Saray, Istanbul

Last week, attracted by the front window of this restaurant (the Kadikoy branch) my friends and I we decided to have a desert. The place looked clean and professional so we thought it would be good. Compared to what we had yet experienced about turkish cuisine this place was probably the worst. Especially considering the fact that they advertised their deserts. We ordered a revani with ice cream, 2 kazandibis and baklava. Only the baklava was edible. The revani still tasted like eggs (reminding of an omelette) and was probably undercooked, the ice cream didn't even go with the revani (5 different tastes of ice cream all together). But the best part was the kazandibi. Not only did the upper/burnt part look hairy, but the whole texture was so thick and sticky that a spoon alone could not cut it and once in one's mouth it still felt hairy. To top it off, it smelled like condensed milk and the burnt part had no difference in taste than the rest. So to sum up... the price (about 8TL for each) was way too high, without the level of the service justifying it.

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Saray has proven its success in desserts with years of experience. The specialties are based on milk with different ingredients added. They also serve other types of desserts as well as some dishes. Some examples for dessert addicts : "Tavukgögsü" is the type which contains some chicken breast inside and it is served with cinnemon topping. "Krem Sokola" is the pudding with chocolate served with coconut and pistacchio topping. "Kazandibi" is prepared from the remaining pudding in bottom part of the tanks where they boil, the top is burnt and makes it more delicious. "Keskül" contains almond inside and served with coconut and pistacchio topping. You can also ask an additional ice cream topping over the pudding which will make it irresistable.

Favorite Dish: Keskül with ice cream

Specialist in Turkish deserts - baklava etc. Has to be seen to be believed, but make sure you go in and try!
Its an institution.
Open all hours.
Has limited menu of other stuff - kebaps, kofte etc

Favorite Dish: Baklava - just mouthwatering...

Mainly known for its desserts,Saray Muhallebicisi founded in 1935 also does a cheap breakfast and some good local dinners.
My wife and i visited the recently opened branch in Catalcesme(Bostanci) one of 11,this one on the Asian side.
Get there early as its busy even on a cool wet Sunday.
Click on Urunler on their web site and look at what's on offer,on the menu.
Breakfast plate was only 6.25 Ytl.
Most desserts are about 4 Ytl.

Favorite Dish: So much is good you can't just pick 1.

If you are looking for delicious Turkish desserts while Istanbul, this is one of the best places to go! Saray Muhallebicisi, which translated means "Rosewater Pudding Palace", is named after a popular treat enjoyed during Ottoman times. They have been in business since 1935, and now have several locations within Istanbul. Saray does in fact have a great, and quite extensive menu, including an excellent kofte meatball dish. But what they are renowned for are their pastries, and they are indeed mouthwatering! Ekmek Kadayifi, Tulumba, and of course, Baklava are some of their specialties, and my favorites. All of them are very sweet, with syrup poured on top - just enough sugar to give you a rush before you leave! :) Saray is definately a must for any person with a sweet-tooth!

Earlier this morning had some breakfast here,very enjoyable,i sat outside to drink my tea ,and watched people pass on their way to work or their offices,enjoyed my tea with a Turkish cigarette..
As i dont have any pictures yet i am just writing some of my istanbul staf here,later back in london i will edit all this and add my pictures..

Different types of rice pudding and other desserts are placed in the display window saying, 'Come and take me!' to all the people passing the shop on the busy main street.

Not kidding, you'll totally agree with the above description if you pass by.

Apart from serving desserts, Saray also serves cooked food like kebap and soup.

I've visited Saray twice during my three days in istanbul. The first time I tried asure (Noah's Ark pudding made of over 40 ingredients) and kazandibi (caramelized pudding) while the second time I tried a baked rice pudding and a cherry rice pudding. They were sooooo delicious!!!

Price per dessert: around 2 Million Turkish Lira

Favorite Dish: I liked Saray's baked rice pudding (fIrIn sutlac) and cherry rice pudding the most. The sweetness was just right!

Saray (with several locations in Istanbul) serves up great meals but most importantly lovely pastries, sinfully swimming in syrup! Nice place to take a break. They also accept credit cards. In addition they do take away.