Baklava and other traditional Turkish foods and drinks

Baklava is a traditional sweet treat that is very popular in several cultures of the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Caucasus, although its origins are a subject of debate. This dessert, made of layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and drenched in sugar syrup or honey, has a rich and complex history.

Origins of Baklava

Baklava is generally associated with the cultures of the Ottoman Empire, but its roots can be traced back to various ancient civilizations. It is believed that its origin could be Mesopotamian, in the region that today encompasses Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. In particular, some historians suggest that the Assyrians, around 8 B.C., were already preparing something similar to what we now know as baklava, using bread dough, nuts, and honey.

However, the baklava we recognize today likely developed in the region of the Ottoman Empire, which stretched across much of the Middle East, the Balkans, and North Africa, between the 14th and 18th centuries. In the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Ottoman sultans served versions of this sweet to their guests, which increased its popularity at the imperial court and beyond.

Evolution Through Culture

Over time, the baklava recipe adapted and transformed according to local traditions in each region. In Turkey, for example, baklava is traditionally made with pistachios or walnuts, while in Greece, the use of walnuts and almonds is common. In some parts of the Balkans, ingredients such as rose water or cloves are added to give it a distinctive touch.

Throughout history, baklava went from being a specialty reserved for the upper classes to becoming a popular sweet, available in markets and bakeries. Today, baklava is enjoyed in many nations and has become an essential part of celebrations and festivities in the Arab, Greek, Turkish, Armenian, and other cultures.

Baklava holds a significant place in Turkish culture, deeply intertwined with tradition, hospitality, and celebrations. Here’s a breakdown of its cultural importance:

· Symbol of Celebration and Joy: Baklava is an indispensable dessert for special occasions such as weddings, holidays (especially Eid al-Fitr), and family gatherings. It symbolizes sweetness, happiness, and abundance.

· Hospitality and Generosity: Offering baklava to guests is an ancient tradition in Turkey, representing warmth, generosity, and respect. It is a way to make visitors feel welcomed and valued.

· Generational Connection: The preparation and sharing of baklava often involve family members, fostering connections between generations and preserving culinary heritage.

· Culinary Heritage: Baklava is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman cuisine, with roots dating back centuries. It represents the refined taste and culinary artistry of the past.

· Craftsmanship: The intricate process of layering thin filo dough and carefully selecting ingredients highlights the skill and artistry involved in making traditional baklava.

I’d like to share with you some places known for selling high-quality baklava, some of which are famous both locally and internationally.

Gaziburma Mustafa (Istanbul)

This is a Turkish dessert shop with a long tradition, especially known for its Gaziantep-style baklava.

Founded in 1984 by M. Sait Budumlu and his children, it has been serving its customers for over 40 years. It’s known for having only one branch, located in Pendik, Istanbul. Its slogan is “One branch, one taste” (Tek şube, tek lezzet), which emphasizes the consistency and quality of its products in one place. Although it’s a small place, there are often queues, suggesting its popularity among Turks.

Faruk Güllüoğlu (Istanbul and other parts of Turkey)

Probably one of the most iconic names when it comes to baklava in Turkey. Güllüoğlu is a pastry shop that has earned a great reputation for its baklava and is considered one of the best in Istanbul. Founded in 1949, it remains a reference point in the city. They offer various types of baklava, including ones made with pistachios, walnuts, and almonds.

Hafız Mustafa (Istanbul)

Hafız Mustafa is another famous pastry shop in Istanbul, with over 150 years of history. They offer a variety of Turkish desserts, but their baklava is one of the most notable. In addition to baklava, they also have other traditional sweets like lokum (Turkish delight) and künefe.

Gaziantep Ayıntap Baklava (Gaziantep)

This is a well-known pastry shop in the city of Gaziantep, famous for its excellent baklava and other traditional Turkish sweets. While it may not be as internationally recognized as some other brands or bakeries from Gaziantep, Ayıntap Baklava has gained a strong reputation in the region for its commitment to quality and authenticity.

The name “Ayıntap” refers to the ancient name of Gaziantep before the city changed its name in the 1920s to honor the Turkish War of Independence. This name reflects the city’s historical and cultural tradition, showing local pride in making one of Turkey’s most iconic desserts.

Ayıntap Baklava specializes in fresh baklava made with locally grown pistachios, considered some of the best in the country due to the region’s fertile land and climate.

İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava Salonu (Gaziantep)

This is an iconic restaurant and pastry shop in Gaziantep, founded in 1887 by İmam Usta. It has been delighting customers for over 135 years with its specialties.

The shop is famous for its pistachio baklava, which is the most traditional and renowned variety in the region. In addition to baklava, you can also find other Turkish desserts like şöbiyet (a type of baklava filled with cream), kadayif, and künefe.

The baklava from this place has many positive qualities, but the ones I most highlight are:

Authentic Gaziantep Style: It is made following the region’s ancestral traditions, using very thin filo dough (almost transparent), generous amounts of high-quality local pistachios (the star ingredient of Gaziantep), and clarified butter (sade yağ), which gives it a distinctive aroma and flavor.

Perfect Balance: The baklava from İmam Çağdaş is characterized by a perfect balance between the sweetness of the syrup and the earthy, slightly salty flavor of the pistachios. It’s not overly sweet, which allows you to appreciate the quality of the ingredients.

Koçak Baklava (Gaziantep)

With over 13,380 ratings on Google Maps, this is an iconic place you can’t miss if you visit Gaziantep. With more than 30 years of experience maintaining the centuries-old traditions of Turkish pastry-making, Koçak Baklava continues to delight the hearts of locals and foreigners who come to try its expertly crafted baklava.

When you visit, they offer a variety of products, including traditional baklava, as well as specialties like “Carrot Slice Baklava” and “Pistachio Rolled Baklava.” They also offer other sweets like cookies and pistachio paste.

Tips for Eating Baklava

Whether you want to eat baklava on its own or enhance its flavor with other foods or drinks, here are some tips to make the most of its texture and sweetness. You can experiment with many combinations and feel comfortable while eating your next baklava. And why not? You could even take a trip to Gaziantep. Here are some common options:

· Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi): The bitterness and strong body of Turkish coffee contrast wonderfully with the intense sweetness of baklava, cleansing the palate between bites. This is a classic and very popular combination in Turkey.
· Turkish Tea (Türk Çayı): Similar to coffee, Turkish tea, which is usually served strong and without milk, helps balance the sweetness of baklava. It’s another traditional drink often enjoyed with desserts.
· Ice Cream (Dondurma): Especially Turkish ice cream, known for its chewy and elastic texture, can be a delicious accompaniment. The contrast of temperatures and textures creates an interesting experience. Simple flavors like vanilla or milk ice cream are often chosen to avoid overpowering the flavor of the baklava.
· Kaimak (Kaymak): This is a type of thick, rich cream similar to clotted cream. Its smooth, creamy flavor complements the sweetness and crispy texture of baklava. It’s an indulgent and traditional combination.
· Fresh Fruit: Some people enjoy pairing baklava with fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or figs. The acidity and freshness of the fruit offer a refreshing contrast.
· Nuts: Sometimes, baklava is served with a garnish of the same nuts inside the baklava (pistachios, walnuts, etc.) to intensify the flavor.
· Water:Though simple, a glass of cold water can be enough to cleanse the palate between bites, especially if the baklava is very sweet.

The choice of accompaniment often depends on personal preference and the occasion. However, Turkish coffee and Turkish tea are the most traditional and popular options in Turkey.