Baklava
Some say baklava is the best Turkish dessert; it is certainly among the most famous Turkish desserts! This delectable pastry – forty layers of paper-thin phyllo dough filled with honey, butter and ground hazelnuts, walnuts or pistachios – is always a treat, whether served plain or with cream or ice cream. Allegedly, baklava dates to the Seljuk period, when this dessert was made in a manner almost identical to today’s. Whether baklava originated in Türkiye has been debated for many years, but in 2013 the European Commission gave a “protected designation-of-origin” status to baklava from Gaziantep, a city in southern Türkiye that is famous for its outrageously good baklava. Kebabs are also a local delicacy in Gaziantep. To feast on different types of kebabs and delicious desserts, book a flight to Gaziantep.
Lokum (Turkish Delight)
Lokum, also known as Turkish Delight, is indeed a delightful treat! The confection, part of 15th century Ottoman palace cuisine, allegedly dates from the third century. Rumor has it that the Sassanids, the rulers of Iran from 224 to 651 AD, were the first to eat lokum, then called abhisa. When lokum entered Ottoman cuisine, it was given the name rahat-ul hulkum, which means “relaxing the throat.” Originally produced from a mixture of flour and honey or grape molasses, today’s lokum is made of sugar and starch. Mass production of this Turkish delight began in 1777, with European travelers bringing this famous Turkish dessert back home – and to other parts of the world. Rose lokum and pistachio lokum are popular, as are the hazelnut and walnut varieties. Less traditional versions include ginger, clove and even carrot lokum! This must-try Turkish dessert varies from province to province; in Safranbolu, for instance, the local lokum is lighter and flavored with saffron. You can find different and delicious types of lokum almost anywhere in Türkiye. A good place to shop for lokum is in the Spice Bazaar at Eminönü. A few pieces of lokum are often served with traditional Turkish coffee.
Aşure
Another must-try Turkish dessert, this fabulous pudding consists of wheat, chickpeas, sugar, beans and rice, sprinkled with ground walnuts, cinnamon and pomegranate seeds. A beloved Turkish dessert, aşure, also holds great significance in Islamic culture, with a specific period of the month of Muharram considered Aşure Day; during this time, according to Turkish-Islamic tradition, aşure is distributed.
Sütlaç
One of the most common – and some think one of the best Turkish desserts – is sütlaç, a rice pudding served with hazelnuts and cinnamon. In some places, oven-cooked sütlaç is served. This version of the famous Turkish dessert adds an egg yolk to the rice, milk and sugar, and is then oven-baked in a clay pot.
Cezerye
This unique Mediterranean-style must-try Turkish dessert is made from carrot, walnut and coconut, and it is found in abundance in Mersin and Adana. Cezerye also has health benefits and is considered beneficial for the skin, eyes and cholesterol levels. To try the best cezerye, book a flight to Adana.
Bülbül Yuvası
Bülbül yuvası (nightingale nest) is a dough-based Turkish dessert, named for its nest-like appearance. After the bülbül yuvası is cooked, sherbet is poured in the middle and pistachios are sprinkled on top. While it may not be one of the most famous Turkish desserts, it is certainly considered by some to be among the best Turkish desserts!
Nevzine
This must-try Turkish dessert consists of tahini, grape molasses, yoghurt and walnuts, which are compressed into squares and served with sherbet. Nevzine is especially served during religious holidays. You can sample the best traditional nevzine in the city of Kayseri – also renowned for its pastırma (cured beef), sucuk (sausage) and mantı (dumplings). Book a flight to Kayseri for a true Turkish feast.
Helva
Although a wide variety of halva is enjoyed throughout the Middle East, halva with pistachio nuts is a particular favorite and considered among the must-try Turkish desserts. In the Anatolian culture, semolina halva is prepared for special occasions.
Burma dessert (Turkish delight)
Last year, the Burma dessert was declared the world’s favorite, so it is most certainly a must-try Turkish dessert! In Turkish cuisine, this is one of the most difficult Turkish desserts to prepare. The Turkish cities of Niğde, Sivas, Trabzon and Adana are famous for their delicious Burma desserts. To try the yellow Burma dessert, book a flight to Adana or Sivas. If you opt for a trip to Trabzon, you can sample many other delights of the Black Sea region in addition to this famous Turkish dessert.
Tatlı sucuk
Maraş sucuk, köme, şaran, bandırma and sweet sucuk are made from grape molasses, grapes, unfermented berry juice and plums. Considered an excellent energy booster, this must-try Turkish dessert is beloved in Karadeniz, and the version made in Artvin is renowned. Explore the rich cuisine of the Black Sea, or sample the sweet sucuk in Artvin by clicking here.
Lokma
A prized dish of the Aegean region, lokma are deliciously sweet dough balls fried in oil and served with sherbet. You can find wonderful samples of this famous Turkish dessert in Ayvalık or Izmir. To feast upon lokma and other Aegean dishes, click here for flights to Izmir. To fly to Ayvalık, book a flight to Balıkesir.
Güllaç
Another famous Turkish dessert is güllaç, a traditional confectionary with origins in Ottoman cuisine. It is made with cornmeal, rose water and sugar, and is usually served during Ramadan during the fast-breaking meal.
Künefe
Künefe is made from kadayif and cheese and served hot. It is a Middle Eastern dish and one of the most-loved and famous Turkish desserts in Turkish cuisine. It is said that some of the finest künefe comes from Hatay, in southeastern Türkiye. To sample this must-try Turkish dessert and other delicious regional dishes, book a flight to Hatay.
Tulumba dessert
Tulumba, a Turkish dessert of fried dough and sherbet, originates from Ottoman cuisine. It is also a common Turkish street food – if you’re wandering around the city, check out tulumba, one of the best Turkish desserts in Istanbul for a quick treat.
Kadayıf
Generally referred to as a sherbet dessert, kadayıf is a perfect complement to milky Turkish desserts. Some say that tel kadayıf, kadayıf and other sherbet desserts are as delicious as baklava. Tel kadayıf infused with pistachios is particularly beloved, while, kadayıf dolma, kadayıf sarma and telli baba highlight the sherbet flavors. Milky desserts that often eateGenerally referred to as a sherbet dessert, kadayıf is a perfect complement to milky Turkish desserts. Some say that tel kadayıf, kadayıf, and other sherbet desserts are as delicious as baklava! The must-try Turkish dessert tel kadayıf is infused with pistachios and particularly beloved; kadayıf dolma, kadayıf sarma and telli baba highlight the sherbet flavors. Kadayıf is often accompanied with milky desserts such as muhallebi kadayıf and paşa sarma kadayıf.n with kadayıf include muhallebi kadayıf and paşa sarma kadayıf.
Muhallebi (Custard)
This famous Turkish dessert pudding is prepared with flour, starch and milk. The plain version is often served as a complement to other desserts; you can also add nuts or fruit or chocolate sauces to this pudding. Note: muhallebi tastes amazing with kadayıf.
You’ll love sampling all these delicious treats – and deciding which one is the best Turkish dessert! Afiyet olsun!
