7 Turkish Desserts in the "World's Best 100" & Antakya Künefesi Crowned #1!
Imagine for a moment that you are sitting in an antique stone-paved alley, where the scent of melted butter mixed with the fragrance of green Antep pistachios wafts through the air, while hot syrup is slowly poured over layers of golden, crispy dough, creating that faint, tempting sound that promises an unforgettable tasting experience. This is not just a cinematic scene; it is the daily reality in Turkey, a country that is not content with simply being a stunning tourist destination but proves day after day that it is the "Sugar Capital" of the world.
In the latest global ranking by the famous website TasteAtlas, the premier reference for food lovers around the world, Turkish desserts achieved an amazing historic milestone by sweeping the list of the "Best 100 Desserts in the World." It was not just a regular presence, but absolute dominance culminated by the Antakya Künefesi sitting at the top of the list, occupying the first place globally and surpassing the most prestigious French and Italian desserts.
This ranking is not just a number; it is international recognition that what Turkish cuisine offers is pure art, blending history, geography, and a passion for cooking. Let us take you on a journey to explore this golden list, and why tasting these varieties is reason enough to pack your bags and travel to Turkey immediately.
The Magic of Ottoman Cuisine: Why Does the World Love Turkish Desserts?
What is the secret that makes a tourist travel thousands of miles for a piece of baklava or a plate of kunefe? The answer lies in the "soul" with which these dishes are made. Desserts in Turkish culture are not just a concluding dish to a meal, but a social ritual and a symbol of hospitality and generosity.
Turkish desserts are distinguished by their amazing diversity, reflecting the ancient extent of the Ottoman Empire from the Balkans to the Middle East. It is a charming blend that relies on fresh natural ingredients: emerald-colored Antep pistachios, natural butter from Anatolian farms, fresh milk, and thin dough rolled with a skill passed down through generations. This combination of crunchiness and softness, and of balanced sweetness and richness, is what made the world fall in love with them.
Jewels of Turkey: 7 Turkish Desserts on the Global List (Taste Them Through Our Words)
We review with you the most prominent stars that adorned the global ranking and what each of them tastes like:
1. Antakya Künefesi - Ranked #1 Globally
It is the undisputed queen. Antakya Künefesi (named after the city of Hatay/Antakya) differs from any kunefe you may have tasted in your life. The secret lies in the special unsalted cheese, which features a stretchy texture that melts in the mouth, placed between two layers of crispy kunefe dough roasted with fine local ghee. When the dish is served to you hot and you lift the first piece to see the cheese strings stretching endlessly with you, you will realize why the world chose it as the best dessert ever. It is a perfect balance between the slight saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the warm syrup.
2. Gaziantep Baklavası - Ranked #5 Globally
When we talk about the most famous Turkish desserts, we cannot overlook Baklava, specifically that coming from Gaziantep. Imagine 40 layers of transparent "yufka" dough, as thin as a butterfly's wing, filled with the finest quality pistachios in the world. The crunch of Gaziantep Baklava has a distinctive sound that delights the ears, and upon biting, the flavor of pure butter and rich pistachio explodes in your mouth. It is not just a dessert; it is an edible engineering masterpiece.
3. Pistachio Rolls (Fıstıklı Sarma) - Ranked #6 Globally
If you are a pistachio lover, this is your heaven on earth. They are "Emerald Rolls," where the dessert resembles baklava but forgoes the many layers of dough to focus intensely on green pistachios. Its bright green color alone is enough to whet the appetite. They are soft rolls that melt immediately upon touching the tongue, leaving a concentrated taste of authentic Aleppo pistachios.
4. Dondurma - Ranked #21 Globally
Have you ever imagined eating ice cream with a fork and knife? Turkish Dondurma is unlike any other ice cream. Thanks to the use of natural "Salep" and mastic, this dessert features a dense, stretchy texture that is resistant to melting quickly. Seeing ice cream vendors in the streets of Istanbul playfully tricking customers with sleight of hand while serving it is part of the fun, but the rich taste of natural milk and mastic is what makes you come back to it again and again.
5. Oven Baked Rice Pudding (Fırın Sütlaç) - Ranked #45 Globally
Rice pudding the Turkish way, but with a magical touch. It is cooked slowly and then baked in clay pots inside the oven until its surface acquires that delicious burnt layer (caramel). It is the taste of comfort and warmth; a smooth creamy blend, with the flavor of vanilla and condensed milk, and an outer crust that adds a slight smoky flavor that breaks the monotony of the sweetness.
6. Kazandibi - Ranked #70 Globally
"Burnt bottom of the pot." Its name literally means "bottom of the pot," and it is one of the strangest and most delicious Turkish desserts. It is usually made from very finely mashed chicken breast (yes, chicken!) cooked with milk and sugar until it becomes like a stretchy pudding, but the secret lies in deliberately burning the bottom layer to become caramelized brown. It is served upside down to show the burnt layer on top. Its taste is a charming blend of sweetness and a slight grilled flavor.
7. Baklava - Ranked #77 Globally
While Antep baklava secured an advanced position, the classic Turkish Baklava (in its various types such as walnut or hazelnut) came in 77th place. This confirms that Baklava in Turkey, whatever its type or city, is a global standard for quality and irresistible taste.
Are You Ready to Sweeten Your Next Trip?
After reading about the magic of Turkish desserts and the whole world knowing that Antakya Künefesi is number one, only one step remains: to try it yourself. Pictures and words may convey part of the image to you, but the smell, taste, and crunch cannot be described; they must be experienced.
In Turkey, every corner hides a sweet story for you, and every city offers you a dish that tells its history. Prepare your appetite, and let us take you on a journey where "dessert" is the hero of the story.
You might also be interested in: How to reach the most famous Istanbul Municipality restaurants?
