For centuries, Istanbul has been not only a crossroads of trade and culture but also a meeting point for lovers of sweets. The refinement of the Ottoman palace kitchen, the craftsmanship of neighborhood confectioners, and the elegance of Levantine patisseries have all come together in this city. As you stroll through its historic streets, the confectionery shops you encounter are more than just places to buy treats—they are time capsules. Here are the places that visitors to Istanbul will want to take back home with them, remembered as much for their stories as for their flavors.
1. Altan Şekerleme – Tahtakale’s Hidden Akide Treasure (1865)
Everyone knows Hacı Bekir and Turkish delight, but few think of Altan Şekerleme, which has been tucked away in the side streets of Tahtakale since 1865. Its colorful glass jars filled with akide candies, jams, and dragees are still prepared using traditional methods. Legend has it that the shop’s first master would have the neighborhood tradesmen taste any new flavor and only start selling it if it received their approval.
Address: Tahtakale, Eminönü
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Must Try: Pistachio akide candy
2. Üç Yıldız Şekercisi – The Colorful World of Beyoğlu Fish Market (1926)
Hidden amid the bustling atmosphere of the Fish Market, Üç Yıldız has been serving customers in the same spot since 1926. Famous for its jams, Turkish delight, and candies, the shop’s shelves are a burst of color. Raspberry jam and mint akide candy are among the favorites of its regulars.
Address: Fish Market, Beyoğlu
Must Try: Raspberry jam
3. İtimat Şekercisi – The Kingdom of Round “Kelle” Sugar
Also in Tahtakale, İtimat Şekercisi has been in the same place for decades, its display window filled with round kelle sugar loaves. Poured into old-fashioned molds, these giant sugars are still a treasure in the eyes of children.
Address: Tahtakale, Eminönü
Must Try: Kelle sugar
4. Bebek Badem Ezmesi – Luxury Sold by the Piece
On the Bebek waterfront, this small shop still upholds the tradition of selling almond paste only by the piece. Made with the same recipe for over 100 years, this almond paste is one of Istanbul’s most refined sweets.
Address: Bebek, Beşiktaş
Must Try: Classic almond paste
5. Cemilzade – Sweet Elegance Since 1883
When it comes to almond paste, Cemilzade’s reputation is unmatched. Established in 1883, this family business has carried its sweet legacy from the Ottoman Empire into the Republic era. With its special almond ratio and silky texture, their paste is a ritual for dessert lovers.
Address: Kadıköy, Bahariye Street
Must Try: Vanilla almond paste
6. Şekerci Cafer Erol – Kadıköy’s Master of 215 Years (1807)
Since 1807, Cafer Erol has represented over two centuries of tradition, offering everything from Turkish delight to akide candy, jams to dragees. The long queues before holidays are proof of just how beloved these flavors are.
Address: Kadıköy Market
Must Try: Pomegranate Turkish delight
7. Baylan Patisserie – A Levantine Gift: Kup Griyye
A symbol of Istanbul’s Levantine culinary heritage, Baylan has been setting the bar high in patisserie since 1923. Its legendary “Kup Griyye” dessert is a perfect combination of ice cream, candied chestnuts, almond biscuit, and whipped cream.
Address: Kadıköy and Karaköy branches
Must Try: Kup Griyye
Bonus: Istanbul Sweet Routes
European Side Day: Morning at Altan Şekerleme in Tahtakale → Almond paste in Bebek at noon → Afternoon jam shopping at Üç Yıldız in Beyoğlu.
Asian Side Day: Morning Turkish delight at Cafer Erol → Almond paste at Cemilzade at noon → Afternoon Kup Griyye indulgence at Baylan.
