National Baklava Day is on November 17th, so with that, our chefs at Bentley’s Roast Beef in NH want to celebrate a bit early. We all know and love the sweet taste of our homemade Baklava, but how much do you know about it? Here, we have gathered a list of short but interesting facts about the Turkish Baklava.

First, What is Baklava?

Baklava is a Turkish dessert made out of layers of phyllo stuffed with various nuts such as pistachio, hazelnut, almonds, walnuts, and more. The multiple layers are then dipped into a sweet syrup mixture or honey. 

Fun Facts About Baklava

1. Baklava is known to many as one of the first recipes to come out of the kitchens of the Topkapi Palace of Istanbul. Since then, it has made its way through the Middle Eastern countries where it is most commonly made. 
2. Baklava may have started in the Islamic regions, but it has spread to many different countries. Not only is it used in Musilum households, but the dish found its way into Christian households as well. In Muslim homes, it is prepared for the month of Ramadan, while in Christian homes, it is enjoyed during Christmas and Pascha as well. 
3. The world’s largest dish of Baklava ever made measured in at 513 kgs (1130.97 pounds). It was made on March 22nd, 2018, during the Ankara Gastronomy Summit of that year. 
4. The Sultan of Topkapi, Istanbul, used to serve Baklava on the 15th of the month of holy Ramadan.
5. The Greek variation of the dessert makes the dish with 33 layers to symbolize the 33 years of Jesus Christ. There is also a preparation of the dish with 40 layers to it as well. It is said that the dish tastes better with every additional layer that is added to it. 
6. The world was so astounded by the taste of the Baklava that many different countries claimed that they were the ones to invent the dish. However, the claiming of the origins belongs to Turkey.

Bonus Fact: Bentley’s Makes Authentic, Homemade Baklava

At Bentley’s Roast Beef in NH, we strive to make everything we sell fresh and homemade, including our signature Baklava. To ensure that our cuisine is authentic, everything we order comes from Midwestern beef and seafood right from Cape Ann. Come by or order online and see why your roast beef and Baklava have been the talk of the town!