Taking a trip to anywhere in the Levant region is not complete without sampling some baklava. The sweet, filled filo pastry is both crunchy and soft, and predates the Ottoman Empire.
These days, baklava filled with pistachios, walnuts, and even hazelnuts can be found in many cafes and markets around the Middle East and parts of Europe like Greece and Turkey where the origin of the sweet treat is still claimed by both countries.
A place well worth visiting for any baklava enthusiast is the Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul. The name derives from the fictional utopian location in the novel Lost Horizon, and it truly is an earthly paradise for those who adore baklava.
Those who stay at the Shangri-La on the Bosporus Strait are entitled to their own Baklava Butler. Upon arrival, guests receive an ornate key to redeem the exclusive service which involves a butler serving a portion of speciality baklava alongside traditional Maraş ice-cream.
The baklava is made at the Karaköy Güllüoglu bakery in the city of Gaziantep which is known as the birthplace of baklava. The bakery has been family-run for 5 generations.
The butler program has now expanded to include a tour of the bakery so guests can see first-hand how the sweet treat is made.