Forget the fridge magnets, here are some of the best things you can bring home from Istanbul that are sure to delight your loved ones. From Baklava to Boncugu, there’s something on this list for every taste.
Bilgeoglu Baklava
Know someone with a sweet tooth? This is the perfect gift for them! Dubbed the ‘best Baklava in the world,’ Bilgeoglu Baklava is available exclusively at the Bilgeoglu Bakery in the hip neighbourhood of Kadikoy. This delightful treat is made with fresh roasted local pistachios and smooth butter. The delightful pastry melts in the mouth from the first bite – we guarantee you’ll have a hard time sharing this!
Address: Bahariye Caddesi, Nail Bey Sk. No: 1-B, Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7:30am - 9pm
Turkish Delight
You can’t leave Turkey without their most iconic sweet treat in tow. Known as lokum in Turkish, it’s made with rosewater, starch, sugar, and filled with nuts. Almost every confectionery shop in Istanbul stocks it, but the best place to get this confection would have to be Ali Muhittin Haci Bekir, widely credited with creating Turkish Delight. With three outlets spread across the city, there’s no excuse not to get down there and snap up the lokum before it’s gone.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Beyoğlu Outlet
Katip Mustafa Çelebi, İstiklal Cd. No:83, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 9pm
Fatih Outlet
Hobyar, 1, Zahire Borsası Sk., 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Kadıköy Outlet
Osmanağa, Muvakkithane Sok. 6/A, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 8pm
Wood-Roasted Local Coffee
Know a caffeine fiend? This is the perfect gift for them. Not only is Turkish coffee unique in its taste and creamy texture, the unique brewing culture of Turkey birthed varietals that have their own unique flavours (if you want to know more about local coffee, read: A Brief Guide to Turkish Coffee Culture). When it comes to authenticity, you can’t go past Nuri Toplar. Relatively unknown locally, but raved about by coffee enthusiasts in the city, their authentic Arabic beans are roasted under an actual wood fire, giving the coffee a slight smokiness and rich flavour.
Address: Tahtakale, Hasırcılar Cd. No: 17, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 6:30am - 7pm
Turkish Chandelier
Turkish Chandeliers are stunning mosaic light fixtures that add colour to any home. Popular in hookah lounges throughout the city, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. The patterns on the glass create glittering shadows that are a feast for the eyes. There are plenty of shops selling hand-painted fixtures at the Grand Bazaar, so be sure to shop around to find the perfect one.
Nazar Boncugu
The Nazar is an eye-shaped amulet believed to safeguard against the evil eye, a metaphor for the destructive power of jealousy in Eastern cultures, and it is believed that wearing the amulet will protect from the evil eye of others. The Nazar bead is usually made of glass and consists of concentric circles in a teardrop shape. Many Nazars are handmade by local craftsmen and available in the form of accessories or home décor items.
