A friend going on a cruise w/ her mom will have one day in Istanbul to find this candy for her 9yo daughter. It's her daughter's only request. She thinks she'll spend most of that day touring the Grand Bazaar in a group.

Does anyone know where in the Grand Bazaar to find this candy? It has a powdered sugar top and a chewy middle, if I recall correctly.

If not in the Grand Bazaar, anywhere near it?

Loukoums are available everywhere. For the best elegant version presented in a beautiful box, there is a fine pastry shop at the top of Taksim Square that makes magnificent loukoums. Unfortunately, the name of the place escapes me, but it is quite easy to find due to line of people waiting to get in.

You can buy many variant of loukoums (with almonds, rose and mint) in the shops on the Istanbul airport. In elegant version with declaration and expire date on the box. From 10-30 euros.

I would avoid buying lokum pre - packaged in a box at most places. The portion inside is normally very small and lesser quality.
Try to purchase where you see it in bulk and pick the flavors you wish- many to choose from-
The shop mentioned above is probably Hacibekir - very famous for their Turkish Delight and other candy items-
shop at Istiklal Caddesi 83

also other places

www.hacibekir.com.tr

if not many places in the bazaars

You can buy lokum everywhere! But our favorite place was the Spice Bazaar. Heaps of lokum at stall after stall, so you have alot of choice. Most will even package it for you so its easy to take on a plane if you ask.

Info from our Istanbul trip: http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

I'd definitely stop at the Spice Market, there they can sample Turkish Delight from different vendors and buy what they like. The vendors will seal the box in plastic if they ask. Also, there is a type of Turkish Delight made with honey, instead of sugar, this does cost more, but I prefer the taste. Don't buy the prepackage product at the Grand Bazaar, the variety and quality at the Spice Market is much better.

The Turkish delight will be everywhere!

Passing all this on to my friend--thanks everyone!

Does Turkish delight have to be sealed to bring it into the US?

linawood,

I'm no expert, but when I return from abroad, the only question Customs persistently asks is if I'm carrying meat products or fruits.

Another vote for the stalls in the Spice Market. And no, it does not have to be sealed to bring into the US.