Turkish baklava is not what you think it is. Forget the heavy, honey-drenched, tooth-achingly sweet versions found elsewhere. Proper Gaziantep baklava is delicate, crispy, barely sweet, and dominated by the flavour of fresh pistachios. London's Green Lanes has some of the best outside Turkey.
What Makes Turkish Baklava Different?
Gaziantep holds a protected geographical indication (PGI) for its baklava from the EU—like Champagne for sparkling wine. The difference comes down to three things: the pistachios (Antep fıstığı—smaller, greener, more flavourful), the filo (rolled thinner than anywhere else), and the syrup (lighter and less sweet than Greek or Middle Eastern versions).
The components:
- → Filo: 30-40 paper-thin layers, brushed with clarified butter
- → Filling: Crushed Antep pistachios (the best) or walnuts
- → Syrup: Light sugar syrup (şerbet), poured cold onto hot baklava
- → Butter: Clarified butter between every layer—this is not diet food
Types of Baklava
| Style | What It Is | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Fıstıklı Baklava | Classic pistachio baklava—the gold standard | Yasar Halim, Bebek Baklava |
| Cevizli Baklava | Walnut-filled, earthier and more affordable | Most bakeries |
| Şöbiyet | Cream-filled baklava with a lighter, crispier pastry | Yasar Halim, Antepliler |
| Havuç Dilimi | Carrot-slice shaped, extra crispy layers | Bebek Baklava |
| Burma Kadayıf | Rolled shredded pastry with pistachio filling | Yasar Halim |
Where to Get It
Yasar Halim
The Authority | Green Lanes | ££
The undisputed baklava king of London. Yasar Halim imports pistachios directly from Gaziantep and makes everything on-site. Their pistachio baklava has paper-thin layers—you can count 30+ in a single piece—with a light, barely-there syrup that lets the pistachio flavour dominate.
What to Order: Pistachio baklava (the classic), şöbiyet (cream-filled), Burma kadayıf. Buy a box to take home.
Pro Tip: The baklava is freshest in the morning when the first batch comes out. Buy a mixed box—it makes an incredible gift.
Bebek Baklava
The Premium Brand | Green Lanes | £££
Sleek, modern, and beautifully packaged. Bebek Baklava positions itself as the luxury end of the market—and the quality backs it up. Their baklava is exceptionally crispy with a delicate, less-sweet syrup. The pistachio content is generous.
What to Order: Pistachio baklava, havuç dilimi (carrot-slice), mixed luxury box
Pro Tip: Their gift boxes are beautifully presented—perfect for special occasions.
Antepliler
The Gaziantep Tradition | Green Lanes | ££
Part of the Antepliler restaurant complex, their bakery section stocks fresh baklava daily. Not as wide a selection as Yasar Halim, but the quality is excellent and the pistachio baklava is properly Gaziantep-style—thin, crispy, green with pistachios.
What to Order: Pistachio baklava, then künefe from the cafe next door
Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to their künefe cafe and döner house for the full Antepliler experience.
🎁 Baklava Buying Guide
Baklava is one of the best food gifts you can buy. Here's what to know when buying a box:
- → Pistachio vs walnut: Pistachio is premium (and pricier). Walnut is earthier and more affordable. Both are good.
- → Freshness matters: Baklava is best within 3-4 days. Ask when it was made.
- → Storage: Room temperature, not the fridge. The fridge makes the filo go soggy.
- → Box sizes: A 500g box (about 12 pieces) is a good gift size. 1kg for a party.
- → Price guide: Expect £25-40 for a 500g pistachio box. Walnut is about half the price.
Baklava Tips
✓ Do
- → Buy pistachio for the authentic experience
- → Store at room temperature
- → Pair with Turkish tea or coffee
- → Try şöbiyet if you want something lighter
✗ Don't
- → Put it in the fridge
- → Microwave it
- → Judge Turkish baklava by Greek or Lebanese versions
- → Buy the cheapest option—pistachios cost what they cost