Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant
Turkish restaurant · Alemdar ·

Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

Turkish restaurant · Alemdar ·

Historic traveler hub serving puddings and Turkish cuisine

Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant by null

Information

Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

$$

See Menu

Information

Static Map

Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

+90 212 511 05 39
puddingshop.com
@puddingshop1957
𝕏
@shoppudding

$$ · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Nov 25, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

Pudding Shop (Lale Restaurant) – Istanbul, Turkey - Gastro Obscura

"Istanbul is a fascinating city. It is rich in history and culture, uniquely located on the Europe-Asia border. So it is natural that those who travel on a budget, whether they start from Europe or Asia, would end up in the Turkish city sooner or later. Opened by brothers İdris and Namık Çolpan in 1957, the Pudding Shop originally started under the name of the “Lale Restaurant.” It was (and still is) located in the Sultanahmet district, not far from the city’s popular tourist spots such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cisterns. During the 1960s, the Lale Restaurant became a popular meeting place among beatniks as well as hippies traveling along the famous “hippie trail,” between Europe and South Asia. While enjoying their meals, the customers conversed with one another about their experiences. At this time, the restaurant was a go-to place in the area where travelers could get direct transportation to Asia and tourist information on Turkey. Seeing this, the owners put up a bulletin board to handle messages from people offering or hitching rides, as well as communications between family members, friends, and lovers. One well-known example was a love letter from one “Megan” to “Malcolm,” in which she apologized for “the business down in Greece.” The reputation of the restaurant spread by word of mouth, but many travelers failed to remember its name and simply referred to it as “the Pudding Shop,” as it was famous for its wide assortment of puddings, especially tavuk göğsü—a stiff, milk-based pudding with pounded chicken breast and a hint of cinnamon. The nickname stuck, and most people today know it as the Pudding Shop. It remained in business mostly unaffected by the end of the hippie era, its fame increased by the Istanbul-set 1978 film Midnight Express. The Pudding Shop still displays its old bulletin board and serves its famous puddings, along with a selection of traditional Turkish cuisine. Almost as charming as it was in its golden days, this old hippie hangout is a can’t-miss when you’re in Istanbul. None" - Kingfox, Collector of Experiences, Fred Cherrygarden

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/pudding-shop-lale-restaurant
Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

Dipak Oza

Google
The main thing about this restaurant is that it is in the historic district with major attractions within walking distance in Istanbul, namely Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and what used to be Hippodrome. Other than that, the food is overpriced and nothing to crow about. Because it gets crowded during the lunch hours, the waiters will move you to the second floor and place you with other customers on long tables. An opportunity to make new friends, I suppose.

Phillip Janicki

Google
This place is famous for its history and location, but my experience didn’t live up to the hype. Food (3/5): We ordered two döner wraps, and while they came out quickly, they were underwhelming. The wraps weren’t filled generously at all, which is disappointing anywhere—but especially when you’re paying a premium. Nothing bad about the taste, just nothing special either. Service (4/5): Credit where it’s due—the staff were friendly and efficient, even with the place absolutely packed and chaotic. They kept things moving smoothly, which is no easy feat given the crowds. Atmosphere (3/5): It was absolute chaos inside—tourists everywhere, loud, and not exactly the kind of vibe you’d want if you’re after a relaxed meal. Sure, it’s part of the Pudding Shop’s legacy and charm, but it felt more like being herded than hosted. Value (2/5): This is where it really lost me. 590 lira for a döner wrap is outrageous. For two wraps and nothing else, it set us back about $50 AUD. For what we got, it was flat-out overpriced. Overall: A legendary name doesn’t guarantee a legendary meal. While the service was fine and the food edible, the pricing felt like daylight robbery. I can’t recommend it when Istanbul has far better, more authentic, and far cheaper options around every corner. Rating: 3/5 ⭐️ Go for the history if you must, but not for the food or value.

Ankush Joshi

Google
Tourist focused place, very known name, seems to be positioned as Authentic. Food was good but not exceptional, service was comparatively average and the focus was on the people's movement, not service. Some food dishes were good, but overall average food quality.

Hung Do

Google
Our tour guide took our group of 14 here for lunch. My wife & I had the doner kebab plates. It was pretty good, but I wish I should have gotten the same plate with sour cream. The Turkish coffee was very strong & good. Prices very reasonable. It was very crowded & chaotic, but we got our foods quickly. They bring pieces of sliced baked breads to the table, but nothing to dip them in. So we didn’t really eat them.

Brett Leard

Google
A great spot to eat that locals advised us to try. While not fancy, they do a thriving business and have well established reputation. They don’t have people harassing passersby to show them the menu. The three of us had doner kabob which was tasty. We weren’t sure whether to order with a waiter or at the kitchen but staff quickly took our order and just as quickly delivered our meals.

Leeta Geltser

Google
Excellent food. Very kind and quick wait staff. Great atmosphere. Highly recommend this little restaurant.

Kimberly Fuson

Google
Review for The Pudding Shop Ottoman Restaurant – Sultanahmet I’ve been coming to The Pudding Shop since 2001, and over two decades later, it’s still an absolute gem! Nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet, this beloved spot has thrived since 1957, drawing both locals and travelers who fill its two lively floors with warm conversation and shared stories. The food is consistently excellent—flavorful, authentic, and a great value. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Turkish cuisine or just passing through, you’ll find something to love here. It’s especially wonderful for vegans and vegetarians! Some of my favorites include the roasted eggplant (aubergine), barley pilaf, spinach, and savory onion dishes—simple, hearty, and perfectly seasoned. The service is always super friendly and genuinely accommodating. The staff make you feel at home, and the owner’s kindness even extends to feeding the neighborhood cats—a sweet reflection of the warmth you’ll find here. The Pudding Shop isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a piece of Istanbul’s living history. Still a big win after all these years! ♥️🇹🇷♥️🇹🇷♥️

Clarina Emanuel

Google
Pudding Shop, Istanbul A cafe with a vast selection of delicious Turkish meat dishes. The food is dished out for you, cafeteria style. Prices are reasonable. So popular, the place, that it is very crowded with customers.
google avatar

Craig W.

Yelp
A few fun facts about this well known restaurant right near the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque and the park: 1. Food is made, how many hours, ahead of time. You will see it, already cooked, and then pick what you via the menu, I sense that something that rarely is chosen isn't in the premade and visible area. 2. I chose Falafel. It was tasty, with softness in the middle and extra crunchy on the outside. Now, it was hot, and thus a potential contender for having to be made, but it seemed over cooked or something.,it was hard. 3. The spouse had chicken with potatoes- a visible entree in the selected area. It came out heated, this is because anything you see in the selected area, is already in heated mode via something. She liked it, and I tasted the potatoes. They were soft and buttery with hints of lemon. Pricing was not outrageous.
google avatar

Michael U.

Yelp
Opened by brothers Idris and Namik Çolpan in 1957 Lale Pastanesi is commonly known as The Pudding Shop, its fame largely derived from proximity to Hagia Sophia and being the first place where tourists could obtain direct transport to Asia. Ever since a meeting place for fair-priced Food, the menu a mix of Turkish favorites and items like Onion Rings, it is atop tables decorated with currency that guests are invited to enjoy Doner or Kebabs while sipping salted Yogurt. No doubt touristy, complete with English-fluent staff and menus, Eggplant roasted around fatty Lamb is a highlight while those in the know won't skip Tavuk Göğsü made from Chicken Breast, Milk, Rice, Cinnamon and Sugar.
google avatar

Richard W.

Yelp
Came here with our tour guide since we wanted the local experience versus a fine dining one. They took our order on the bottom floor then we were seated upstairs where there is slightly more room. It's cafe style seating. I ordered the gyro Iskender - which means it's a plate of sliced gyro meat (yes, from the one in the window), over pita bread covered with a tomato sauce. Kinda messy, but there's bits of goodness to pick at - the gyro goes well with tomato dressing and there's also two large dollops of white cheese. Chicken with rice - pretty basic yet large whole chicken leg, accompanied by a separate plate of soft white rice. Atmosphere is bustling but not loud where you can't have a normal conversation. The food is good here but not anything that will knock your socks off. I'd recommend coming here because it's convenient, quick and centrally located. That's all.

Aleesa L.

Yelp
The food was fantastic!! Great prices. All of the staff are so nice and welcoming. We had our food within minutes, very hot and fresh. Will definitely come here again! Right next to a lot of must see spots. The environment was clean, well ventilated, and comfortable.
google avatar

Michelle G.

Yelp
Located right on the main street of old town Istanbul, this place has quick service and friendly talkative staff! Our tour guide brought us here after visiting some of the historical landmarks and ordered the chicken shish kebab plate, although I felt like the chicken was slightly dry it had great flavor, as for my mom and our tour guide they had soup which they enjoyed! They also have a butcher located in the right window where you get a lovely view of them slicing and preparing some doner!
google avatar

Mike R.

Yelp
Great afternoon lunch of Donner kebap. Fresh vegetables and very fresh bread all stuffed into a sandwich and served in a brown paper sack. Great street food! Noisy but not expensive. A great experience I drank Bottled water
google avatar

Kel P.

Yelp
Fairly price for otherwise ordinary Turkish food! I suppose it is at a touristy spot and considering Bill Clinton has been there, I guess it kinda is expected. Food was alright, menu was straight forward with no surprises, but food is quite pricy which is not the best.
google avatar

Michael T.

Yelp
This is an iconic diner in Istanbul, Turkey made famous by the book and movie, "Midnight Express." Nowadays, the hippies are gone, and what remains is sort of a "tour of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine" delights in a buffet-style format. Simply point to the food you want, load up and grab a seat. Wash it all down with some Raki, peer out the window at the landscape of trams and minarets and immerse yourself in a culture quite unlike anything you'll find in the States. My girlfriend and I really enjoyed this simple restaurant with its sign obviously catering to English-speakers. The realization that it was a tourist trap didn't matter. It was a fun place with a good vibe and a healthy mix of locals and foreigners.
google avatar

Carlos S.

Yelp
Every time I've eaten here I have had a very satisfying experience. Great cross section of Turkish food and atmosphere situated in a very historical section of the city. Can't wait to eat there again.

Rufus O.

Yelp
I should have realised the reason why there are no recent reviews, no one goes there! It's awful. Food probably has been sitting there all days, tasteless, too salty and meat was as hard as jerky. This is my 9th visit to Istanbul, never had a bad meal in this lovely country till tonight.....Don't waste your money, go somewhere else.
google avatar

Ash O.

Yelp
A friend of ours had eaten here several years ago and suggested that we have dinner here. We were not disappointed. The menu provides a good cross-section of Turkish fare. We started with phyllo stuffed with cheese (cheese cigars). They were crispy and oh, so good. For our entrees, he had the mixed grill. All of the meat was tender, well-marinated and cooked. I had a bite of his chicken and it was particularly tasty. I had the "meat balls" which really were beef kofta. They were delightfully seasoned. The wait staff was very careful and sensitive to my food allergies and provided me with an alternative to the usual vegetable options. The only downside to the meal were the fries that were served with the mixed grill, which were a little oily. Otherwise, a very good meal for a reasonable price, especially considering that this restaurant is in the heart of the tourist district. It does appear to be frequented by both locals and tourists alike. English and Spanish are spoken there. They serve beer and wine. I would go back again before we leave.
google avatar

Neal N.

Yelp
Come for the history. Stay for the food! This historic waypoint for travelers was used for leaving messages for other travelers. As its name implies, the Pudding Shop originally sold pudding, but later expanded into other Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. Yes, the food is pricier than places just next door, but it's definitely excellent quality. All of their food is packed with flavor, and the ashure (dried nut and fruit) pudding is a good snack for those looking to eat a little lighter. I especially like their mushroom topped with bechamel. The service is great. One of my friends spent what felt like 10 minutes trying to get partial portions of everything they had to offer. I was getting more impatient than the staff. The next day, I brought a couple other friends here, and the staff didn't try to move us along, even though we only had pudding and tea. Even if you opt to just stop in to read letters sent to others and not eat anything, this place is worth a look.
google avatar

Brenda K.

Yelp
It was totally a tourist trap! Our guide brought us here and of course he ate for free! I had stuff egg plant and my husband had a meatball dish, beer and a lemonade and cost us 80 Turkish Lire! That's highway robbery! Don't go here!
google avatar

Geraldine S.

Yelp
Central location, decent prices and good portions. After eating at a variety of places in the area my family and I agree that Pudding Shop meatball kebabs were our favorite. The restaurant displays most of there entrees, which is great for tourists you get to see the food before ordering it. Besides the meatball kebabs we also ordered a stuff potato plate which was delicious, unfortunately can't remember the name, it has meat and veggies inside potato. Delicious. Chicken kebab plate was good as well. Free wifi available :)

D N.

Yelp
This is our first time to Istanbul and we've been having a blast. Our tour guide brought us to this place which is very nearby the Hagia Sophia Church, Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern where you can see the Medusa is right around the corner. Their food is good, they have traditional dishes including doner and chicken kababs as well as Turkish tea. The prices are reasonable, for a meal for two with drinks we spent about $17 which is a steal. They offer an upstairs which is air conditioned and a downstairs which is not. Be sure to stop in and grab a seat before it gets too crowded due to the convenience and value.
google avatar

Anna C.

Yelp
Loved the creme caramel -- and the guy who recommended it to us. ;) Food was pretty good, but the real reason to come is the dessert. We also had baklava here -- my friend loved it, but it was too sweet for me (as is all baklava). We came during off season, so it wasn't crowded at all. This place is popular with tourists (recommended by Rick Steves) and locals (recommended by my new Turkish friend I met on the tram). Right next to the Sultanahmet tram stop -- stop by during your visit to Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, or Basilica Cistern.
google avatar

Hisham M.

Yelp
The Doner Kebob is amazing! It's the only thing you should order here the other food is not as good. It took them 30 seconds to give me my plate. Would also recommend the meatball place Tarihi 2 doors down.
google avatar

Naddosh R.

Yelp
In general it is a nice place. Variety of food. Very clean place. Food not too spicy & not plain. The only thing that I did not like that I do not like fatty nor non-well done meat, our doner was too fatty & our chicken was not done enough
google avatar

Amy Z.

Yelp
I was intrigued by the name. Is pudding really a Turkish delicacy? After an exhausting day exploring the Grand Bazaar (didn't buy a single thing) and the Topaki, I was exhausted and the dogs were barking. I needed Turkish beer and Wifi. The Pudding Shop offers that and so much more. Staff was friendly and non judgmental when I ordered large beer before even being seated. I'm blown away with the history of this place and that it was the meeting point for far out people in search of the ultimate adventure in trekking to places like Afghanistan and Nepal and could meet here to work out the details. (Still unclear how pudding played a role in this) Only a generation ago could my parents have had such an experience yet it's something I can't dream of. After all, people are being beheaded less than a 1,000 miles from here. And when my children are old enough to explore I wonder if they will be able to visit the Pudding Shop. What will this region be like? Ok I'm sure you didn't click on this review for a philosophical reason so I'll get to the point. The beer was frosty and cold. The pudding was eh. Probably better served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon as it appears in the menu. Anyways it's a good venue to decompress.
google avatar

Burak S.

Yelp
One of the most popular self serve restaurants in the old city (Sultanahmet) in Istanbul, frequented by both locals and tourists. It's a traditional place with about 50 years of history, known as Lale Restaurant, where the "young hippies" in the past used to get together to find some friends on their journey to the "East". It has two floors serving to both groups and individuals. It has tens of different foods on display and you just order what you want to eat so they serve you. The food is plenty and is delicious. The owners are always at the restaurant checking for everything, I mean the aulity, the service, and so on. During the tourist season it gets very busy especially for the lunch hours, but if you go there before or after lunch hours or in the evenings it's very quite so you can sit and have your food in peace.

rj V.

Yelp
Avoid it. Mediocre, too busy you can find much better in the area- even if it is touristy
google avatar

Doug C.

Yelp
Friendly staff. Excellent food. Coffee and pudding was pretty awesome as well. Recommend for sure!
google avatar

Matthew G.

Yelp
Went here because of Rick Steve's recommendation. Food was good, even though it was cafeteria style (not cooked to order). In a country were there are many cash only restaurants, it was nice that this one took credit cards. I thought it was a shame so many of their lunch combos they advertised came with french fries.
google avatar

Nickie C.

Yelp
Our guide brought us to the Pudding Shop for lunch while on a tour of Istanbul. I should have realised when she left and went somewhere else that we weren't in for a treat. There's a counter of hot food, and you can order some various kebabs. I didn't have pudding (I was going to go after I ate my savoury food and get some, but it's not that kind of place - get it all at once or miss out). I had what they called moussaka, some sort of meat with aubergine. It was served room temperature (on purpose, but they didn't say it wasn't hot). It was really not good. It was chunks of boiled potato, topped with mashed potato (wha-wha?) with a few pieces of meat (lamb, I presume), a little aubergine, and then drowned in yoghurt. That, along with a coke, was ₺12. A bit pricey as it wasn't large at all. My other half had a truly awful kebab - but from what we can tell, doner kebabs are just like that in Turkey. Sliced quite thickly and fatty, without very much flavour and kind of dry. He left most of it, as I left mine. The place was busy, even in the off-season. We had to go up a steep flight of stairs to eat but the staff carried the cafeteria-style trays the food is served on for you. No one in our group of 10 enjoyed their savoury food - but the 2 people who had a pudding said they were good.
google avatar

Michael B.

Yelp
Fun for a tourist place close to the sights. Food was tasty, servers were entertaining, price wasn't super high (but not a bargain either). We had fun and the food was good. Reading the history of this place probably helped push it to 4 stars.
google avatar

Eric H.

Yelp
We came here on the recommendation of Rick Steve's Istanbul book. This was a fun experience, with a little bit of rush and confusion, but once we got our bearings, we were able to look and point at what we wanted, ask for clarification, and then sit while our food was brought out. Don't expect 5-Star service, but of all the quick service restaurants, Pudding Shop Lale is the one to visit. We came here twice during our stay b/c it was convenient, affordable, and quick! The Book of Rick Steve's also gets you 10% off. The photos on the wall are also fun to explore and guess about the backstory.
google avatar

Ilya N.

Yelp
This is a totally average place in a touristy area. Istanbul is small... Walk 15 minutes out of the touristy area and you can find much better food for much cheaper. NO REASON TO EAT HERE UNLESS YOU ARE STARVING. Find a street vendor selling fried sardines instead. 8 TL for the best meal of your life.

Geo G.

Yelp
At best a very mediocre meal in a very touristy area. Not expensive, but definitely pricey for what you could get within a stone throw of the entrance. You can literally see better food at cheaper prices from your table. Having said that, this is a legendary place as the hangout and start point of the hippy backpacking trail from the 60s and 70s. Everyone should at least pop in for the bragging rights of telling folks back home about it. Anyone who actually experienced it in its authentic heyday will love you as their eyes glow wide with fond memories of their backgammon and hash filled days... I don't know when it turned modern tourist, it it did. Go for the nostalgia. Have a quick snack...then go somewhere else for dinner.
google avatar

Kwi Chang C.

Yelp
Good food but a little pricey for what you get. It is for tourists, but if you are staying in the area and don't want to travel it isn't bad. Pudding was tasty.
google avatar

Marina V.

Yelp
you had me at pudding. i never realized how much pudding there was in the world until I went to Istanbul. Pudding out the yin yang! We ducked in here after some splitting a kofte place and getting some unfriendly service at the nearby koftecisi. I needed a lil somethin-somethin to sweeten the deal. Enter: PUDDING SHOP. (Which serves much more than pudding, btw) I can't' say much about the other food, but I tried a tasty traditional pudding called assure, which was chock full of fruits and nuts. This place is definitely a historic spot, with framed photos all over the walls from throughout the years. It's set up much like a cafeteria (you go through line and point at what you want). The employees were super nice and welcoming, even to this crazy American girl just getting one pudding and taking a million pictures of it before continuing on my way. Yay for the pudding shop!