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, BeÅŸiktaÅŸ.
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.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Istanbul guide.
Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.
By
At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.
By
This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.
By
Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".
By
Cafe Naftalin K in Istanbul's Balat is a spot I love going with friends after photography tours in the area. It's so cozy - its stove is a lifesaver!
By
Viktor Levi Wine House in Kadıköy, Istanbul, is like a hidden gem. I like going there when I need to drink good wine at a worthwhile price...
By
Galata Simitçisi close to Istanbul's Karaköy used to be part of my daily routine, and I still go to to have a simit at this traditional bakery...
By
Rahmi M. Koç Museum Istanbul has such items as vintage cars, sailboats, old trams, trains, productions units, warplanes and more! I also like its garden.
By
Istanbul Modern Art Museum is the city's first modern art institution opened by a private enterprise. Apart from everything else, don't skip on the cafe.
By
Åžeyhmuz Kebap is a good alternative in Istanbul's Old City area. All the meat there is prepared with a special traditional method from the Mardin region.
By
Story Coffee in Istanbul is my new discovery in Moda neighbourhood. It's the perfectly designed spot for everyone who likes good coffee and baked goods.
By
Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!
By
236 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Istanbul Blog & App!
✓ 236 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Istanbul City Blog & App!