Ok so, don’t judge but I can eat a lot of baklava: the way I see it - it gives me the energy to keep on exploring and a good dessert shop acts as a delicious destination point I can look forward to. To be completely honest, once I’ve done all 3 of these shops in one day, just cause. Baklava pilgrimage anyone?

I’ve started my journey with 4 pieces and a cup of Turkish tea in Hafiz Mustafa 1864 in Eminonu, crossed the bridge to Karaköy Güllüoğlu where I had 4 more and then made my way through Taksim to Faruk Güllüoğlu. That day was a good day!

My hunt for the best baklava eventually led me to Gaziantep, the baklava capital in Eastern Turkey (and a place where I've met Sultan Kosen, the tallest man alive), and to Hatay for the best kunefe - melted cheese dessert, but you don’t have to go that far for the top-notch layered pistachio and walnut goodness.

Excellent baklava and great service! This famous Turkish dessert shop which opened its doors in 1864 got several locations and two of the main shops are open 24 hours, so you got no excuses not to check it out!

Most of the time, I also ask to wrap for take away some Turkish Delights “Lokum” so I could enjoy it later. Great to have it in your bag as an emergency snack. Lokum here is absolutely delicious and not your typical commercial Lokum made with sugar, but with honey and loads of nuts - the way authentic delights are made according to the tradition. Honey lukum also actually lasts longer, which is important if you are taking some back home or shipping as a gift (gifts for your own lovely self are allowed).

My absolute fave is Lukum with Figs! It’s naturally sweet and those little seeds make it a bit crunchy. You get to try before purchase so I highly encourage you to shamelessly check out all the flavors! Definitely 10 out of 10!

Very popular baklava shop, making people happy since 1820, recommended to me by Istanbul natives (Istanbulites ?) as a must-try. They didn’t, however, reveal where to get those sweet Mary Jane balls Anthony Bourdain made me drool over while watching No Reservations Istanbul episode. There is always a next time ...

The variety of traditional Turkish desserts in Karaköy Güllüoğlu is just fascinating though. So live a little, go wild and try something you wouldn’t usually go for! Like Katmer - the flaky quintessentially Turkish buttery flat pastry filled with nutty paste.

It is a good sign when you see many locals in the cafe and this place is always full of regulars. Very friendly service although the shop is perpetually busy and a great display of desserts for those that like a good visual before committing.

Very good baklava, excellent tea selection. Definitely try the round walnut baklava: it is made with roasted walnuts which gives it a delicious distinctive flavor. Also here was my first time trying baklava with tahin or tahini (sesame paste) - pretty delicious, but I still prefer the pistachio one.

Expect to spend more than in other dessert shops though and stuff wasn’t the friendliest. So I’ll give it a 7 out of 10.

Fun Fact:
Strudel is actually Baklava’s descendant. Turkish invaders brought it to Hungary in the 16th century where it evolved into a phyllo dough pie.