Top destinations for chocoholics in Istanbul


Chocolate, humanity's best invention for many, is the first thing that comes to our mind when we say, "eating for pleasure." It is sweet, brings happiness and is the easiest way to make your friends or loved ones happy for a moment. A good chocolate deserves travelling for miles. Even though the ingredients are generally the same, each town and even each country has its own style of making chocolate. For some, chocolate bars can be equal with renowned museums when they visit a town. So, if you visit Istanbul and you are one of those chocoholics, here are the perfect chocolatiers in Istanbul.Baylan ChocolateFounded in 1919 by Filip Lenas, Baylan is one of the oldest patisseries in Istanbul. With years of chocolate culture, Baylan offers one of the best handmade chocolates in Istanbul. There are two branches of Baylan, one is in European side district of Bebek and the other is in on the Anatolian side in Kadıköy. When you visit Bebek's Baylan you can sit next to the Bosporus and taste their mouth-pleasing chocolates while watching the amazing Istanbul landscape. With a different range of chocolates, including lemon, berries, liquors, whiskey and even rakı, Baylan awaits Istanbul's chocolate lovers.www.baylanpastanesi.comPelit ChocolateWith 36 branches, Pelit Chocolate is one of the most elite and renowned chocolatiers in Turkey with many years of chocolate-making experience. Thirty-five of its branches are in Istanbul and the remaining one is in the capital Ankara. Giving a slice of happiness, Pelit is not only renowned for its chocolates, but also wedding cakes and truffles. Acquiring chocolate-making methods from the Belgian brand Valonia, Pelit is ready to provide happiness with its premium chocolates. www.pelit.com.trVakko ChocolateVakko, which is a leading fashion house in Turkey, also has been producing chocolate under the same brand since 1980s. It is the first time in the world that a fashion brand is also a chocolatier. You can find special Vakko chocolates at all Vakko stores, both fashion boutiques and chocolate stores. The price of Vakko chocolate is a little bit more expensive than other brands due to its high quality and special designs. What makes Vakko chocolate special is the time spent during its production. Vakko spends three times more time for the chocolate-making process than other brands.www.vakko.comMarie AntoinetteLocated in Istanbul's fancy district of Nişantaşı, Marie Antoinette is a boutique chocolatier, you will be amazed by the decorations reminiscent of the 18th century and is truly a "chocolate heaven." All chocolates at the boutique chocolatier are made in the small manufacturing house upstairs. Even the chocolate boxes here show the beauty of the chocolates inside of them. There are many different chocolate boxes, including silky ones. Chocolat au fruit de la passion, chocolat à la violette, chocolat a la cerise and anges au chocolat blanc and noir ou au lait are among the delicious chocolates that you can purchase in Marie Antoinette.www.marieantoinette.com.trChocolate FactoryBerrin Gürcan's Chocolate Factories, one in the European district of Nişantaşı and the Asian district of Caddebostan, offer premium chocolates with no additives or preservatives. With its motto: "No additive except love," the chocolate factory is a destination that mixes chocolate and happiness. With its friendly personnel, you will feel the positive and peaceful atmosphere as soon as you step through the door of the chocolatier. The chocolate factory also gives workshops so you can learn the chocolate-making process at give it a go at home. www.cikolatafabrikasi.com.trMeşhur Beyoğlu ÇikolatacısıMeşhur Beyoğlu Çikolatacısı (Famous Beyoğlu Chocolatier) is the beaten track of chocolate lovers in Istanbultarget="_blank"'>Address: Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mah. İstiklal Cad. No:69/A, Beyoğlu, İstanbul