10 Traditional Desserts To Try On Your Türkiye Trip

OT Staff

Dondurma

The Kahramanmaraş province's dondurma (meaning "ice cream") is renowned for its thick, dense and stretchy texture. Instead of licking it from a cone, you eat it on a plate with a knife and fork.

Dondurma is renowned for its thick, dense and stretchy texture | hacimehmetsanpremium/Instagram

Gaziantep Baklavası

Gaziantep is Türkiye's gastronomic capital and is famous for the delicious Antep baklavası. Originally an Ottoman creation, the dish is found in Arab, Persian and Greek cuisine, too.

A plate of Gaziantep baklavası | Shutterstock

Ashure

Popularly known as Noah's pudding, this dessert consists of various types of grains, fresh and dried fruits, and nuts. It was traditionally made and eaten during the colder months but is now enjoyed year-round.

A bowl of ashure | Shutterstock

Tavukgöğsü

This is a milk pudding made with shredded chicken breast. The delicacy was served to Ottoman sultans in the Topkapı Palace, and is now a well-known dish in Türkiye.

Tavukgöğsü is a milk pudding made with shredded chicken breast | sinangilun/Instagram

Künefe

Künefe is a crispy cheese-filled dessert made with kadayıf, a traditional shredded wheat dessert with pistachio filling. It is served hot out of the oven so the cheese is soft and stringy.

Künefe is a crispy cheese-filled dessert | Shutterstock

Güllaç

Güllaç is a Turkish dessert made with milk, rose water, pomegranate and a special kind of pastry. Traditionally consumed during Ramadan, it is considered by some as being the origin of baklava.

Güllaç is traditionally consumed during Ramadan | Shutterstock

Pişmaniye

This Turkish confection is made by blending flour roasted in butter into pulled sugar and then forming it into fine strands. It is sometimes garnished with ground pistachio nuts.

A plate of pişmaniye | Shutterstock

Un Helvası

Un helvası is a thick, sweet pudding that tastes of warm, toasted flour and browned butter. It is both a ceremonial and everyday dish in Türkiye and is essential at gatherings such as funerals and births.

Un helvası is a thick, sweet pudding from Türkiye | Shutterstock

Katmer

Rich, indulgent, juicy and flaky at the same time, katmer is usually served warm and cut in small squares or triangles as a hearty breakfast or dessert.

Triangle-shaped katmer | Shutterstock

Keşkül

This almond-based milk pudding is usually served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon. Keşkül is often garnished with coconut shaving or pistachio nuts.

A bowl of keşkül | Shutterstock

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