Hafız Mustafa 1864 Sirkeci

Hafız Mustafa 1864 is one of Istanbul's best-known confectioners, and its name carries the year the business traces its origins to. The Sirkeci branch, on Muradiye Caddesi in the busy streets between Sirkeci station and Eminönü, is one of its most visited shops and a convenient stop between the sights of the historic peninsula.

The glass cabinets are stacked with sweets. Baklava comes in many shapes, with pistachio, walnut and other fillings, alongside kadayıf made with shredded pastry, milk puddings such as sütlaç, the rice pudding, and kazandibi, the caramelised pudding, as well as cakes and a wide range of lokum, Turkish delight. There are drinks including tea and Turkish coffee, and a breakfast menu is served too, which makes it useful for an early start.

Inside, there are tables where you can order a plate of desserts with tea or coffee, and a takeaway counter where you can buy sweets by weight or in gift boxes. If you are new to Turkish desserts, a mixed baklava plate or a milk pudding paired with a Turkish coffee is a good introduction. Staff are used to visitors and can help you choose. If you only try one thing, make it the pistachio baklava, which shows off the quality of the nuts and pastry. The company also runs an online shop, so you can order gifts for delivery.

Expect queues for tables in the afternoon, when the shop is busiest with people on their way to or from the bazaars; the takeaway counter is quicker if you just want a box. Mornings and early evenings are calmer. Prices are moderate for the area. Check the boxes' contents and best-before dates before you buy if you are taking them home.

The shop suits families, anyone with a sweet tooth and visitors looking for gifts. It is a few minutes' walk from Sirkeci tram stop on the T1 line and Sirkeci Marmaray station, and close to the Eminönü ferry piers. The Spice Bazaar, the New Mosque and the Hodjapasha Culture Centre are all nearby, and Gülhane Park and Topkapı Palace are a short walk uphill. Hafız Mustafa has several other branches around the city, so you are likely to pass another one if you miss this.