Historical Dessert Shops of Istanbul
16 hand-picked places in İstanbul, with photos, notes and a map.
GeziBilen · Digital Guide
Istanbul's historical dessert shops have been an inseparable part of the city's culture for centuries. The dessert culture that developed in the palace kitchen during the Ottoman Empire reached the tables of the people over time, and these flavors continued to be kept alive in dessert shops all around Istanbul. Milk and syrup desserts such as baklava, rice pudding, and keşkül are prepared with traditional methods and continue to exist today. These dessert shops, which spread from the historical peninsula to districts such as Beyoğlu, Şişli, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy, have become the carriers of the city's cultural heritage.
These dessert shops not only offer flavor, but also make a significant contribution to Istanbul's social life. These dessert shops, which are places where people come together and socialize, also play an important role in the city's social and cultural identity. Many of these dessert shops, which have a history of over 100 years, have carried Istanbul's rich history and traditions to the present day and continue to exist as important centers that keep the city's cultural richness alive.
The dessert shops on this list include traditional Turkish flavors as well as flavors that have reached us from abroad over time and that the residents of Istanbul have come to love and embrace.
1. Parlar Patisserie
Parlar Pastanesi is a place known for its revani and large flour cookies in Kocamustafapaşa. It offers traditional Turkish desserts with fresh and quality ingredients. A favorite of the locals, the patisserie stands out with its friendly atmosphere.
2. Karakoy Gulluoglu
Karaköy Güllüoğlu is a dessert shop famous for its baklava, founded by Mustafa Güllü in 1949. It attracts attention with its thin dough and quality ingredients. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
3. Baltepe
Baltepe Pastanesi is the first pastry shop to offer the trileçe dessert in Istanbul. It is known for its wide variety of desserts and ice creams. It is appreciated by both locals and tourists with its small and intimate atmosphere.
4. Historical Fatih Sarmacı
Tarihi Fatih Sarmacisi is a dessert shop with 80 years of history in Fatih. It is famous for its roll sponge cake and sarma made with apricot marmalade. Desserts prepared using real sugar and quality flour are prominent.
5. Beyoglu Pearl Patisserie
İnci Patisserie is a patisserie that was founded in Beyoğlu in 1944 and is famous for its profiteroles. It continues to serve with the same taste after moving from İstiklal Street. The patisserie, which is open until midnight, maintains its nostalgic atmosphere.
6. Ali Muhiddin Haji Bekir
Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir is one of the oldest confectionery shops in Turkey, founded in Istanbul in 1777. It is known for its Turkish delight and hard candies. The place, which has been a family business for five generations, offers more than 100 types of confectionery.
7. Baylan
Baylan Patisserie is a historical patisserie established in 1923 and serving in Kadıköy. It is famous for its Kup Griye dessert. Also known for its chocolate and other desserts, Baylan is one of the indispensable stops for Istanbulites.
8. Ali Usta Burma Kadayıf
Ali Usta Burma Kadayıf is a dessert adventure that started in Van in 1972 and continues in Istanbul. It is famous for its Burma Kadayıf and baklava varieties. It is known for its products prepared with quality ingredients.
9. Historical Savoy Bakery
The historical Savoy Patisserie was established in Cihangir in 1950 and is known for its millefeuille pastry and bagel toast. Famous for its breakfast options and desserts, the patisserie attracts attention with its nostalgic atmosphere and central location.
10. Famous Baby Almond Paste
Meşhur Bebek Badem Ezmesi is a dessert shop founded in 1904. It is known for its almond paste prepared with traditional methods without using any additives. Its products have won the appreciation of both locals and tourists.
11. Maiden's Tasty Pudding
Kıztaşı Muhallebicisi is a dessert shop famous for its pudding, founded in Fatih in 1952. Run by the same family for three generations, the venue offers desserts made with 60-70% buffalo milk.
12. Kadikoy Pearl Patisserie
Kadıköy İnci Patisserie is a historical venue known for its German cake and banana roll cake, which has been in service since 1958. It is a popular patisserie that always has a line in front of it, drawing attention with its small and intimate atmosphere.
13. Confectioner Cafer Erol
Şekerci Cafer Erol is a dessert shop founded in Istanbul in 1935. It is famous for its Turkish delight, hard candy and chocolates. It is preferred by both locals and tourists with its desserts produced with traditional methods.
14. Hafiz Mustafa 1864
Hafız Mustafa 1864 is one of the oldest dessert shops in Istanbul. Founded in 1864 and known for its hard candy, the place is also successful in pastries. It has won 11 medals in Europe and is internationally recognized.
15. Cemilzade
Cemilzade is a confectionery established in 1883 and known for its Turkish delight and hard candy. Products prepared with traditional methods are appreciated by both local and international customers. It continues to serve with its Kadıköy branch.
16. Historical Sariyer Custard Shop
The historical Sarıyer Muhallebicisi was founded by Hacı Şakir Göçmen in 1928. It is famous for its Kazandibi, water pudding and pastries. It offers desserts prepared with natural ingredients obtained from the farm in Zekeriyaköy.
