Karaköy Güllüoğlu Baklava

Karaköy Güllüoğlu is celebrated for its meticulous preparation and high-quality ingredients, producing what many consider the best baklava in Istanbul. 

40 layers of hand-rolled, paper-thin filo dough, crafted daily by skilled ustas (masters).

Premium pistachios from Gaziantep (often called “gray pistachio”) or walnuts, depending on the variety.

Clarified butter (ghee) for richness and crispness.

A light syrup made from beet sugar, water, and a subtle hint of citrus or rosewater, boiled to 110°C, ensuring a balanced sweetness without overpowering the nuts.

Baked at 160°C for 45 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top with a tender, syrup-soaked base. The signature “cush” 

sound when cut signals perfection.

Karakoy Gulluoglu Baklava Varieties

Baklava, deeply rooted in Turkish culinary history, remains an all-season favorite, especially during festive occasions. Amongst the plethora of offerings, Karaköy Güllüoğlu stands out as the crowning jewel. This brand ensures its variants retain their freshness and natural essence during delivery:

Classic Pistachio Baklava: The flagship, with generous layers of Gaziantep pistachios.

Walnut Baklava: A nuttier, slightly less sweet option.

Nadir Dolama: A pistachio-filled roll, named after Nadir Güllü.

Wrapped Pistachio Baklava: A tightly coiled, crunchy delight.

Palace Roll (Saray Sarması): Walnut-filled, ideal for travel due to its durability.

Sütlü Nuriye: A lighter, milk-soaked version for those preferring less sweetness.

Chocolate Baklava: A modern twist with cocoa layers.

Specialty options include gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic-friendly versions.

 The Karaköy kitchens churn out approximately two tons of baklava daily, supported by a team of 80 chefs starting at 4 a.m.

1. Specialized Varieties: Gluten-Free Pistachio, Gluten-Free Walnut, Diabetic Pistachio, Diabetic Walnut, Vegan Walnut, Vegan Pistachio.
2. Traditional Treats: Classic Pistachio, Hazelnut Baklava, and Chocolate Baklava.
3. Signature Delights: Pistachio Tray Baklava, Special Series Tray, Baklava Ice Cream, Walnut Palace Wrap, Pistachio Mosaic Baklava, Saray Burma, Nightingale's Nest, Walnut Şekerpare, and many more.

Güllüoğlu's offerings, from their signature Pistachio Baklavas and Vegan variants to the rare delicacies like Dilber Dudagi Baklava with Pistachio, showcase the brand's dedication to craft and quality. Each dessert is a testament to Turkey's rich culinary heritage, prepared authentically in its homeland and directly presented to global connoisseurs. As a name recognized well beyond Turkey's borders, Karaköy Güllüoğlu remains a beacon of authenticity and taste in the world of baklava.

At the heart of Istanbul's sweet heritage is Karaköy Güllüoğlu, an emblematic name that seamlessly weaves the rich tapestry of baklava's past into the contemporary culinary scene. The very lanes of the Karaköy district echo with tales of baklava craftsmanship, rightly earning its epithet as the 'baklava street.' While the acclaim of Karaköy Güllüoğlu Baklava reverberates far beyond Turkey's borders, finding mentions in international publications like Japanese Elle and The New York Times, the essence remains deeply Turkish. And while baklava might be their crown jewel, the offerings at Karaköy Güllüoğlu go beyond this classic delight. The fervor for baklava runs deep in the Güllü lineage. Under the tutelage of Baklava Master Hacı Mustafa Güllü, four of his sons have upheld and advanced this art form. Branching out, Nejat Güllü in 1983 and Faruk Güllü in 1993 established their own revered baklava brands, expanding the Güllü legacy.

The Historical Threads of Güllüoğlu Baklava

Originating in the 1800s, Güllüoğlu Baklava is a cherished heirloom of the Güllü family. While the exact beginnings of baklava remain a matter of debate, it's widely believed to be rooted in the cultures of Aleppo and Damascus. Gaziantep, the ancestral home of the Güllü family, holds this history close. Time-honored techniques, like hand-rolling individual baklava sheets, speak to their enduring commitment to authenticity. This passion for baklava saw them pioneering deliveries outside Gaziantep a century ago, using wooden boxes. Mustafa Güllü was the visionary who introduced this treasured dessert to Istanbul, inaugurating the first-ever baklava shop in Karaköy – a venture that set the gold standard for baklava in the city. Today, while brands like Faruk Güllüoğlu have broadened the Güllü footprint, Karaköy Güllüoğlu remains unwavering in its original ethos, refraining from franchising.

In the dynamic landscape of Istanbul, change is a constant. Yet, some things remain deeply rooted in tradition and taste. One such institution is Karaköy Güllüoğlu, whose near half-century presence in the iconic multi-story car park building in Karaköy recently came to an end due to new developmental projects.

Karaköy, with its millennia of history, stands as a testament to Istanbul's charm and serves as an essential pitstop for both domestic and international tourists. Central to its allure is the legacy of Karaköy Güllüoğlu. Notwithstanding its relocation, the establishment, with its history dating back to 1843, remains undeterred. They persist in presenting the finest examples of traditional desserts, bridging the past and present through flavors.

Though the rise of the modern Galataport in place of the old Tuesday market has reshaped the region's persona, Karaköy Güllüoğlu's essence remains untouched. Their new setting, adorned with subtle Eastern nuances, complements the perennial taste of their baklava, enhancing the overall experience. Reflecting on the move, Nadir Güllü states, “For us, Güllüoğlu baklava signifies more than just business. We see ourselves as passionate artisans more than mere traders."

Karaköy Güllüoğlu's Grand New Abode

Sprawled over a generous 1,400 m^2 indoor space and a 300 m^2 courtyard, the new venue is intriguing. An old passage in the heart of Karaköy now connects seamlessly with the store through its backyard.

Curious patrons may wonder about the new location. Karaköy Güllüoğlu now graces Kemankeş Street, number 67. A stone's throw from its erstwhile location, it's a brief stroll towards Dolmabahçe from the old site.

The Craft Behind Karaköy Güllüoğlu's Baklava

Savoring baklava is an experience. Its allure lies in the tantalizing shades of golden brown, achieved through perfect baking. But there's an art to it; the syrup should be balanced – neither excessive to add weight nor scanty to diminish flavor. The crunch of a freshly baked baklava is testament to its finely rolled dough and impeccable baking process. The pure indulgence of biting into layers enriched with authentic butter and filled with either walnuts or pistachios is unparalleled. The hallmarks of an excellent baklava are evident – it should melt effortlessly in your mouth, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste, all while being gentle on the stomach. Dive into this journey of flavors with Karaköy Güllüoğlu – where every piece tells a story.

Once upon a time, Istanbul was a city unfamiliar with baklava. Surprisingly, the majority of its denizens had never tasted this layered delight. In a market where baklava saw little movement, the few available would often turn stale, leaving an unfavorable impression on the occasional consumer. However, Güllüoğlu Karaköy, a name now synonymous with quality baklava, embarked on an ambitious journey to change this narrative. They pioneered the introduction of fresh baklava to the residents of Taksim, Şişli, and Nişantaşı, sparking intrigue.

In their spirited pursuit to elevate baklava's status, they launched cinematic commercials, executed extensive advertising campaigns stretching from the Karaköy tunnel to the Taksim Funicular, and spread the word through newspapers and magazines. It wasn't until 1953, thanks to the relentless efforts of Mustafa Güllü, that baklava began to carve its niche in Istanbul's culinary landscape. The journey from a modest shop to the buzzing hub it is today started with a relocation to Havyar Han in Karaköy. By the 1970s, the brand found its home beneath the multi-story car park, where it stands tall and proud today.

Fast forward to the present, and Karaköy Güllüoğlu consumes a staggering 2.5 tons of baklava daily, all meticulously crafted in their specialized baklava factory.

The legacy of Hacı Mustafa Güllü has not only been preserved but flourished by his sons. Names like Nejat Güllü, Faruk Güllü, and other members of the Güllüoğlu family have expanded on the tradition, each establishing their unique brands. Today, under the astute leadership of Nadir Güllü and supported by the likes of Ömer Güllü, Ebru Güllü Abanoz, Tuğba Güllü Sürmeli, and Murat Güllü, Karaköy Güllüoğlu stands apart from other establishments bearing the Güllüoğlu name.

For five generations, Karaköy Güllüoğlu has been a cornerstone of the region's gastronomic offerings. Beyond the in-store experience, they've embraced the digital age, catering to online orders and even offering bespoke gift packages. And for those seeking something truly unique, their exclusive Pistachio and Walnut Ice Cream Baklavas offer a delectable fusion of tradition and innovation. This is the tale of baklava in Istanbul – a testament to determination, quality, and the enduring love for a sweet delight.