Traditional Turkish Desserts

Sütlaç

The word “rice pudding” comes from ‘milky soup.’ Its equivalent in old Turkish dictionaries is 'uwa'. The origin story is fascinating. A dessert made of rice, milk, and sugar was prepared for a person with an upset stomach. Because it contains milk, this healing dessert is called ‘milky soup’ so ‘sütlü aş’ in Turkish. And after a while, it evolved into rice pudding, ‘Sütlaç.’ In addition to the sherbet of traditional Turkish desserts, their milky ones are also quite famous. 

Galata Muhallebicisi

Contrary to the latest fashion in Nişantaşı, you will be amazed by this place, which has traditional Turkish desserts in its showcase. The experience and taste quality coming from Bankalar Muhallebicisi, which opened in Istanbul Galata in 1879, has been united under the roof of “Galata,” where traditional recipes have been blended with today’s expectations in 2009. The word “Gala” means milk in Greek. Therefore, the brand, which is close to the old values, offers almond paste with the coffee, following the tradition. 

Tavukgöğsü

Tavukgöğsü was first made by the Romans, and believe it or not, it has chicken breast in it! Later, it passed to Byzantium and Turks. At the end of the Middle Ages, Tavukgöğsü production in Europe ceased. The Turks adopted this dessert, and in addition to this, they invented the Kazandibi. This dessert, made in mansions and palaces before, was later spread and adopted by the public. This dessert, which you can try with both tea and Turkish coffee, is a delicacy with its taste that melts in the mouth and the lightness it leaves.

Tarihi Sarıyer Muhallebicisi

Would you like to go to the Historical Sarıyer Muhallebicisi, which has made a name for itself with its traditional Turkish desserts produced using organic products for 90 years? Here is a beautiful place where you can try Tavukgöğsü, one of the famous milk desserts, waiting for you.

The late Hacı Şakir Göçmen, who migrated at the age of 17, despite all the difficulties, established the Historical Sarıyer Muhallebicisi in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, which is today’s head office in 1928. This brand, which served in a tiny shop at first, has grown over the years by gaining the customers’ appreciation and has become an organization that serves many people.

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Helva (Halva)

Halva is the only food typical in everyone’s life, after water and bread, at weddings, funerals, raki tables, in the army, etc. In the Ottoman Empire, which had a wide culinary culture and its territory, the most diverse food we encountered was dessert. Among the Turkish desserts, halva was one of the most widespread ones. Halva is so popular that there is a separate dessert kitchen called “helvahane” in the palace kitchen. When we look at the history of halva, which is derived from the word “hulviyyat,” which means “sweet” in Arabic and generally refers to sweets, some sources say that it goes back to the 12th century Byzantium. In contrast, some sources continue their journey up to 3000 BC.

Helvacı Yakut Efendi

There is a hidden history in the halvah of Yakub the Helvacı, whose taste cannot be forgotten once tried. Helvacı Yakub Efendi gave lectures in the Şehzade Mosque during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. On Fridays, he would distribute halva to the congregation after the Friday prayers under the great plane tree in the garden of the Şehzade Mosque. According to the known rumors, you could never see the bottom of the cauldron of Helvacı Yakub Efendi. The halva he cooked was known as “endless halva” and was famous for its plenty. This event, which took place every Friday, now gained a symbolic value.

One Of The Most Preferred Turkish Desserts: Baklava

Everyone knows baklava, that layered dessert filled with various delicious nuts and glazed. Well, have you ever wondered about the story of baklava? In Antep, Memik was in love with a girl named Lava. No matter what Memik did, he could not confess his love to Lava. One day, a dervish gave a recipe to Memik and said that no matter who he feeds this food, he would make a name for himself. Then Lava and her mother came to Memik’s one day, and Memik made them try the dessert he made.

That dessert was the best dessert Lava had ever eaten, and she could not take her eyes off Memik. Lava had thought of Memik and the dessert for years. This dessert is referred to as the dessert that made Lava look at Memik, and ‘to look at’ means “Bak” in Turkish. Hence the name baklava derived.

Where Should You Eat Baklava?

We continue with Karaköy Güllüoğlu, one of the city’s most assertive addresses on baklava, which has been in service since 1843. It is unique as it is the first baklava maker in Istanbul and has been preparing magnificent baklavas for years without compromising its quality. In Güllüoğlu, wonderful options such as walnut, pistachio, chocolate baklava, pistachio bridal pack, dry baklava, exceptional baklava for diabetics, şöbiyet, dolama, and baklava burgers are all together.
While examining the menu, you may not be able to decide for a long time which one or which ones you will buy, let’s tell you. We have a suggestion that will save you from this indecision: Enjoy many different flavors at once by evaluating the “mixed baklava” option in the restaurant’s menu.