Teatime at Turkey

At the wonderfully diverse and uniquely stunning Turkey, a hot cup of tea or coffee is enjoyed with some delightful Turkish Delight.

Turkish Tealight. Photo taken by: tripadvisor

Background of Turkish Delight

A Turkish local favourite, Turkish Delight has delighted the people of Turkey from as early as the late 1700s.

Turkish Favourite. Photo taken by: golubkakitchen 

Back in the day. Gif via: GIPHY

In the Arab world, Turkish Delight is called rāḥat al-ḥulqūm (رَاحَة الْحُلْقُوم) which means "Throat Comfort".

Throat comfort. Gif taken by: GIPHY

How is it made?

Made primarily by a melted mixture, at low heat, of starch, water and sugar. The result is a dense, sticky jelly.

Sticky. Gif taken by: GIPHY

Traditionally speaking, Turkish Delight is often flavoured with rosewater, mastic, Bergamot orange, cinnamon, peppermint or lemon.

Diversity in flavour. Photo taken by: purdys

There are also premium varieties consisting of chopped dates, pistachios, and hazelnuts or walnuts bound by the jelly.

Premium flavours. Photo taken by: osmanlizadeler

Once the Turkish Delight is prepared and jellified, then cut into small fragrant cubes. The desert is dusted with icing sugar, copra or powdered cream of tartar.

Traditional Rosewater Turkish Delight. Photo taken by: stayathomemum

Your Turn.

Opened in 1777, the Hacı Bekir company is known for developing the Turkish Delight. To enjoy the original tastes of this desert, a visit to the Hacı Bekir company is a must!

Haci Bekir. Photo taken by: sirkecirestaurants

Although there are established traditional and premium tastes of Turkish Delight, plenty of other tastes still have yet to be discovered. By YOU.

Make your very own. Gif taken by: GIPHY

Watch this:

How it is made. Video taken by: Tim Sutcliffe