Safa Istanbul
A Pistachio Lover's Katmer Stop
Cemre from Istanbul
Safa is a dessert shop located in the Mısır Çarşısı, and it's a family favorite introduced to me by my father, a fellow dessert lover. While Safa has several branches, this particular one stands out for us because it has the best katmer master among its branches. The katmer here is cooked to perfection, with just the right texture. We've tried other branches, but none match this one, as the cooking technique plays a crucial role in the flavor. However, keep in mind that on Sundays, the master is off, so the quality may differ.
Antep katmeri is made with a very thin, almost transparent dough filled with Antep pistachios, sugar, clotted cream, and butter. It’s a standalone dessert, with no syrup or extra sweeteners added after cooking. The sweetness comes from the sugar melting into the pastry during the baking process.
While traditionally enjoyed at breakfast or on special occasions, I find it perfect for an afternoon or evening treat. Finding it before 3 p.m. on weekends at Safa can be hard. The portions are quite big, so consider sharing if you are not particularly a dessert lover.
Though Safa offers other traditional desserts, we only visit for the katmer, where the balance of sugar, butter, and cooking is ideal. The version in Antep often has more clotted cream, but I prefer Safa’s lighter take. The shop isn’t large, but it has seating available on the upper floor.
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