Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Karaköy Güllüoğlu is one of the most famous baklava shops in Istanbul, and a stop that many visitors build into their day. Run by the Güllü family, whose name is synonymous with baklava in Turkey, it operates from a single shop on Kemankeş Caddesi in Karaköy and states clearly that it has no other branch, which is worth knowing given the number of businesses with similar names.

The counters hold tray after tray of baklava, the layered filo pastry filled with nuts and soaked in syrup. The classics are pistachio and walnut, but there are also hazelnut and almond versions, as well as gluten-free, vegan and diabetic-friendly baklava. Look out for shapes such as havuç dilimi, the carrot-slice cut, and şöbiyet, filled with cream as well as nuts. Beyond baklava there is kadayıf made with shredded pastry, börek and savoury pastries, Turkish delight and seasonal specialities such as güllaç during Ramadan.

Ordering works at the counter. Choose by the portion to eat in, at the simple tables inside, ideally with a glass of tea, or buy by weight in a box to take away. Staff are used to visitors and will help you put together a mixed selection. The shop also sells gift boxes, and orders can be sent within Turkey and worldwide by courier.

Within the courier area in Istanbul, orders placed before 19:00 are delivered the same day, which is handy if you want to send a box to your hotel. Mornings are a good time to try a savoury börek before the afternoon crowds arrive for dessert, and the shop is often busiest in the late afternoon and early evening. Baklava is best eaten fresh, so buy boxes near the end of your trip if you are taking them home, and ask staff how long each type keeps.

It suits anyone with a sweet tooth, families and gift-hunters. The shop is a short walk from Karaköy tram stop on the T1 line and the Karaköy ferry piers. Karaköy Lokantası is a few doors along the same street for a meal, Istanbul Modern is along the waterfront and the Galata Tower is a climb uphill.