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Turkish delight

Turkish delight, also called lokum, is a soft confection made from sugar and starch, usually flavoured with rosewater, citrus, mastic, or nuts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Turkish delight, also called lokum, is a soft confection made from sugar and starch, usually flavoured with rosewater, citrus, mastic, or nuts. It is traditionally cut into small cubes and dusted with icing sugar or starch to prevent sticking. The sweet is associated with Turkey and the wider Ottoman culinary tradition, though its exact origins are debated.

History

Turkish delight is widely associated with the Ottoman Empire and with confectioners in Istanbul, especially in later 18th-century accounts. Some sources also trace related starch-and-sugar sweets to earlier Persian or Arab traditions, so the precise origin is not settled.

Ingredients and preparation

The sweet is made by cooking sugar and starch together until the mixture sets into a soft gel. Flavourings such as rosewater or citrus are added, and nuts, colourings, or mastic may also be included.

Varieties and flavour

Traditional flavours include rose, lemon, orange blossom, bergamot, and mastic, while modern versions may add pistachios, walnuts, chocolate, coconut, or dried fruit. Texture ranges from very soft and squidgy to firmer commercial styles.

Cultural use

Turkish delight is commonly served as an accompaniment to tea or coffee and appears in gift boxes and holiday assortments. It is also familiar to many English-language readers through its mention in popular literature.

Key facts

  • Turkish delight is a family of sweets based on a gel of starch and sugar.
  • Traditional versions are commonly flavoured with rosewater, mastic, bergamot, lemon, or citrus.
  • Many recipes include nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
  • The confection is often dusted with icing sugar or starch to stop the pieces from sticking together.
  • Its origins are usually linked to the Ottoman period, but older Middle Eastern antecedents are also claimed.
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Canadian context

Turkish delight is sold in some Canadian Middle Eastern and international grocery stores, specialty confectionery shops, and online marketplaces, especially in large cities with diverse food retail options.

Frequently asked questions

What is Turkish delight made of?
It is usually made from sugar and starch, most often cornstarch, with flavourings such as rosewater, citrus, or mastic. Some versions also contain nuts, dried fruit, or colouring.
How to make Turkish delight?
A basic method is to cook sugar syrup and a separate starch mixture, combine them, and simmer until thick and glossy. The mixture is then flavoured, poured into a tray, left to set, cut into cubes, and coated with icing sugar or starch.
Is Turkish delight gluten free?
It is often gluten-free because it is typically made with sugar and cornstarch rather than wheat flour. However, gluten-free status depends on the exact recipe and manufacturing process, so packaged products should be checked individually.
What does Turkish delight taste like?
It tastes sweet and aromatic, with a soft chewy texture. Common flavours include floral rosewater, bright citrus, and lightly resinous mastic, sometimes balanced by nuts.
Where to buy Turkish delight?
It is sold in specialist Middle Eastern, Turkish, and international grocery stores, as well as many confectionery shops and online retailers. Availability varies by country and by flavour.
Turkish delight history
The sweet is closely associated with the Ottoman world and Turkey, and later became popular across parts of Europe and the Middle East. Its exact origins are disputed, with some accounts placing related sweets earlier in Persian or Arab culinary traditions.

References

  1. Only Crumbs Remain — https://onlycrumbsremain.com/turkish-delight/
    Supports: Recipe ingredients, rosewater flavouring, and dusting with icing sugar and cornflour.
  2. The Mediterranean Dish — https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turkish-delight-lokum/
    Supports: Describes Turkish delight (lokum) as a fragrant jelly candy native to Turkey.
  3. Unicorns in the Kitchen — https://www.unicornsinthekitchen.com/turkish-delight-recipe-lokum/
    Supports: States Turkish delight is a soft, chewy candy made from sugar, cornstarch, and rosewater.
  4. The Things Well Make — https://thethingswellmake.com/how-to-make-turkish-delight/
    Supports: States traditional Turkish delight is made with starch and sugar.
  5. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_delight
    Supports: Provides background on the confection as a starch-and-sugar sweet, common flavours, dusting, and origin traditions.
  6. Simply Recipes — https://www.simplyrecipes.com/turkish-delight-lokum-recipe-7187442
    Supports: Summarizes Turkish delight as a soft-chew candy made with sugar and cornstarch and notes disputed origins.
  7. Taste of Home — https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-turkish-delight/
    Supports: Mentions common flavours, including rose, lemon, orange, pomegranate, chocolate, and nuts.