Raffles Istanbul, a luxurious hotel in the heart of Zorlu Center in Turkey, has opened a chic new pastry boutique.

Tarek Mourad, general manager said: “Confectionary has always been at the heart of Turkish culture, sweet things play a part in every stage of our lives:  birth, marriage, religious festivals...  Sweet things are symbolic of goodness, kindness and optimism in this land.  At Raffles Patisserie, we are not only celebrating the delights of the Orient and the art of classical Continental patisserie – but we have our eyes firmly focussed on the future of our city.”

Raffles Patisserie is a modern-day jewellery box, filled with tempting treasures just waiting to be discovered:  gem-like cakes, macaroons and pastries, ice creams and homemade breads, chocolates and local delicacies.  The menu features Turkish specialities as well as European creations – like bridges between East and West, mirroring Istanbul itself, a meeting place for centuries.  

The lady in charge is Şule Gündoğan, one of the most accomplished young chef pâtissiers in Turkey.  Under Şule’s watch, Raffles Patisserie will have a team of three full time chefs, working to produce treats that can be eaten at the hotel – or taken home, like precious keepsakes, in elegant pink and grey boxes.

This vibrant addition to Raffles Istanbul is also inspired by the heritage of another Raffles project, the iconic Hotel Europejski in Warsaw, currently being restored by Raffles (planned opening 2017).

Peter French, president of Raffles Hotels & Resorts said: “Istanbul is the perfect platform for our first Raffles Patisserie, a seamless blend of old and new, just like the menu that showcases classic and new creations.  We hope that the elegant Raffles Patisserie becomes a familiar icon of Raffles.  Each hotel will interpret the treasure box in its own way with local touches to the menu, the service and the packaging.   But each one will be a place our guests will discover both familiar and exotic treats – and enjoy a moment to themselves.”

House Specialities - Raffles Patisserie at Raffles Istanbul

Breads: Sour Dough Organic Bread; Chocolate Bread; Dried Fig & Pistachio Bread

Individual Cakes: White Chocolate Tart; Noix de Cacao; Sacher; Carioca; Bienenstich (Şule’s cake)

Whole Cakes: White Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake; Flourless Cake; Passion Buche Cake; Mixed Berry Tart; Bienenstich (Şule’s cake)

Chocolates: Black Pepper; Lavender; Fleur de Geisha Tea; Hibiscus; Date

Macaroons: Beetroot; Sage; Mastic; Turkish Coffee; Tomato

Ice-creams and Sorbet: Pistachio; Mastic; Cinnamon & Walnut. - TradeArabia News Service