karaköy Güllüoğlu. This isn't just a sweet shop — it's an institution, sweethearts. The history of this illustrious dessert hub stretches all the way back to the 19th century, and let us tell you, they've perfected the art of baklava-making in the years since. 

Walking into Karaköy Güllüoğlu, you are greeted by rows upon rows of glistening pastries. As soon as you take that first bite…oh, the flakiness, the sweet symphony of flavors! Just when you think it can't get any better, it does. Take a look around, and you'll see a whirl of activity, a blend of locals and tourists all delighting in the sweet offerings. 

Not to be missed is the crown jewel of this shop, the baklava. With just the right balance of sweetness and a satisfying crunch, you can tell the attention to detail that's been put into crafting each piece. If you're seeking a place that brings together a rich heritage and delicious baklava, Karaköy Güllüoğlu is it.

2. Hafiz Mustafa 1864

One of the best things about traveling is encountering historical heights that we just can’t reach in our baby country, America. Such is the joy of Hafiz Mustafa 1864. Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Eminönü, Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is an iconic dessert shop that's been charming both locals and travelers since the 19th century. 

Stepping into Hafiz Mustafa is like stepping into a slice of Istanbul's history. You can almost picture the elegant Ottoman pashas stopping by for a sweet pick-me-up.

And oh, the array of sweets here! From the traditional baklava to an array of Turkish delights, there's something to tickle everyone's taste buds. The pastries here aren't just desserts — they're a love letter to Turkish cuisine, steeped in tradition and baked to perfection. If you want to satisfy that sweet tooth while soaking in some of Istanbul's history, darling, this is the place for you.

3. Köşkeroğlu

Another gleaming gem on our dessert extravaganza is Köşkeroğlu, the crown jewel of baklava in Beyoğlu. Sweethearts, this isn't just any sweet shop. No, this is the place where dessert dreams come true, and let us tell you, they're making more than just the average baklava.

As you walk through the doors of Köşkeroğlu, you are met with the glorious scent of freshly baked pastries that just beckons you in. Once inside, you find yourself in a veritable Aladdin's cave of sweetness, with a range of delectable delights that will leave you spoilt for choice. 

And can we just take a moment to appreciate the freshness of their baklava? The flaky layers, the melt-in-your-mouth filling, and the oh-so-satisfying crunch. 

It's a sensory delight that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable dessert experience, darling, Köşkeroğlu has got you covered.

4. Gaziantep Baklavacısı Bilgeoglu

The Asian side of Istanbul isn't just about the historical sites and stunning Bosphorus views — it's also home to some of the best baklava in the city. And at the top of the list is Gaziantep Baklavacısı Bilgeoglu in Kadikoy.

You'll find a different spin on the traditional baklava here, bringing together unique flavors and techniques passed down from generation to generation, and it’s an absolute treat for the taste buds decades in the making. This sweet shop isn't just about offering delicious desserts; it's about keeping a treasured tradition alive.

Whether you're a seasoned baklava connoisseur or a newcomer to Turkish delights, you'll find something to love at Gaziantep Baklavacısı Bilgeoglu. Remember, honey, it's all about the experience…and the honey. ‘Cause Baklava.

5. Kaşıbeyaz

Let’s head over to the trendy Taksim district for a visit to Kaşıbeyaz, a hidden gem in the heart of Galata. As you stroll down the bustling streets of Taksim, you'll find this delightful little shop tucked away, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Kaşıbeyaz is a paradise for dessert lovers, boasting an array of sweet treats that are as delicious as they are beautifully presented. And the baklava? Let's just say it's a work of art. Picture perfectly layered phyllo dough, generously filled and topped with a delicate sprinkling of sugar — pure bliss.

But the delights at Kaşıbeyaz extend beyond just baklava. They have a range of Turkish sweets that will leave you yearning for more. When in Taksim, make sure to pop by Kaşıbeyaz. Trust us, darlings; it's worth every delicious bite.

6. Baklavacı Dede

For the next leg of our tour, we’re traveling to Sultanahmet, Istanbul's old city district, to explore Baklavacı Dede, the reigning monarch of desserts. Stepping into this illustrious shop is like embarking on a delicious journey through time, one that takes you back to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, an era when baklava was more than a sweet treat — it was an art form. 

Oh, the enchantment that awaits you at Baklavacı Dede! You'll find yourself entranced by the aroma of freshly baked goods the moment you walk through their doors. 

It's a beautiful symphony of smells that tantalizes your senses and promises a sweet feast to come. As you take in the charming ambiance, you'll quickly realize that Baklavacı Dede isn't just any dessert shop. This is where centuries-old traditions come to life, where baklava is crafted with the love and finesse of a seasoned artist.

You see, at Baklavacı Dede, every baklava is a tribute to the time-honored techniques of the Ottoman Empire. The layers of phyllo dough are meticulously rolled out, the fillings are prepared with the utmost care, and the final product is a masterful creation that pleases the eye and tantalizes the palate. 

And that first bite, dear readers, is pure, unadulterated bliss. The delicate layers of the dough, the rich and robust fillings, and the perfect crunch all combine to create a symphony of flavors that dances on your tongue. 

7. Sirkeci: Beyond Baklava

Rather than an individual baklava shop, our next stop, darlings, is Sirkeci, a charming district sandwiched between the bustling Eminönü and the historic Sultanahmet. This is a place that demands to be explored, a place that promises sweet adventures and delightful discoveries.

While we've been singing praises of baklava (and trust us, it deserves every bit of it), Sirkeci urges you to expand your sweet horizons and explore beyond this classic dessert. After all, the Turkish culinary scene is a treasure trove of sweet treats, each more delectable than the last.

As you wander through the quaint streets of Sirkeci, you'll come across an array of dessert shops, each boasting an assortment of traditional Turkish sweets that all fall under the category “must try.” 

Think creamy, succulent treats that melt in your mouth and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Think desserts that are crafted with skill and served with love, ensuring every bite is a memorable one.

From the infamous Turkish delight to the rich and creamy puddings, each dessert in Sirkeci is a testament to the richness and diversity of Turkish cuisine. These sweet treats, darlings, are the result of years of culinary experimentation and perfection, and they're a joy to indulge in. 

So, when in Istanbul, dare to venture beyond baklava. Let your sweet tooth guide you, and you're sure to uncover a world of delicious treats that'll make your Istanbul experience even more memorable.

The Sweetest Send-Off

From the historic charm of Sultanahmet to the enchanting delights of Sirkeci, we've tasted our way through some of the city's best dessert shops. In the process, we've discovered that Istanbul is much more than a city, and Turkish food is much more than kebab and Turkish coffee — it's a haven for dessert lovers. 

Until our next sweet adventure, keep exploring, keep tasting, and remember…there's always room for dessert. 

Sources:

Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Köşkeroğlu