A Turkish Delight in Edinburgh: The Award-Winning Flavours of Krem Karamel
Where Books Meet Baklava in the Heart of Scotland
Edinburgh—famed for its literary legacy, cobbled streets, and cultural vibrancy—is quietly experiencing a culinary awakening. Tucked near the city’s serene Royal Botanic Gardens, Krem Karamel Café & Bakery is where Turkish baking tradition meets European café charm. Founded by Turkish chef Didem Doğru, this independent spot has swiftly become a haven for pastry lovers, coffee seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike.
Baking with a Turkish Heartbeat
At Krem Karamel, the philosophy is refreshingly simple: honest ingredients, no preservatives, and everything made by hand. The display counters are lined with visually stunning cakes and cookies, rooted in the flavours of Turkish home kitchens and refined with the precision of European patisserie.
Alongside savoury lunch items like paninis and salads, it’s the rich tones of tahini, rosewater, pistachio, and sour cherry that give the café its distinct identity. These are pastries not just to eat, but to remember—each one telling a story of migration, heritage, and creativity.
The Cheesecake That Broke the Internet
Leading the local buzz is their San Sebastian cheesecake: caramelised on the outside, silky within, and perfected with a Turkish twist. It’s not uncommon to hear customers declare it “the best cheesecake in Scotland”—a bold claim supported by both its devoted following and its rave reviews.
A Café for the Curious and the Cozy
More than just a bakery, Krem Karamel is a literary escape. Bookshelves cradle classic novels and contemporary Turkish poetry. Quotes from Orhan Pamuk and Virginia Woolf line the walls. It’s a space designed for quiet reflection as much as for warm conversation—where a cup of coffee sits comfortably next to a chapter half-read.
This thoughtful atmosphere is no accident: it reflects the owners’ belief that food and thought nourish equally. That sensibility has drawn a devoted clientele of students, artists, and neighbourhood regulars.
From Everyday Indulgence to Special Occasions
Beyond the daily buzz of coffees and cakes, Krem Karamel has built a strong reputation for custom orders and special event catering. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or an intimate book launch, the team delivers with elegance and a deeply personal touch.
An Edinburgh Gem with a Turkish Soul
Located just a short walk from the Botanic Gardens and with easy parking nearby, Krem Karamel feels at once hidden and perfectly placed. It’s a little pocket of Istanbul in Edinburgh—where the smell of fresh cake mingles with the rustle of turning pages.
In a city rich with tradition, Krem Karamel brings something fresh to the table: a place where baklava sits beside books, and every bite is a cultural bridge.
Because sometimes, the sweetest revolutions happen one slice at a time.
