Café
Mandabatmaz
A tiny Turkish coffee spot in a passage off İstiklal Avenue, known for thick, strong coffee served to customers perched on stools in the alley.
Baylan Pastanesi Kadıköy
The Kadıköy branch of Baylan, a patisserie founded in 1923, known for its Kup Griye ice-cream coupe, truffle cake and handmade chocolates.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic patisserie and café
- Area
- Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- baylangida.com
Good to know
- Table service
- Handmade chocolates
- Branches in Bebek and Galataport
Why we recommend it
Baylan is one of Istanbul's oldest patisseries, with a history going back to 1923, when it was founded on İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu by Filip Lenas. The original shop is long gone, but the brand continues in three branches, in Kadıköy, Bebek and Galataport, and the Kadıköy shop on Muvakkithane Caddesi, close to the ferry piers and the market streets, is the one with the strongest sense of the past.
The signature is the Kup Griye, an ice-cream coupe served since 1954, whose recipe is credited to Harry Lenas. It combines vanilla and caramel ice cream with whipped cream, honeyed almonds and caramel sauce, and generations of Kadıköy families have grown up eating it. Other Baylan classics include the Trüf, a chocolate truffle cake; the Adisababa, a parfait of cream, strawberry, vanilla and pistachio; the Montebianco, made with chestnut purée and cream; and a caramel cake made with choux pastry.
Baylan is also known for its handmade chocolates, sold by weight from the counter, with names such as Mon Chéri, a liqueur-filled sour cherry chocolate, and many truffle varieties. Turkish tea and Turkish coffee are served alongside the desserts.
The Kadıköy branch has a nostalgic feel, with an old-fashioned interior that has changed little in style over the years. It is popular with local families and at weekends can be busy, particularly in the afternoon. Walk-ins are normal, and staff are used to explaining the classics to first-time visitors. Chocolates are packed in boxes, so they make an easy gift to take home from Istanbul. Order at the table or choose from the counter, and allow 45 minutes to an hour if you are having a coupe with coffee. Weekday mornings are the calmest time for a quiet coffee and a slice of cake.
Baylan suits families, couples and anyone with an interest in the old patisseries of Istanbul. It is a few minutes' walk from the Kadıköy ferry piers, reached by ferry from Eminönü, Karaköy or Beşiktaş, and from Kadıköy metro station. Çiya Sofrası and the Kadıköy market streets are close by, so it makes a natural stop for dessert after lunch, and the waterfront and cafés of Moda are about 15 minutes away on foot.
Baylan Pastanesi Kadıköy FAQs
When was Baylan founded?
In 1923, on İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu.
What is the Kup Griye?
Baylan's signature ice-cream coupe, served since 1954, with vanilla and caramel ice cream, whipped cream, honeyed almonds and caramel sauce.
What else should I try?
The Trüf chocolate cake, the Adisababa parfait, the Montebianco and the handmade chocolates.
Is there table service?
Yes, you can order at the table or choose from the counter.
Do I need to book?
No, walk-ins are normal.
Are there other branches?
Yes, in Bebek and Galataport.
What is the address?
Muvakkithane Caddesi No:9/A, 34710 Kadıköy.
How do I get there?
Walk a few minutes from the Kadıköy ferry piers or Kadıköy metro station.