Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir

Nous étions à la recherché de loukoums pour ramener à nos amis et à notre famille (et un peu pour nous aussi). Cette adresse nous a été recommandée par une Stambouliote et nous n’avons pas été déçus !
La confiserie existe depuis 1777, autant vous dire que c’est une valeur sûre et les loukoums sont à tomber ! Il y a quatre principales saveurs: nature, pistache, noisette et à la rose. La plus petite boîte est à 6LT (environ 2 €) et la plus grosse avec tout l’assortiment à 21.50LT (6.95 €) des prix défiants toutes concurrences pour un produit de cette qualité.
Le personnel lui aussi est adorable, ils m’ont laissé prendre des photos, ils étaient d’ailleurs ravis que j’en fasse. L’atmosphère du lieu est vraiment typique et à voir comment les loukoums ont été dévorés par les amis et la famille je né regrette pas mon choix !

If there’s one thing I often love above just about anything else, it’s finding the origin of a cuisine, especially when it ties to a city or a region. Next to kebabs, turkish delight defines both Istanbul and Turkey on the culinary stage, and Ali Muhittin Haci Bekir is the origin of not only turkish delight, but of gummi snacks as we know them. Haci Bekir opened this exact spot in 1777, and the rest is literally history. Expecting an 18^th century vibe with as much history as wonderful product, I was honestly a bit disappointed on both fronts. If you’re looking for a historical experience and the best turkish delight you’ve ever had? I unfortunately can’t say that you’ll find either at Haci Bekir.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
Star 1? Strike 1. Considering this is the origin of turkish delight (as in, in the world), I was expecting a homely and authentic 18^th century vibe. How was this stuff invented? How do they even make it? I was hoping to learn these things from staff who knew the history, and was gutted to find an entirely commercialized and bland shop with passive employees. I ordered my turkish delight, paid, and left. That was it. Considering what could have been? This was a huge disappointment. No Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
Considering how much the original spot could price gouge? I was pleased. I paid 32 turkish lira at the spice market for a kilo, and only 24 lira here. Both prices are a great deal, but I loved the fact that I wasn’t getting ripped off by a place that could have easily done so. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
I need to start this off by defining what my idea of perfect turkish delight is. A powdered sugar covered gummi bear? No. Turkish delight should be so soft that it requires the powdered sugar for you to even hold it. My turkish delight in the spice market was close to what i’ve had stateside, but what I had at Haci Bekir was weak. The flavor? mediocre. The consistency? a bit chewy, which is shouldn’t be. Overall, this was a pretty disappointing visit. Single Star Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
I have a theory. Turkish delight is a rarity here in the states, so if you’re going to serve it? It’s got to be the very best. On the contrary, TD is absolute commonplace in Istanbul, so the abundance of it all leads to some down ticks in quality. I was hoping for a real show from the very origin of turkish delight, and I didn’t get it with the service, the atmosphere, or the product quality. No Star Granted.

Not particularly helpful or friendly, I selected this store because of its unique history though. Wish they were a bit more helpful with tastes, as some of the boxes I purchased as gifts were flavors that may not have tasted as good as others.
In any case, cute little store.

This is THE place for Turkish Delights. You can’t base any judgments on Turkish Delights until you’ve tried these, that would be like basing all Italian food on the Olive Garden but this is Turkey so…
I really wasn’t a big fan until I tried this place; They are super fresh, soft and delicious! They are a little more than your everyday TD’s but this is the original place and the quality doesn’t compare with anything else. This is the original place starting in 1777, it’s like you’re tasting a part of history, truly.
I personally like the traditional rose lokum but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. My husband (the Turk) likes the Pistachio or anything with a nut in it. Last time I was here however I discovered a gift from god! It’s a cream Turkish Delight (sorry don’t know the Turkish word) It looks like a round Turkish Delight but with a white center, of cream. OMG seriously it’s like the angels made this stuff! I’m pretty sure that if I make it back there I will have to get a small stash of this stuff. Amazing. But really anything you get here is delicious and pretty much you need to try everything.
Haci Bekir is somewhat hidden away if you’re not familiar with the area, it isn’t far from the boat dock to the European side in Eminonu. So if you are planning a trip here anytime soon do yourself a favor and bookmark this place on your map! You won’t be disappointed.

Around since 1777 ! They have the best Turkish Delight ever

Pretty delicious turkish delights/​lokum sold here! My personal favorite was the rose flavored one. There are a bunch on display that you can try before you purchase too.