Hafız Mustafa 1864 Meydan — Restaurant in Beyoğlu

A Must-Try Turkish Dessert Experience at Hafız Mustafa, Taksim Meydan

During my visit to Istanbul, I had the pleasure of stopping by Hafız Mustafa 1864 at Taksim Meydan, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my culinary journey through the city.

If you’re looking to experience authentic Turkish sweets made with premium ingredients and rich tradition, this is the place to go. The variety is simply overwhelming—in the best way possible—from beautifully arranged trays of baklava and lokum (Turkish delight) to puddings, cakes, and more exotic choices.

One of the standout items for me was the Kazandibi, a traditional Turkish milk-based dessert made with a surprising ingredient: shredded chicken breast (known as “tavuk göğsü”). It might sound unusual to some, but this delicacy has a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture, lightly caramelized at the bottom, and subtly sweet. It’s a great representation of how Turkish cuisine artfully blends flavors and textures. Highly recommended for anyone adventurous enough to try something uniquely local.

While it’s true that Hafız Mustafa is slightly pricier than other dessert shops, the quality, presentation, and overall experience make it well worth the cost—especially if you’re only visiting Istanbul for a short time. The service is efficient, and the interior of the shop is elegant, with a nostalgic charm that reflects its deep-rooted history dating back to 1864.

📍 Location tip: Being right in the heart of Taksim Square, the shop is also a perfect stop after exploring the bustling İstiklal Street. It’s open late, making it ideal for a post-dinner dessert.

In summary, Hafız Mustafa is more than a dessert shop—it’s a taste of Turkish culture, and I highly recommend adding it to your...

Hafız Mustafa has always held a special place in my mind. Years ago, a close friend gifted me a box of their Turkish delights in Melbourne—and to this day, it’s the best I’ve ever had. Fragrant, delicate, and full of flavour—it felt like a true taste of Turkey. So naturally, visiting the original store in Istanbul was something I was truly looking forward to.

The decor is gorgeous—rich colours, vintage accents, and a sense of history that sets a beautiful stage. However, the overall experience left me disappointed.

The staff who took our order lacked warmth, barely making eye contact and giving the impression she didn’t want to be there. It set the tone in a negative way. On the other hand, the staff who handled the bill and payment was cheerful and welcoming, which helped redeem the service experience slightly.

As for the desserts—they simply didn’t live up to the hype.

The Tres Leches was dense and heavy, lacking the lightness you’d expect. The cream underneath the glossy caramel-like topping was heavy, bland and felt like vegetable fat qand not particularly enjoyable. For something so pricey, it felt like an under delivery of quality ingredients.

The Künefe had the expected gooey texture, but the balance was off. The syrup was overly sweet, and instead of traditional ice cream, we were served a thick buffalo milk cream that didn’t pair well and left the dish feeling flat. Together, it turned what should have been a rich, indulgent dessert into a subpar gastro experience.

I’ll always recommend their Turkish delights—but based on this visit, I won’t be returning for the dine-in desserts...

Hafiz Mustaffa is a dessert lover's paradise, with a wide range of sweet treats to choose from. However, their raspberry trilece and kunefe are two standout dishes that are not to be missed.

First, the raspberry trilece. This dessert is a variation of the classic Turkish trilece, a type of milk cake that's moist and sweet. Hafiz Mustaffa's raspberry trilece takes things up a notch by adding a layer of fresh raspberry sauce that's sweet, tangy, and perfectly complemented by the rich and creamy milk cake. The texture is heavenly, with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that's just divine.

The kunefe at Hafiz Mustaffa is also a must-try. This classic Turkish dessert consists of thin strands of pastry that are soaked in sweet syrup, layered with melted cheese, and topped with chopped pistachios. Hafiz Mustaffa's kunefe is made to perfection, with the pastry strands crispy and golden-brown, the cheese perfectly melted and gooey, and the syrup just the right amount of sweetness.

Aside from the delicious desserts, Hafiz Mustaffa also offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff and comfortable seating options. The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, and the outdoor seating area provides a great view of the bustling street scene in Istanbul.

Overall, I highly recommend the raspberry trilece and kunefe at Hafiz Mustaffa to anyone looking for a satisfying and indulgent dessert experience. The flavors and textures are just perfect, and the cozy atmosphere makes for a memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on these two...