Lokmata Istanbul
Turkish sweet fried dough
For my daily diet I go with the 80/20 principle: 80 percent of the time I focus on eating clean, healthy foods, and 20 percent of the time I have the freedom to indulge freely. If you are like me and enjoy rich indulgent desserts, you are sure to adore this place!
Fried dough balls getting stuffed and smothered with chocolate... Just the definition is enough to explain the queue in front of this small store in Akaretler, Beşiktaş.
This is a dessert shop specializing in making traditional Turkish lokma (fried sweet dough that is covered in a simple syrup). Lokmata puts its own spin on the dessert by filling the lokmas with chocolate or pastry cream. They're crispy on the outside, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture on the inside. Served hot as they emerge bubbling from the pot, the lokmas are stuffed and drenched in different flavors of toppings. What I really like about Lokmata is the quality of the ingredients. They use good quality Belgian chocolate and regularly change the frying oil.
A portion contains 8 bites. Enough to make your stomach happy, but not full. The store offers some place to sit and beverages to enjoy, but mind this is more of a dessert fast food. So it is not a stop to spend some time but more of a grab, eat and go. Some evenings it gets too crowded inside and it might be challenging to find a seat or even order your choice of lokma.
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque
Enlightenment
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Pera Museum
An alternative art museum for all
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Shoe-shine boys
A unique experience
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Fenerbahçe Steamboat
Now in the past
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Holy Fragrance sellers
Various perfumes
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Simit
The Turkish Bagel
"Simit" is the delicious Turkish and Istanbul version of bagels. You can get them at the red stands all over the city. Try to get them hot!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant
The best haricot bean
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Udonya
A good Japanese restaurant
"Udonya" is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Istanbul. I can recommend it when you feel you've had enough of Turkish cuisine!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kontraplak
The best place for 2nd hand vinyl
"Kontraplak" is a 'clean' Istanbul record shop, especially for its selection of second-hand vinyl. The owner, Okan, is very open-minded and will help you...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Istanbul
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
