If you see a vendor dressed in Turkish Costume in Istiklal Caddesi or other places in Istanbul, beating his stainless steel tubs with a metre long icecream scoop, you have found the Dondurma or Icecream man.
Turkish Icecream has an additional two ingredients – Salep and Mastic.
Salep is flour made from the Early Purple Orchid that thickens the mixture.
Mastic is a resin that imparts chewiness to the mix.
Not surprisingly Dondurma has a sticky chewy consistency that doesn’t melt easily. The perfect combination to encourage magic tricks.
Just know that buying an icecream from the Dondurma Man is not going to be a straight-forward transaction.
The icecream arrives in your hand, then it disappears leaving you holding an empty cone or wrapper. In the next few minutes it will be twisted, turned and twirled in front of both you and the growing crowd. Just relax and enjoy and when you least expect it, the icecream will be yours to keep.
The crowd laughs, claps and disperses. You have just had your first starring role in a well-rehearsed piece of Turkish street theatre – time to eat your reward.
The Dondurma Man
Have you purchased Icecream from the Dondurma man?
For more visit Corinne at Reflections Enroute for Weekend Travel Inspiration.
Sumela Monastery and the last day of our Eastern Turkey Road Trip Day 8
Delicious…
I’ve never been to Turkey or heard about the Turkish ice cream tricks. Very interesting:)
I love watching the dondurma man even though I have seen it a hundred times before. Have to say though, I do prefer a cornetto!
Jan, I love the dondurma man! Every person going to Turkey should definitely buy some Turkish ice cream, which as you mention has a completely different consistency than other ice creams. It’s delicious and you get a show! Also, if you happen to be in Turkey in the winter, you can try salep (the orchid) drink. It’s served hot with cinnamon and quite tasty!
Jan, This is a fantastic post to link to Weekend Travel Inspiration. Thanks for linking up!
Nothing beats turkish icecream with or without the show!
Ha ha so True 🙂
I haven’t, because I’m afraid what I’ll look like a fool trying to order from a guy like this! It’s amusing to watch though!
Oh! I guess it is all in your own attitude as to whether you would enjoy it or not 🙂
Yes. I didn’t know what he was called, but I did get the ice cream in Istanbul.
Good on you, did you get the street performance too?
I’ve heard of chewy Turkish ice cream but didn’t realize that there was a whole show involved. I want to try it!
Your kids would love it too Michele 🙂
Oh I need to give this a try!!! Pretty huge fan of ice cream, but this seems extra special:-)
Definitely worth a try Jess, great flavours.
Thank you for this entertaining post. The ice cream arrives in your hand, then it disappears leaving you holding an empty cone or wrapper. Awesome!
An act of magic for sure. 🙂