Ramazan (ex- Cikita)
Our dear friend Ramazan, former partner of Cikita and whom we met during our first trip to Istanbul, has relocated to the Grand Bazaar, where he opened not one, but five different stores! The flagship store carries his own name, RAMAZAN.
Located on the main street, Kalpakçılar, known as Gold Street for its many jewelers, RAMAZAN offers what is best in spices and delicacies, including prime caviar. The prices are fair, at least as long as Turkey doesn’t adopt the Euro currency !
Lokuns in gift boxes, saffron, damasks, pistachios, nuts, figs, raisins, honey, excellent caviar, tea, spices ... One does not need to resist to these tempting delicacies as they can be vacuum packed by the store, allowing a safe transport back home.
Ramazan is a gentleman and speaks English and Spanish.
If you refer to, or show our book when visiting the store, we are sure Ramazan will go beyond his usual kindness.
Grand Bazaar
Kalpakçılar Cad. 139
(0212) 5279542
www.ramazancanbaz.com
Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir
Ali Muhiddin opened his first store near the Spice Bazaar in 1771. This is the most traditional and well-known lokum brand in Turkey and an excellent choice as gifts,as they come in small boxes in a variety of flavors.
Hamidiye Cad. 83, Eminönü
Istiklal Cad. 83A, Beyoğlu
(0212) 5220666
www.hacibekir.com.tr
Bebek Badem Ezmesi
Founded in 1904, continues to produce marzipan by hand. A must see for anyone who enjoys this delicacy!
Cevdet Paşa Cad. 53/c – Bebek
(0212) 2635984
Malatya Pazarı
When visiting the Spice Bazaar do not miss the last store at the end of the Bazaar just before the right side exit which leads to the dairy market. It was where we bought the best mastika lokum we have ever tasted.
Misir Carsisi Ici 40 e 44
www.malatyapazaristore.com
