You better Hari up and try some Haribo Candy…read more They actually make some pretty good candy. When you're in Europe when you get those fizzy Cola bottles for example, now that's what I'm talking about. Very good stuff. Elsewhere in the world not quite so much. But still they make some pretty damn good things and are a high-quality company.

If there's one thing I often love above just about anything else, it's finding the origin of a…read morecuisine, 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 18th 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 18th 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.

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

Delicious saffron milk cake! We were here to try just the milk cake but were offered many turkish…read moredelights to try to we try it as well and brought some home! The milk cake with saffron is very yummy, it does have strong saffron taste so if you are not into saffron that much, should not get it! It is not too sweet and would make the perfect desserts! We got some nuts covered in chocolate to bring home as well! I would deff. recommend this place since the aesthetic and the way the pakaging goes was perfect in every way and service was quick and friendly! Ambiance can also be romantic!

Omg the experience was one of kind filled with dessert heaven. I felt like I was transferred into…read moreOttoman Empire with the hospitality and everything

LEB is located at Cevahir mall. It's a business that has its own stand…read more I was walking around and was curious about the food offered here. I got free samples. I had to ask what I was about to eat. They were chickpeas that were either savoury or sweet. I got a mix and sampled them. Wow! They were good. I got a box. I recall that they came in three box sizes. I went with a medium. The man working the stand that day was great. I brought back these treats to share with my colleagues and they were a hit. If I'm ever back here, I'd pick up another box or more. Yum! (31)