Çiğdem Pastanesi: "Turkish Pastries In Sultanahmet"

Strategically located in the hearth of Sultanahmet, between Aya Sofya and the Grand Bazar just along the Divan Yolu street and rail line, you will find the most famous pastry house in Istanbul the Çiğdem.

This famous pastry shop will blow you away, in colors but especially in taste.

In the same street you will find many interesting pastry shops but none which the quality of Çiğdem.

Open since 1961 is still run by the same family and is famous for the quality and taste of the products served here. You will see many locals going there not only to take some sweets home but also to seat and drink a Turkish coffee with a sweet.

Mr. Tarik and his son received me and explained that they produce everything they sell (not like their neighbors that buy from factories) which of course makes a huge difference...

The little shop is very cozy and one of the only ones that have a room to seat inside. You can chose to 'take away 'your sweets or just seat in one of the tables and relax for a while, while indulging these sweet experience together with a cup of tea or coffee.

They serve many of the Turkish famous sweets like the Baklava, that you definitely need to try, or the Strawberry pie the Çilerli Tart (also famous) that is absolutely superb....and you mite think you will find it to sweet but no..they are not!

Just perfect! If you don't feel like sweet you can also try the börek or acma (Turkish-style bagel)

Couldn't resist either to bring an assortment box home with me...