Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul, is not only home to stunning landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, but also to some of the best dessert shops and cafés in the city. As you wander through its cobbled streets and marvel at the centuries-old architecture, it’s impossible not to be tempted by the sweet aroma of baklava, fresh puddings, and Turkish coffee drifting from nearby shops. From centuries-old confectioneries to modern dessert cafés offering cakes, pastries, and gelato, Sultanahmet has something to satisfy every craving. This guide brings together the top dessert spots where you can enjoy both cultural authenticity and sweet indulgence.
Table Of Content
- Hafız Mustafa 1864 – A Historic Patisserie
- Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir – The Oldest Turkish Delight Shop
- Saray Muhallebicisi – Pudding Heaven
- Bolulu Hasan Usta – Affordable Milk Desserts
- Baklavacı Ali Usta – A Local Baklava Gem
- Çiğdem Pastanesi – A Family-Run Patisserie
- Lale Restaurant (The Pudding Shop) – A Legendary Hangout
- Şerbethane Café & Restaurant – Ottoman Dessert Experience
- MADO Café – Famous for Maraş Ice Cream
- Final Tips for Tourists
- Related posts
Hafız Mustafa 1864 – A Historic Patisserie
Specialties: 🍰 Baklava, 🍬 Turkish delight, 🍮 puddings, 🎂 cakes.
Location: 📍 Sirkeci Square, near Sirkeci tram stop.
Atmosphere: 🕌 Lively, historic café with Ottoman-era decor and glass cases full of colorful desserts.
Why Visit: Founded in 1864, Hafız Mustafa is one of Istanbul’s most celebrated patisseries, offering a vast range of sweets that attract both locals and tourists daily. Visitors can sit in its multi-level café, enjoy Turkish tea or coffee alongside a slice of baklava, or take beautifully packaged boxes of delights home as gifts. The variety is impressive – from the rich pistachio baklava to the smooth kazandibi – and the historic setting makes every bite feel like a step into the Ottoman era. Staff are accustomed to international guests, and menus are available in English, making it one of the most accessible dessert stops in the area.
Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir – The Oldest Turkish Delight Shop
Specialties: 🍬 Turkish delight (lokum), 🍭 akide candies, 🌰 halva.
Location: 📍 Hamidiye Caddesi, Bahçekapı (near the Spice Bazaar, 10 minutes from Sultanahmet).
Atmosphere: 🏛️ Historic sweet shop with marble counters and a traditional Ottoman-style interior.
Why Visit: Established in 1777, this legendary shop is recognized as the birthplace of Turkish delight. Once serving sultans, it is still run by the same family centuries later. The shop’s lokum is chewy, fresh, and available in a rainbow of flavors – from classic rose and pistachio to unique pomegranate. Because lokum is naturally gluten-free and often vegan, it’s a great choice for travelers with dietary restrictions. Beyond lokum, the shop is also known for its akide candies and sesame halva, both staples of Ottoman cuisine. Visiting Hacı Bekir isn’t just about sweets – it’s about stepping into culinary history.
Saray Muhallebicisi – Pudding Heaven
Specialties: 🍚 Rice pudding (sütlaç), 🍮 caramelized milk pudding (kazandibi), 🐔 tavukgöğsü.
Location: 📍 Next to the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü.
Atmosphere: 🪑 Casual, retro diner feel with a large selection of desserts and savory dishes.
Why Visit: Since 1935, Saray Muhallebicisi has been delighting visitors with its milk-based puddings and homestyle Turkish comfort food. Their baked rice pudding has a caramelized surface and creamy center, while the kazandibi offers a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness from its charred top. For adventurous eaters, the tavukgöğsü (a pudding made with chicken breast) is a must-try, offering a surprising texture that has been a delicacy in Ottoman cuisine for centuries. The menu also includes cakes, pastries, and savory options, making it a great place for both lunch and dessert.
Bolulu Hasan Usta – Affordable Milk Desserts
Specialties: 🍮 Kazandibi, 🍫 supangle (chocolate pudding), 🌰 keşkül (almond pudding).
Location: 📍 Near Sirkeci Square, Eminönü.
Atmosphere: 🪑 Simple, no-frills dessert parlor perfect for quick stops.
Why Visit: Bolulu Hasan Usta has built its reputation on milk desserts prepared with consistency and affordability. The supangle, a rich chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream, is a favorite among locals. Their signature kazandibi served with ice cream offers a refreshing twist, balancing warm and cold in every spoonful. Prices are very reasonable, making it a budget-friendly stop for those wanting to taste authentic Turkish puddings without spending much. It’s especially popular in the evenings when locals gather for a quick sweet treat after dinner.
Baklavacı Ali Usta – A Local Baklava Gem
Specialties: 🥮 Pistachio baklava, 🥛 şöbiyet (cream-filled baklava), 🧵 kadayif.
Location: 📍 Sirkeci Square, close to Sultanahmet.
Atmosphere: 🏠 Small, take-away focused shop with trays of golden baklava in the window.
Why Visit: While Hafız Mustafa may be the famous name, Baklavacı Ali Usta is where many locals go for their baklava fix. This unassuming shop prides itself on using fresh butter, flaky pastry, and top-quality pistachios. Tourists love the chance to taste baklava without the large crowds. Their rolled kadayif with walnuts and creamy şöbiyet are especially popular. You can enjoy a few pieces inside or have a box packed to-go for later. The simplicity of the setting makes the experience authentic, and the taste alone makes it unforgettable.
Çiğdem Pastanesi – A Family-Run Patisserie
Specialties: 🍰 Baklava, 🍓 cakes, 🥧 tarts, 🥟 börek, 🍬 Turkish delight.
Location: 📍 Divanyolu Street, Sultanahmet (near tram stop).
Atmosphere: ☕ Cozy, welcoming café with a nostalgic vibe and friendly staff.
Why Visit: Open since 1961, Çiğdem is a family-run patisserie where both locals and tourists feel at home. The bakery displays are filled with colorful fruit tarts, cream-filled pastries, and chocolate cakes alongside traditional baklava and börek. In the mornings, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy Turkish tea with a pastry, while afternoons bring in visitors seeking sweet breaks during sightseeing. Their mix of Turkish and Western-style desserts makes it a versatile choice, particularly for groups with varied tastes. Many consider it a hidden gem despite being right in the heart of Sultanahmet.
Lale Restaurant (The Pudding Shop) – A Legendary Hangout
Specialties: 🐔 Tavukgöğsü, 🍚 rice pudding, 🌾 aşure.
Location: 📍 Divanyolu Street, across from Basilica Cistern.
Atmosphere: 🍽️ Casual cafeteria with a bulletin board full of travel history.
Why Visit: Nicknamed “The Pudding Shop,” Lale Restaurant rose to fame in the 1960s as a meeting point for backpackers traveling the Hippie Trail. Its walls still feature old photos and messages from travelers, creating a unique time-capsule atmosphere. Beyond its history, it’s one of the best places to try tavukgöğsü, the famous Ottoman pudding made with chicken breast. Their aşure, a dessert porridge with fruits, nuts, and grains, offers a hearty and symbolic taste of Turkish tradition. Dining here is about more than food – it’s about stepping into the memory of generations of world travelers.
Şerbethane Café & Restaurant – Ottoman Dessert Experience
Specialties: 🧀 Künefe, 🥮 katmer, 🍹 sherbet drinks, ☕ Turkish coffee.
Location: 📍 Arasta Bazaar, behind the Blue Mosque.
Atmosphere: 🌿 Peaceful terrace with lanterns, textiles, and Ottoman-inspired charm.
Why Visit: For a relaxing and authentic Ottoman dessert experience, Şerbethane is unmatched. Located in the charming Arasta Bazaar, this café is known for its künefe, a sweet cheese dessert baked until crispy and served hot with syrup. Pair it with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or try their traditional fruit sherbets, which date back to Ottoman times. Their katmer, filled with pistachios and clotted cream, is another indulgence worth sharing. The café’s calm atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat from the bustling square outside the Blue Mosque.
MADO Café – Famous for Maraş Ice Cream
Specialties: 🍨 Maraş dondurma (chewy ice cream), 🥮 baklava with ice cream, 🧇 waffles, 🍰 cakes.
Location: 📍 Divanyolu Street, Sultanahmet.
Atmosphere: 👨👩👧👦 Modern, bright, and family-friendly.
Why Visit: MADO is the most famous brand of Turkish ice cream, originating from the city of Kahramanmaraş. Its dondurma is elastic and chewy thanks to salep (orchid root flour), making it unlike any other ice cream in the world. Tourists enjoy the entertaining service where vendors playfully tease customers before handing over the cone. Beyond ice cream, MADO serves waffles, sundaes, pastries, and even savory snacks. It’s a convenient spot to cool down in the middle of sightseeing, and their fruit sorbets provide vegan-friendly options as well.
Final Tips for Tourists
- 🍮 Traditional Must-Try Desserts: Baklava, künefe, kazandibi, tavukgöğsü – these are the true flavors of Istanbul’s heritage.
- 🌱 For Vegan/Gluten-Free Travelers: Lokum (Turkish delight), halva, and fruit sorbets are your safest bets. Always ask staff to confirm ingredients.
- 🎁 Best Takeaway Souvenirs: Boxes of lokum from Hacı Bekir or baklava from Hafız Mustafa make perfect edible gifts.
- 🏛️ Cultural Experience: Visit The Pudding Shop for its travel history and Şerbethane for its Ottoman atmosphere – both add cultural depth to your dessert journey.
- 📸 Photo Opportunities: Many shops like Hafız Mustafa and Çiğdem Pastanesi have beautiful displays worth capturing for your travel album.
Exploring Sultanahmet is as much about flavor as it is about history. Between world-famous landmarks and ancient bazaars, make time to pause and savor the city’s sweetest traditions. These dessert stops not only satisfy cravings but also offer a window into Istanbul’s culinary soul.
