BABALIK TEKİN PEYNİR HELVACISI

In the historical center of Çanakkale, there is a place that no sweet tooth should miss. The Tekin Cheese Halva Shop (Babalık Tekin Peynir Helvacısı) is a legendary family-run confectionery that has specialized in preparing a unique dessert called peynir helva since 1912. This gastronomic wonder, for which Turkey is famous, attracts tourists with its authentic taste and centuries-old traditions.

Tekin Cheese Halva Shop. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main feature of the local halva lies in its composition: about 80% of the ingredients consist of fresh unsalted cheese. Combined with sugar and semolina, it turns into a delicate treat unlike any other Oriental sweet. The establishment has belonged to one family for over a hundred years, and today you can meet representatives of the fourth generation of confectioners here.

The shop consistently receives high ratings for product quality and hospitality. It is included in the lists of the best dessert spots in the province, being a true symbol of the region's culinary heritage. Visiting this place is not just a snack, but an opportunity to touch history preserved in the very heart of the modern city.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact information for the Tekin Cheese Halva Shop. You can use these details to check for fresh dessert availability or opening hours during holidays.

The highlight of your visit to the shop will be tasting the signature cheese halva. Traditionally, it is served in two forms: classic warm (a delicate yellowish mass) or fried. Many travelers especially recommend trying the fried version — it has a crispy crust and an incredible aroma. A portion of cool ice cream makes the perfect accompaniment to the warm dessert.

Besides the food, here you can enjoy chatting with the staff and owners. The Hüsmenoğlu family is happy to share stories about their craft and the Bulgarian roots of the recipe, which adds a special cultural context to the visit. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the lives and traditions of local residents in an informal and cozy setting.

After tasting on-site, it is definitely worth checking out the retail section. The halva transports very well, so many guests buy it as a souvenir for friends and family. The shop's location near the waterfront makes it an ideal point to end a walk through the old town, where you can relax over a cup of Turkish tea before making new discoveries.

The shop is located in the very heart of the historical part of the city at Kemalpaşa, Yalı Cd. No:47. Thanks to its central location, it is very easy to reach the shop on foot from almost anywhere in the old town or from the city promenade, which is just a couple of minutes away.

If you plan to come from more distant areas, you can use public transport — buses heading to the center of Çanakkale. For those who prefer comfort, taxis are always available. If you are traveling by private car, keep in mind that this is a busy area, so it is better to look for a parking spot on the adjacent streets a bit in advance.

The history of Babalık Tekin Peynir Helvacısı began back in 1912. It is one of those rare places where family traditions are not just honored but have been the foundation of the business for four generations. The secrets of making the dessert are passed down from father to son, allowing the authentic taste of the treat to remain unchanged for over a hundred years.

An interesting fact is the origin of the recipe: the family confectionery tradition has deep roots in Bulgaria. The ancestors of the current owners brought the technology for making the cheese sweet with them, turning it into one of the most recognizable culinary symbols of this Turkish region.

Today, the establishment is headed by Gültekin Hüsmenoğlu, a representative of the third generation of confectioners, who carefully preserves the spirit of old Çanakkale. Throughout its long history, the shop has become a must-visit spot for everyone who wants to touch the living heritage of the city and taste history itself.

To fully enjoy the taste of the famous halva and feel the atmosphere of this historical place, 30–60 minutes will be quite enough. This is enough time to place an order, try several types of dessert, and perhaps exchange a few words with the welcoming hosts.

The place is ideal for a short break during a busy day of sightseeing. If you plan to purchase sweets as a gift and want them packed specifically for transport, allow a little more time for your visit.

The confectionery operates on a schedule very convenient for tourists, allowing you to stop by for a treat both early in the morning and late at night. The establishment is open daily, from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

Exploring the surroundings after visiting the confectionery will help you fully experience the flavor of this historical region. The shop is located in an area with a high concentration of monuments and interesting sites that can be reached in just a few minutes.