Hafız Mustafa 1864 – The Oldest Baklava Shop in Istanbul
For travelers with a sweet tooth, few places in the world can rival Istanbul when it comes to desserts. At the heart of this tradition lies Hafız Mustafa 1864, the city’s oldest baklava shop and a living piece of Ottoman history. A visit here is not only about indulging in sweets but also about immersing yourself in Istanbul’s cultural heritage and centuries-old culinary craftsmanship.
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A Legacy Since 1864
Hafız Mustafa was founded in 1864 by Hacı İsmail Hakkı Bey in the Bahçekapı district near Eminönü. What began as a modest shop quickly grew into a household name across the Ottoman Empire. Hafız Mustafa distinguished itself with meticulous preparation techniques, using the freshest pistachios from Gaziantep, walnuts from Anatolia, and fine layers of handmade phyllo dough. Over time, the shop became synonymous with Ottoman confectionery, earning 11 European confectionery awards between 1926 and 1938. These accolades helped elevate Turkish sweets to international recognition.
Today, Hafız Mustafa continues to attract both locals and tourists, blending history with delicious flavors. Its branches are now found not only throughout Istanbul but also internationally. In 2023, the brand won the BBC Good Food Middle East Pastry Award, a sign that its reputation extends far beyond Turkey.
Where to Find Hafız Mustafa
Hafız Mustafa operates several branches across Istanbul, each with its own charm and setting. The most historic and iconic locations are:
- 📍 Bahçekapı/Eminönü (Original Shop): Hobyar Mh., Hamidiye Cd. No:20/C. Situated just steps away from the Spice Bazaar, this branch retains a nostalgic feel. Take Tram T1 to Eminönü, then enjoy a short walk through bustling local streets.
- 📍 İstiklal Street (Beyoğlu): Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mh., İstiklal Cd. No:37. Located along the famous Istiklal Avenue near Taksim Square, this branch is one of the busiest, reflecting the energy of modern Istanbul. Easily reached via the M2 metro or by using the Karaköy Funicular.
- 📍 Nuruosmaniye (Grand Bazaar): Mollafenari Mh., Nuruosmaniye Cd. No:44. Nestled beside the Grand Bazaar and the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, this branch is perfect for combining shopping and sweets. Accessible via Tram T1 to Çemberlitaş, then a quick walk.
Each branch carries the iconic Hafız Mustafa 1864 sign, and most have large, inviting windows displaying trays of baklava, Turkish delight, and puddings that entice passersby.
Opening Hours & Contact
One of the biggest perks for night owls is that the İstiklal branch is open 24 hours a day, meaning you can satisfy your sweet cravings at any hour. Other branches generally open early in the morning and close late in the evening, but it’s always best to check beforehand during holidays or weekends.
- ⏰ Bahçekapı/Eminönü: +90 212 513 3610
- ⏰ İstiklal: +90 212 251 3033
- ⏰ Nuruosmaniye: +90 212 514 4880
You can also explore their official website: hafizmustafa.com, which lists menus, gift options, and delivery services.
What to Eat: Hafız Mustafa Specialties
Baklava
⭐ The star of the show is pistachio and walnut baklava. Each piece is carefully crafted with thin layers of dough, generous nuts, and a delicate syrup that avoids being overpoweringly sweet. Reviewers consistently praise it as “perfectly flaky and not overly sweet.” Options include classic squares, rolled baklava, and specialty varieties such as chocolate-dipped or cream-filled.
Künefe
🧀 Served sizzling hot, künefe is a dessert made of shredded kadayıf pastry, layered with melted cheese, drenched in syrup, and topped with pistachios. At Hafız Mustafa, it’s often served with a scoop of creamy ice cream, adding an irresistible contrast of hot and cold.
Lokum (Turkish Delight)
🍬 Hafız Mustafa’s lokum comes in dozens of flavors and styles – from soft rose-flavored cubes dusted with powdered sugar to decadent pistachio rolls covered in coconut. They are available individually or as boxed assortments, making them an ideal souvenir to take home.
Ottoman Puddings
🥛 Traditional puddings are also a highlight. Try the legendary tavuk göğsü (milk pudding thickened with finely shredded chicken breast, a delicacy dating back to the Ottoman palace kitchens) or the creamy sütlaç baked to perfection. You can also sample kazandibi (caramelized milk pudding) or aşure (Noah’s pudding).
Pair everything with a glass of Turkish tea or coffee ☕ to balance the sweetness and enjoy a true Turkish culinary ritual.
Prices
Hafız Mustafa is considered mid-to-high range compared to local bakeries, reflecting both its quality and reputation. Sample prices include:
- 💰 Individual pieces of baklava: 50–100 TL ($2–4)
- 💰 Small assorted boxes: starting from a few hundred lira
- 💰 Large 2 kg baklava gift box: around $120 (≈4000 TL)
Many tourists find the beautifully packaged boxes of lokum and baklava to be perfect gifts. Although pricier than smaller neighborhood patisseries, the high quality and presentation make Hafız Mustafa worth the splurge.
Tips for Tourists
- 🕒 Visit Off-Peak: Aim to visit in the morning or late at night to avoid the busiest hours. Midday and evenings, especially weekends, can be crowded.
- 🍨 Best Pairings: Don’t miss künefe served with ice cream or baklava paired with traditional Turkish tea.
- 🪑 Seating: Seating is usually limited, with small tables that fill up quickly. Service is efficient, so turnover is high, but takeaway is always an easy option.
- ⏳ Lines: Expect queues during peak times. Patience pays off, as the desserts are always fresh.
- 🎁 Souvenirs: Consider buying gift boxes of lokum or baklava for friends and family. They are attractively packaged and travel-friendly.
- 📸 Photo Opportunity: The elaborate displays of baklava pyramids and trays of lokum are irresistible for photography lovers.
Why Hafız Mustafa is Worth It
Beyond desserts, Hafız Mustafa offers a cultural journey. Stepping inside feels like entering a traditional Ottoman tea house, with elegant décor, chandeliers, and glass counters filled with colorful sweets. The mix of locals enjoying tea and tourists savoring baklava creates an authentic, lively atmosphere.
A visit to Hafız Mustafa is more than eating dessert – it’s about experiencing Istanbul’s spirit through taste, sight, and tradition. Whether you’re buying a small slice of baklava to try on the spot or a luxurious gift box to take home, Hafız Mustafa 1864 is a must for every tourist seeking an authentic flavor of the city.
Final Tip: ✨ Don’t leave Istanbul without at least one stop at Hafız Mustafa. It’s more than just dessert – it’s history, tradition, and hospitality served on a plate.
