From Trileçe to Kazandibi and Tavuk Göğsü: Discover the Most Famous Turkish Desserts!

Famous Desserts in Turkey

Turkish desserts are a significant part of the country's traditions and popular culture. They are also a major draw for tourism in Turkey, especially those that offer a new experience for Arab tourists in particular. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous Turkish desserts and their ingredients with Skyline Tourism.

Turkish Baklava (Baklava tatlısı)

This traditional Turkish dessert is one of the most famous sweets enjoyed worldwide. The history of baklava dates back to the Byzantine Empire, but it was developed and perfected during the Ottoman Empire. Today, the recipe that was refined during that period is used to make the Turkish baklava we know today.

Turkish baklava is known for its thin layers of pastry filled with nuts like pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts, giving it a unique and rich flavor. For an authentic taste, the best baklava in Turkey can be found in Gaziantep, where the dish has been crafted for hundreds of years.

Turkish Delight (Lokum tatlısı)

Turkish delight, also known as "lokum," is one of the oldest and most famous Turkish desserts, widely known in European countries as "Turkish delight" or "Turkish candy."

Turkish delight is made from a mixture of gel, starch, and sugar, with various flavorings such as pistachio and cinnamon added for taste. The brand Hacı Bekir is one of the most renowned producers of authentic Turkish delight.

This dessert is typically served with a cup of tea or coffee in Turkish restaurants, cafes, and homes.

Turkish Kunefe (Kadayıf tatlısı)

If you're eager to experience the most famous Turkish desserts, you should start with kunefe, one of Turkey's most iconic sweets, known for its unique flavor, especially when combined with cheese and nuts.

Irmik Helvası

Irmik helvası, or semolina halva, is a popular Ottoman dessert and a famous Turkish semolina dessert. This sweet is light and delicious, made from simple ingredients such as semolina, milk, sugar, and butter, and garnished with pistachios, walnuts, and hazelnuts for a special flavor.

Irmik helvası is served at various occasions in Turkey, particularly during religious events and funerals, as it is considered a symbol of Turkish culinary heritage and traditions.

Aşure (Aşure tatlısı)

Aşure, or Noah's pudding, is one of the most traditional desserts in Turkish cuisine, carefully prepared by women. It is the most famous dessert in Turkey, made from a diverse mix of grains, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, spices, and flavorings.

Aşure is also known as a vegan dessert since it does not contain any animal products. Some believe it symbolizes the sacred months when bloodshed is forbidden.

Turkish families often add ten unique ingredients to aşure to match the name of the occasion. These ingredients may include chickpeas, white beans, wheat, cloves, cinnamon sticks, raisins, nuts, dried fruits like apricots and figs, and sometimes fresh fruits like apples.

Trileçe (Trileçe Tatlısı)

Trileçe, also known as Turkish milk cake, has become widely popular in Arab countries due to its unique milk-infused flavor, making it a standout at social gatherings and events, especially when served with a cup of coffee.

The trileçe recipe includes ingredients like milk, vanilla, baking powder, and more, giving it a soft and smooth texture. It is often topped with cherries or strawberries and sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon for added richness.

Sütlaç

Turkish sütlaç, a delicious rice pudding, is skillfully baked in the oven to achieve the perfect color. Made from a mixture of rice and milk, with sugar, raisins, nuts, and cinnamon added for a unique taste, sütlaç is a popular dessert in some Arab countries. It goes by various names, such as "rice pudding" in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, "bahtiyya" in Palestine, "rice with milk" in Egypt and Sudan, "muhalabiyya" in Tunisia, and "rice with milk" in the Levant region.

Halka Tatlısı

Named for its circular shape resembling a ring, Halka tatlısı is a popular Turkish street dessert found all over the city, usually sold on streets and sidewalks.

Kazandibi

Kazandibi, or Turkish milk pudding, is one of the most famous Turkish desserts and a delicious, unique dish. This dessert is prepared by cooking milk with starch until the mixture thickens, then poured into dishes and garnished with nuts or cinnamon.

Known by different names in various countries, kazandibi is sometimes called "muhallebi" or "milk pudding." It is usually served cold, with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nuts to enhance its wonderful flavor.

Tulumba Tatlısı

Tulumba is a well-known popular dessert in Turkey, originating from the Balkans and Bosnia. Sometimes called "balah el-sham" by Arabs due to its date-like shape, this dessert is made from a mixture of semolina, flour, sugar, and eggs, then fried in oil, sweetened with syrup, and garnished with crushed pistachios.

Tulumba sees increased demand during certain seasons, such as the holy month of Ramadan, and is widely sold in popular markets and squares like Taksim Square in Istanbul.

Tavuk Göğsü

Tavuk göğsü is one of the most unique and delicious Turkish desserts, often unknown in the Arab world. It is characterized by its high milk content, along with nuts that add a tasty flavor. The origins of this dessert date back to the Seljuk sultans, particularly in the Turkish city of Konya. Tavuk göğsü is especially intriguing to tourists due to its inclusion of "chicken breast" among its ingredients.

Cevizli Sucuk

Cevizli sucuk, or "walnut sausage," is a traditional dessert, also known in the Levant as "sujuk el-malban." This treat takes the form of a sausage covered in sugar syrup and walnut pieces, giving it a unique and delicious character. Cevizli sucuk is often served with a cup of tea or coffee, adding a delightful moment to the warm beverage experience.

Zerde

Zerde is a famous Turkish dessert typically enjoyed on special occasions like weddings and childbirth celebrations in Turkey. Made from basic ingredients such as corn starch, rice, and water, saffron is added for a distinctive flavor, and turmeric gives it a beautiful yellow color. After cooking, the dish is garnished with nuts and local fruits, with pistachios, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds commonly used to add a touch of flavor and beauty.

Katmer Tatlısı

Katmer, or phyllo pastry with pistachios and cream, is among the most delicious and popular Turkish desserts. Katmer is made from thin, crispy dough filled with a generous layer of creamy cream and pistachios, giving it a rich and unique flavor. It is typically served hot, with a drizzle of honey or syrup, enhancing its taste and providing a perfect balance between sweetness and crispy texture.

Şambali Tatlısı

Similar to basbousa, Şambali tatlısı differs in its unique ingredients, preparation method, and distinct taste. This dessert is more spongy than basbousa, and was traditionally made with natural honey, honey vinegar, or honey jam, giving it an unmatched flavor.

Haşhaşlı Tatlısı

Haşhaşlı tatlısı is a popular and delicious dessert, notable for its key ingredient, poppy seeds, which add a delightful flavor, whether in black powder form or as a paste.

Şöbiyet

Şöbiyet is a Turkish dessert dating back to the Ottoman era and is considered one of the most popular sweets. It was once served at lavish banquets in the sultans' palaces, but over time, it became widely available to the public and can now be easily found in streets and restaurants.

Şöbiyet is known for its rich, sweet taste, thanks to the syrup that is well absorbed into the dough. At the same time, it remains light and delicious, with a flaky texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Enjoy Famous Turkish Desserts with Skyline!

Don't miss the chance to taste the most famous Turkish desserts as part of Skyline Tourism's programs, which take you to all the best spots across Turkey, along with many services that provide a unique travel experience in the country.