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Flavors · Safranbolu

Safranbolu lokumu

Lokum (the Turkish delight) cooked for hours in a copper cauldron, rolled in coconut and filled with hazelnut; the saffron version, in cubes, recalls the name Safranbolu, an Ottoman town listed by UNESCO.

Traditional sweet from Safranbolu, Karabük

Also known as: Safranbolu lokum

Updated October 2026

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Safranbolu lokumu — Safranbolu, Turkey — Safranbolu lokumu

Safranbolu lokumu — Safranbolu, Turkey

Lokum, known as Turkish delight, is the best-selling souvenir on the cobbled streets of Safranbolu, an Ottoman town in northern Turkey inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sweet is made from sugar, water and corn starch, cooked for three to three and a half hours in a copper cauldron until it reaches the right stage: glossy, elastic to the touch, not sticking to the teeth.

The mixture is poured into wooden molds and rests for at least 16 hours. Then it is coated with grated coconut and hazelnut, rolled and cut. The most common shape is a little roll about 2 centimeters thick, with at least one hazelnut. There are versions with rose water, aroeira (mastic gum), pistachio and saffron; the saffron one is cut into cubes.

The name "Safranbolu Lokumu" has a geographical indication registration since 2014 (no. 183), limited to the district of Safranbolu. The registration requires water from underground sources in the district and producers with at least five years of experience.

Saffron gives the city its name: "Safran" means saffron in Turkish, and the plant is cultivated in the region. The saffron lokum, yellow in color, is the one most commonly found in shops in the historic center, alongside other saffron sweets.

Where it comes from

Safranbolu, Karabük
Sweet sold in shops in the historic center; the geographical indication is for the district of Safranbolu.

Ingredients

Sugar, water, corn starch and citric acid; hazelnut and grated coconut. Versions with saffron, rose water, aroeira (mastic) or pistachio.

How it is eaten

In pieces, with Turkish tea or coffee. It is sold in boxes as a souvenir.

When it is eaten

All year round. Common as a gift and for visits.

Your questions

Questions about Safranbolu lokumu

What is lokum?

It is a Turkish sweet made of sugar and starch, with an elastic texture, known as Turkish delight. In Safranbolu it is cooked for hours in a copper cauldron, rolled in coconut and filled with hazelnut.

Why is the town called Safranbolu?

Safran means saffron in Turkish, a plant cultivated in the region. The saffron lokum, yellow and cut into cubes, is one of the registered versions of the town's sweet.

Does Safranbolu lokum survive the trip home?

It is sold in sealed boxes suitable for travel. Check the package for the expiration date and storage conditions.

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