Sweet Tooth Alert! Jakarta's Turkish Desserts: Insanely Sweet, Totally Addictive
qponx
2026-01-24
Get ready for a sugar rush at Mardin, an authentic Turkish dessert shop in East Jakarta that’s a paradise for any serious sweet tooth. This spot serves insanely sweet but addictive treats, with local Turks praising its genuine taste. Don't miss the stretchy, cheesy Kunafe or the rich Pistachio Baklava. The intense sweetness is part of the experience, best balanced with a bitter Turkish tea. This article shares everything you need to know before you go, from prices to peak hours.
Let's get straight to the point: If you don't have a major sweet tooth, you can just skip this post. I'm serious. This place is so sweet it'll make your head tingle! 🤯
Located in East Jakarta, this Turkish dessert shop called Mardin has ridiculously high ratings on Google Maps. Even local Turks have given it their stamp of approval, saying it tastes just like home[1]. I went to check it out, wondering"just how amazing can it be?"
Off-the-charts sweet, but that's just how it's supposed to be!
The shop isn't big[2], with just a few small tables, but it's kept neat and clean, with Turkish tunes playing on a loop, instantly setting the perfect vibe. As soon as you walk in, you'll see the display case filled with neatly arranged, glistening Baklava soaking in syrup.
I ordered two must-try items:
Kunafe[3]: You have to eat this while it's hot! The outer layer is made of crispy, toasted fine pastry threads. When you cut into it, the cheese inside stretches right out, Anjay! The taste is a mix of salty and sweet, with super rich layers of flavor. It was still a bit too sweet for me, but who can resist that guilty pleasure!
Pistachio Baklava[4]: Pistachio-flavored Baklava, which is pretty much their star player. The unique savory flavor of the pistachios balances out some of the sweetness from the syrup. The pastry is flaky and has distinct layers. One bite fills your mouth with the aroma of nuts and butter, Mantap!
However, to survive, I had to pair it with a cup of unsweetened Turkish black tea[5]... otherwise, I would have been"sent off" on the spot. The bitter taste of the tea is the perfect match for the desserts, instantly cutting through the richness.
Let's get real...
Honestly, the taste is truly authentic, but there are a few downsides.
First, the price. It's definitely not cheap. Especially since the Baklava is priced by the gram[6], not by the piece. Grabbing a few pieces might blow your budget, and your wallet will feel the pain. Second, the shop is too small. If you come during meal times or on weekends, you'll almost certainly have to wait for a table. If you want to chill and nongkrong, you'll have to count on your luck.
A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Finally, here are a few practical tips for the girls who want to check it out:
Alright, that's all for today's shop review. Tag a friend who would get knocked out by the sweetness with you
- 1. Survival guide for those who can't handle too much sweet: When ordering Kunafe, you can ask the staff for"less sugar"[7], and they'll pour a little less syrup. With any dessert, be sure to order an unsweetened Turkish tea or coffee to"save your life"[8].
- 2. Avoid getting"stabbed" when taking away: If you're getting Baklava to go, make sure to ask about the price first![9] Since it's sold by weight, you don't want to find out it's a"sweet assassin" only when you're paying.
- 3. Go during off-peak hours: The shop has limited seating. If you want to take photos and eat in peace, I suggest going on a weekday afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Slice into hot Kunafe, cheese stretches, a rich salty-sweet combo that'll make you shout Anjay! [1]
- Even local Turks approve, saying it tastes just like home [2]. For authentic flavor, this is the spot!
- Signature pistachio baklava has flaky layers, bursting with nut and butter. Perfectly balanced, sweet but not cloying — Mantap! [3]
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