Lokum

Lokum, known in English as Turkish delight, is a firm, chewy sweet of sugar and starch gel, flavoured with rose water or lemon. It is one of the best known sweets of Turkey and is sold in confectioners' shops across the country. It is usually served with coffee or tea, and it is often given as a gift in a decorated box.

What it really is

Sugar and water are boiled together with cornstarch, which is stirred in slowly and cooked until the mixture thickens into a firm, elastic gel. It is flavoured with rose water or lemon juice, poured into a shallow tin and left to set. Once firm, it is cut into cubes and rolled in powdered sugar so the pieces do not stick together. Inside, the texture is soft and springy, and the outside is dry and dusted white.

Lokum is a starch-and-sugar sweet with no dairy, egg or gelatin in the classic form. That is why it is vegan. The flavour comes from the rose water or lemon, and the sweetness from the sugar.

How it's served

• In small cubes on a plate, usually after a meal with coffee or tea.
• Dusted with powdered sugar, and often boxed in a set of assorted flavours.
• At room temperature, cut into bite-size pieces.

How to write it on the menu

• Name it Turkish delight and state the flavour: rose water or lemon.
• Say it is vegan in the classic form, with no milk or egg, and that it contains no allergens in the classic recipe.
• Pistachio and hazelnut versions are common, and they add nut allergens, so flag PISTACHIOS or HAZELNUTS on those items separately.
• Say that it is dusted with powdered sugar, which is standard.