Experience the World’s First Baklava Butler at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Guests at this Istanbul hotel are in for a sweet surprise, as the world’s first baklava butler has been announced at Shangri-La Bosphorus. Dressed in traditional Turkish attire, this dedicated staff member serves up the historic sweet dish that dates back to the Ottoman Empire.

Upon arrival at the hotel, guests receive an ornate, decorative key to redeem the service at the lounge or restaurant. Consequently, the baklava butler appears to serve a portion of the sweet treat, filled with Antep pistachio, alongside Maraş ice cream—a traditional Turkish ice cream made of clotted cream and prepared on and cut from a vertical skewer. Furthermore, the ice cream can also be served inside the baklava like a sandwich. Importantly, the baklava served at the hotel is baked to order from a specialty shop in Gaziantep, known locally as the birthplace of this delectable dessert.

Notably, it is part of the hotel’s quest to create memorable experiences for guests and delight them with moments of joy. Holland & Barrett stated, “The hotel wanted to present guests with a slice of history as baklava was served during the Ottoman Empire and in the Topkapı Palace kitchen as early as 1473. Now a milestone in culinary history, baklava was officially registered as a Turkish dessert with a patent in 2005.”

According to the hotel’s culinary team, while other types of baklava utilize rosewater and cinnamon to enhance flavor, bakers in Gaziantep maintain a traditional approach, opting for a simple blend of honey, filo pastry, butter, and crushed pistachio. For guests wishing to savor this delicacy at home, individual boxes can be purchased at the hotel for TL 250 ($33) per box.

For further inquiries about this unique culinary experience, please visit the official website.