10 Must-Try Turkish Desserts You Can’t Leave Without Tasting
Turkey is a country renowned worldwide not only for its unique natural beauty, historical structures and cultural diversity, but also for its rich cuisine. Turkish desserts, in particular, are unique flavours that carry the splendour of the Ottoman palace cuisine and the deep-rooted food culture of Anatolia into the present day. For visitors to Turkey, discovering these desserts is like tasting the soul of the country.
In this article, you will find detailed information about the 10 desserts you must try during your trip to Turkey, including their historical origins, preparation methods, serving tips, and recommendations on where to eat them. So, what are the must-try desserts in Turkey? What traditional Turkish desserts are a must-try? Here are the top desserts that reflect both Turkey's geographical diversity and its dessert culture 👇
1. Baklava – Gaziantep's World-Renowned Pistachio Delicacy
Baklava, one of the most famous desserts in Turkey and even the Middle East, is prepared by layering ultra-thin sheets of phyllo dough with pistachios or walnuts from Gaziantep. It can be further enriched with natural flavours such as clotted cream. The name ‘Gaziantep Baklava’ has been registered by the European Union with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This means that baklava is protected not only for its taste but also for its production standards.
Baklava prepared by master craftsmen in Gaziantep retains its crispy texture while lightly absorbing the syrup. To experience authentic baklava, it is essential to try the version baked in the traditional stone ovens of Gaziantep's historic baklava shops. In Istanbul, high-quality baklava can be found in traditional shops along the Karaköy and Eminönü routes.
2. Künefe – Hatay's Hot Cheese Dessert
Künefe is prepared by placing fresh, unsalted melted cheese between strands of shredded kadayıf. After being baked in an oven or copper tray, it is drizzled with syrup. It is best enjoyed while it is still hot, as the stringy texture of the warm cheese enhances the dessert's appeal.
The name ‘Antakya Künefe’ is protected by a geographical indication in Turkey. This means that every stage of its preparation, from the type of cheese to the cooking technique, must be carried out according to specific rules. Tasting künefe served on a copper plate, sprinkled with freshly ground Antep pistachios, during your trip to Hatay leaves an unforgettable impression on the palate. You can also find numerous restaurants in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara that prepare künefe in the Hatay style.
3. Kahramanmaraş Ice Cream – The Power of Salep, the Flavour of Goat's Milk
Known in world literature as Maraş Ice Cream, this unique dessert is not just an ice cream, but also a spectacle. Made with goat's milk and salep, Maraş ice cream has a flexible, smooth texture that can be cut with a knife but melts easily in the mouth.
This ice cream, which is protected by a geographical indication in Turkey, stands out with its refreshing yet intense aroma, especially in the summer months. In Kahramanmaraş, the performances of master craftsmen who stretch the ice cream with long-handled metal spatulas add an extra element of fun to the experience. You can find Maraş ice cream in many dessert shops in Istanbul, but it is definitely recommended to visit Kahramanmaraş to taste the original.
Source: Klearchos Kapoutsis
4. Lokum – Turkish Delight from the Ottoman Empire to the World
Lokum is one of the oldest sweets in Turkish cuisine, known worldwide. It has entered international literature under the name ‘Turkish Delight.’ This starch and sugar-based sweet is enriched with aromas such as rose water, mastic, and bergamot. It is also varied with nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, or pistachios.
Lokum, which became famous in Istanbul towards the end of the 18th century, is particularly associated with the confectioner Hacı Bekir. Served alongside Turkish coffee, lokum is not just a sweet treat, but also a symbol of hospitality. During your trip to Turkey, you can find many lokum shops in areas such as Eminönü, Beyoğlu and Kapalıçarşı.
5. Güllaç – A Light and Nostalgic Dessert of Ramadan
Güllaç is an indispensable part of iftar tables, especially during Ramadan. It is prepared by soaking thin starch-based leaves in a warm milk-sugar mixture, then garnishing them with rose water, walnuts, or pomegranate seeds.
Its light and milky texture satisfies the sweet tooth without weighing down the stomach during Ramadan. This traditional dessert, which has been passed down from the Ottoman era to the present day, is available in limited quantities at historical Istanbul pastry shops. If you are in Turkey during Ramadan, you can easily find it in every bakery and market.
6. Sütlaç – The Delicious Taste of the Black Sea Highlands
One of Turkey's most beloved milk-based desserts, sütlaç is made with milk, rice and sugar. Baked sütlaç is particularly famous for its lightly browned top layer.
In the Black Sea region, especially the village of Hamsiköy in Trabzon, rice pudding has gained fame. Made with natural milk from the highlands, rice pudding is a must-try for dessert lovers. Sprinkling cinnamon or walnuts on top enhances the dessert's flavour even more.
7. Kazandibi – The Silky Pudding Hidden Beneath the Burnt Surface
Kazandibi takes its name from the caramelised part that sticks to the bottom of the pot. A thin layer of sugar is spread on the bottom of the tray and caramelised. The pudding poured over it is cooked until thickened.
The resulting dessert has one side slightly burnt and the other side as soft as milk pudding. Known in the Ottoman palace kitchens, this dessert is one of the must-try flavours today, especially in traditional pudding shops in Istanbul.
8. Tavukgöğsü – From Ottoman Palaces to the Present Day
As its name suggests, this unique dessert is made by mixing chicken breast meat, which has been separated into very fine fibres, with a milky pudding. The addition of chicken meat to this pudding, which is made with rice flour, milk and sugar, makes the dessert both surprising and unique.
Originating in the Ottoman palace kitchens, chicken breast is now served in traditional custard shops, particularly in Istanbul. Kazandibi is actually a caramelised version of chicken breast.
9. Aşure – The Sweet Symbol of the Culture of Sharing
Aşure is a sweet dish that has been made in Anatolia for thousands of years and contains dozens of different ingredients. Prepared with ingredients such as wheat, chickpeas, raisins, figs, walnuts, pomegranates and dried apricots, aşure symbolises the culture of ‘unity and sharing’.
Especially shared among neighbours during the month of Muharrem, aşure is not just a sweet but has also become a symbol of social solidarity. Almost every household in Turkey has its own aşure recipe, and this diversity reflects the cultural richness of the sweet.
10. Tulumba – The Crispy Dessert of Street Food
Tulumba dessert is made by squeezing dough from a star-tipped bag into hot oil and then dipping it into syrup. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and filled with syrup.
Eating hot tulumba at street stalls, especially in the evenings, is one of the most authentic experiences you can have during your trip to Turkey. Tulumba is also commonly found in local pastry shops.
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