WHERE TO EAT The best Ayva tatlısı in the world (according to food experts)

"There's no alcohol, but the range of delicious desserts well and truly compensates (try the quince dessert with clotted cream)."

"This tiny pastry shop in the Beyoğlu fish market makes a superlative and highly addictive version, serving it with a dollop of — what else! — kaymak."

"For those with a sweet tooth, we suggest you end your meal with their moreish quince dessert."

"The ayva tatlısı (quince) dessert is one of the menu highlights, but is available only in the winter."

"Finish your meal with an exquisite dessert of ayva tatlisi (quince), prepared using the same recipe for forty years."

"After experiencing the ayva tatlısı at Kanaat Lokantası in Üsküdar, I nearly melted with ecstasy."

Try the candied quince with kaymak!