This is a postcard showing Rue de Pera which is the current İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu. Beyoğlu was the heart of cultural life in İstanbul till 1950s and it was also famous with its patisseries where lovers met.
Most of these legendary patisseries could not stand the test of time and vanished from the daily lives of İstanbulites throughout the decades but two things have remained which are İstanbulites fascination with sweets and three legendary patisseries where our parents and grandparents used to meet.
I will mention three patisseries you must definitely visit to have a sense of İstanbul’s past as well as its fascination with sweets.
First is one of my favourite and that is the Pera Palace Patisserie with an incredibly romantic decoration of pink and peach colours and delicious sweets. When you visit it, you will notice the dream like atmosphere that will take you back in time when life was slower and more delicate.
Pera Palas Patisserie
The other patisserie I recommend is a living legend which is the İnci Patisserie in Beyoğlu. It has recently moved to its new location. You must definitely drop by to try its famous profiterole.
İnci Pastanesi
An old photo of İnci Patisserie
One last patisserie you must not miss is Baylan which has celebrated its 100 anniversary 2 years ago. Baylan has two stores. I would definitely recommend you to visit the one in Kadıköy which is the oldest branch. You might be surprised to feel how nostalgic everything feels in it.
Baylan in Old İstanbul
An old photo of Baylan Patisserie
Baylan’s store in Kadıköy almost looks the same decades after this photo was taken. Notice lovers in every table. These couples could easily be one of our parents or grandparents on their first date.
Baylan celebrated its 100th anniversary via an exhibition at the Atatürk Cultural Center
When you visit Baylan, make sure to try its speciality: Kup Griye.
Baylan now has a posh store in Bebek overlooking a fabulous view. Consider dropping by if you are in the neighbourhood! Note that Baylan’s Bebek branch is more than a patisserie now and offers snacks as well as main courses.
Patisseries of old İstanbul were like the cafes of today where young people hung out, where lovers met and people got together to satisfy their desires for the sweet things in life and you should definitely try one to have a feel of it!
A range of sweets in an İstanbul patisserie
