For lovers of all things sweet, Turkish desserts will satisfy even the most ardent sweet tooth. Stemming from the Ottoman and Persian legacy, the range of baklava is a common one. But did you know they have an array of sweets that include the milky, the crunchy and even, the cheesy.

Kunefe (pronounced: Kunafa)

An unusual dessert made from shredded phylo pastry which is soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, with rosewater, lemon juice, and nutmeg over a base of special cheese like a type of mozzarella. Served hot with or without ice cream it is deliciously dramatic when the hot sugar is poured over the dessert at your table. This is available at most of the Turkish and middle eastern restaurants in South Africa. But you’d need to call and confirm as not all have it.

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Baklava

Probably one of the most well known of Turkish desserts is this sweet and crunchy layered pastry of phylo, pistachios, and buttery syrup or honey. There are many kinds differing in the shapes and the kind of nuts or syrup used but the main ingredients are the pastry and nuts. Baklava is available at most of the Turkish and middle eastern restaurants in South Africa.

Cold Baklava

Based on it’s original recipe this version is served drenched in a milky sauce and often topped with chocolate shavings. It is less sweet than traditional baklava and in South Africa I have only encountered it in Johannesburg where many of the Turkish restaurants now serve it.

Sutlac

This milky pudding is essentially a Turkish rice pudding. Rich and comforting it is not too sweet. It is slightly bruleed on top and usually served cold. Sutlac is available at most of the Turkish and middle eastern restaurants in South Africa.

Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream)

It may be surprising to find ice cream on this list, but Turkish ice cream is rather different from what we are used to. The consistency is smoother and almost gooey and it can rival any Italian gelato.The ice cream vendors in Turkey put on an amusing display of trying to prevent you from actually getting your hands on your ice cream. But it’s so worth the effort. I have not encountered this in South Africa. So it’s a must try if you plan to visit Turkey.

Lokkum (Turkish Delight)

Of course no list of Turkish desert would be complete without this famous rose flavoured jelly dusted with powdery icing sugar. Though today you find a huge variety of flavours. You also get logs of Turkish delight made with a combination of the traditional jelly and rolled with flavoured pastes, nuts and nougat. The combinations are endless. Turkish Delight is available at most of the Turkish and middle eastern restaurants in South Africa and readily available at most retailers. The logs though are not yet seen much in SA though I know of a Johannesburg outlet at the Styleloft in Sandton City that is bringing it in. I can’t remember the name of the vendor but will update this post once I find out.

Find our collection of middle eastern restaurants here.