Gourmet products local specialties and wines Turkey

In Byzantine times, it was a market where Venetians and Genoese sold spices, hence its name "spice market". Every day spices, honeys, cheeses, from the Turkish provinces, aphrodisiac mixtures, dried meats and even domestic animals are negotiated. Much more authentic than the Grand Bazaar, which has become the centre of jewellers and carpet merchants. That being said, jewellers are gaining a little more ground each year.

Welcome to the temple of sugar and sweets! If you want to enjoy a handmade ice cream with real pieces of fruit or nuts, in one of the best rated durmacı (ice cream parlors) in Turkey, this is the place to go. You'll easily spot this ice cream shop by the line in front, especially during the summer season. Nice outdoor terrace overlooking the water. In a cone or in a jar, with a Turkish coffee or çay, you will not be able to resist it. You can also buy a jar of fig jam for a change!

In the heart of the Egyptian Bazaar, this little French-speaking address is a good idea if you're feeling a bit lost amidst the stalls that all look the same... You'll find every spice imaginable, with a stand full of color, and a whole host of other products, including dried meat, jewelry, excellent honey loukoums and even caviar! Lots of beautiful things at affordable, reasonable prices. Don't forget that Turkish delight can be kept for a long time... So stock up!

This family business, a veritable institution, now has sales outlets abroad. It is known for its loukoums which are considered to be among the best in the city with their amazing aromas: sesame, orange, mint or resin. Loukoums with kaymak (buffalo milk) are a speciality of the house, while pistachio loukoum remains the most popular. Their shape, more or less regular, proves to us that they are handmade. The rates are displayed. Good to know: you can buy them at the Duty Free at both airports.

Without a doubt the best baklavacı in the city. If you want to taste baklava, then you should go to Karaköy's shop. We recommend pistachio, walnut and chocolate ones. If you plan to bring some back to France, employees can pack them for you so they won't get damaged during the trip. Other franchises of the same brand have been opened in Istanbul in the Taksim and Üsküdar districts among others, but the Karaköy franchise offers more choice and is considered THE original store.

Still an old and known Pâtisserie pastry. Here we specialize in milk-based desserts, including good struck. In winter, taste the famous sahlep, a drink based on orchid. Born in the 1950 s, it is a real institution. It is customary to get there after dinner for dessert. The best Baklava in the city.

Honey is relatively expensive in Istanbul but this small shop is still affordable. It is located behind the Mihrimah Sultan mosque. At Bingöl Bal Pazari, you will find 3 types of artisanal honey of very good quality at very affordable prices. Flower honey from Bingöl (the cheapest), karakovan (honeycomb) from Pervari and chestnut honey from Artvin. You can also buy polen, honey still in its cells, which Turks like to accompany with kaymak (a cheese speciality made from buffalo cream)

A very nice food market, right next to the Egyptian bazaar, with which it contrasts well. Less tourism, it keeps its commodities for local customers. It buys cheese, honey, pastırma (meat from local Grisons), sucuk (spicy sausage), coffee, tea or olives: the choice is important and of good quality.

Hafiz Mustafa was founded in 1864 in Istanbul. This sign is now very popular with tourists as it offers all the variations of the famous turkish delights. All Turkish specialties are rather good, choose the classics: pistachio baklavas, trileçe (soft raspberry or caramel cake) or milk-based desserts such as sütlaç (rice pudding), kazandibi (chicken breast pudding). When it comes to cakes, you have to like cream... The company has a shop in Sultanhamet and Taksim.

A good address for breakfast, the mini-sandwiches are exquisite. There are also croissants and lots of good things that are sweet: oriental sweets, pies and cakes. A small terrace can enjoy all this with a coffee, and in winter you can eat indoors.

Mösyö Lukas's profiteroles are known throughout the city and for cause: it is here that this wonder would have been invented at the beginning of the century. Profiterole was then introduced into France and Italy by the Levantins. In France, we simply added the ice. The place, small, is still crowded.

Classic pastry that offers a variety of different products ranging from baklavas to homemade cakes and profiteroles. Fruit tartlets (tartölet) and cream are delicious. The reputation of the establishment has grown over time (two floors) and is now like a café. Small restoration also. On the second floor of brasserie style, giant screens for the game nights.

A name you'll find in many parts of the city, this long-established patisserie has become very popular, and deservedly so. The quality is always there, so you'll never be disappointed. Cakes and viennoiseries are delicious, but if you want something to take away and keep well, the assortment of sweet and savoury cookies is ideal. The bitter almond ones, among others, are exquisite. Prices are above average, but justified by the quality.

A luxurious pastry that follows the codes of French pastry making. The place also offers typical Turkish dry biscuits by the kilo. It is impossible not to be tempted by the many equally appetizing pastries. The perfect place for a chic snack in the style of Alice in Wonderland. Everything has been carefully thought out, the decor, the dishes, the fresh flowers at each table. Such quality explains the prices. The service is impeccable and the welcome is warm.

This dessert chain was established in 1982, and is still going strong in the country. If you're not on a diet, this establishment will delight your taste buds. For breakfast or a snack, BHU offers a wide selection of cakes, pastries, puddings, tarts, cheesecakes, chocolates and ice creams, often with honey and nuts... Everything is delicious and home-made. You can choose to enjoy these delicacies on the premises or take them away. Ideal for discovering Turkish specialties.

On weekends, people line up in front of this very famous sign in the Moda district to taste an Asuman, the chef's creation. This is a generous 220 or 400 cl ramekin (to share) made of strawberries, biscuits, whipped cream and chocolate coulis (choice of milk, white or dark). Other chocolate desserts are available. Everything is very good, but unfortunately this place is a bit of a victim of its success, it is almost impossible to find room at the weekend and the price-quality ratio is not as interesting as it used to be.

The pedestrian street of Beşiktaş is a very lively centre where it is happy to walk. Food stores, clothing, fast-food and restaurants. Small fish market near taverns. Small shopping centre at the entrance, Bosphorus.

The French have a hard time appreciating Turkish pastries, which are far too creamy and sweet for some. However, some Turkish pastries are an exception to the cliché, such as this beautiful historical pastry shop that has been in existence since 1961. The shop offers a wide selection of desserts, the portions are gourmet and the prices remain reasonable. The staff is smiling and gives you a warm welcome. By the way, don't hesitate to fill your bags with quality lokoums. A gift idea that always makes you happy.

This store entirely dedicated to loukoums represents a certain idea of happiness. The artisanal loukoums are of excellent quality and there is a huge variety: classic, rose flavored, cream filled... It is difficult to choose. They will make you taste everything with a great kindness and you will certainly leave with an assortment. Right next to the bus station. Perfect to pick up a few to work on during the dolmuş rides. Neatly packaged if you want to take some home in your suitcase.