Turkey is home to a rich culinary culture, and its desserts are a delightful part of this heritage. From crispy pastries to creamy puddings, Turkish sweets offer a unique taste experience. Here are the most beloved Turkish desserts you should not miss:
1. Baklava
Baklava is one of Turkey's most iconic desserts, made with layers of thin phyllo dough, chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), and soaked in syrup or honey. Its origins go back to the Byzantine Empire, and Gaziantep is especially famous for its version of this classic treat.
2. Tavuk Gogsu (Chicken Breast Pudding)
This unusual dessert is a milk pudding made with finely shredded chicken breast. Despite the meat content, it has a sweet, delicate flavor and smooth texture, topped with cinnamon for extra aroma.
3. Firin Sutlac (Oven-Baked Rice Pudding)
A traditional Turkish dessert made from rice, milk, and sugar, then baked until the top becomes golden. Some versions use rosewater or vanilla. It is served cold with a creamy interior and a caramelized crust.
4. Kunefe
Kunefe is a hot dessert from southern Turkey, made from shredded dough (kataifi) layered with unsalted cheese. Baked to golden perfection and soaked in sweet syrup, it's topped with ground pistachios and best served warm.
5. Lokum (Turkish Delight)
Known globally as Turkish Delight, Lokum is a chewy sweet made with sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings like rose, citrus, or mastic. Some types include nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts and are a perfect match for Turkish coffee.
6. Kazandibi
Kazandibi means "burnt bottom" in Turkish and refers to the caramelized layer of this milk pudding. Made with rice flour and starch, it has a lightly smoky flavor paired with a soft, creamy texture.
7. Tulumba
Tulumba is a popular street dessert made of fried dough pieces soaked in lemon-scented syrup. Crunchy outside and juicy inside, it's best eaten freshly made and hot.
8. Pismaniye
Often compared to cotton candy, Pismaniye is made by pulling sugar and roasted flour into silky threads. It melts in the mouth and is sometimes topped with cocoa or pistachios.
9. Asure (Noah’s Pudding)
Asure is a hearty dessert made from grains, legumes, and dried fruits. Traditionally cooked during the month of Muharram, it's seen as a symbol of sharing. Common ingredients include wheat, beans, apricots, raisins, and pomegranate seeds.
10. Revani
Revani is a light semolina cake soaked in lemony syrup. Fluffy and moist, it is often topped with shredded coconut or pistachios. This dessert is a legacy of Ottoman-era cuisine.
11. Lokma
Lokma are small fried dough balls drenched in syrup. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they're usually served during special occasions and public gatherings in Turkey.
12. Helva
Helva comes in many forms, with the most popular being tahini-based. It's made from sesame paste and sugar, often with added nuts or cocoa. A traditional sweet for religious ceremonies and family meals.
13. Gullac
Gullac is a light and milky dessert mainly enjoyed during Ramadan. Made with starch wafers soaked in sweetened milk and layered with nuts like walnuts or pistachios, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.
14. Sutlu Nuriye
This is a softer and lighter alternative to baklava, made with hazelnuts and a milk-based syrup. Its creamy texture and subtle flavor make it a favorite among those who prefer less intense sweetness.
15. Kaymakli Ekmek Kadayifi
Kaymakli Ekmek Kadayifi features syrup-soaked bread topped with kaymak (Turkish clotted cream). Rich, sweet, and creamy, it’s an indulgent way to end a meal.