Turkish Sweets in Side – What to Try & Where to Buy
Turkish sweets are an important part of local culture and are often enjoyed together with tea or coffee. During your holiday in Side, you will come across many delicious desserts, from famous classics to traditional recipes that date back to the Ottoman period.
Trying Turkish sweets is not just about eating—it’s also a small cultural experience that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Below, you can find some of the most popular Turkish desserts you should try while visiting Side.
Popular Turkish Sweets to Try in Side
Baklava
Baklava is the most famous Turkish dessert and a must-try during your holiday. It is made of thin layers of filo pastry, filled with pistachios or walnuts, and soaked in sweet syrup. The best baklava is usually made with high-quality pistachios, especially from the Gaziantep region.
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Known worldwide as Turkish delight, Lokum is one of the most popular souvenirs in Turkey. It comes in many flavours such as rose, lemon, and pistachio. It is often served with Turkish coffee and has a soft, slightly chewy texture.
Künefe
Künefe is a warm dessert made with shredded pastry, melted cheese, and sweet syrup. It is usually served hot and topped with pistachios. This is one of the most unique and memorable desserts you can try in Turkey.
Şekerpare
Şekerpare are small, soft cakes made from semolina dough and soaked in sugar syrup. They are sweet, slightly crumbly, and very popular in Turkish cuisine.
Sütlaç (Rice Pudding)
Sütlaç is a lighter dessert compared to others. It is made from rice, milk, and sugar, and often baked in the oven to create a slightly caramelized top. It’s a good choice if you prefer something less sweet.
Pişmaniye
Pişmaniye is similar to cotton candy but has a richer texture. It is made from roasted flour and sugar, pulled into thin strands. You will often find it sold in boxes, making it a popular gift item.
Lokma
Lokma are small fried dough balls soaked in syrup. They are usually sold by street vendors and are simple, sweet, and very addictive.
Cevizli Sucuk
This traditional sweet is made by dipping walnuts into thick grape molasses and letting them dry. It looks unusual but is very tasty and natural.
Where to Buy Turkish Sweets in Side
In Side, you can find Turkish sweets in many places such as local shops, bazaars, and markets. The old town area and nearby shopping centres offer a wide variety of fresh desserts and packaged sweets that you can take home.
If you want a more comfortable and organized shopping experience, you can also visit local stores as part of a shopping trip. For example, you can discover different sweets and souvenirs during a Side Shopping Tour, which includes free transfer and a relaxed visit to selected shops.
Tips for Buying Turkish Sweets
- Always check freshness, especially for baklava
- Ask for vacuum packaging if you plan to take sweets home
- Compare prices between shops before buying
- Try small portions first before purchasing larger boxes
