“My father always told me that you eat with your eyes first,” said Bulent Derdiyok, co-owner of LOKUM. And indeed, stepping inside this Turkish delights and coffee shop on State Street in Santa Barbara feels like walking into a feast for the senses.
Ornate chandeliers cast a golden glow over intricately tiled floors, while glass cases sparkle with jewel-hued squares of lokum—some filled with pistachios, others encrusted in rose petals. Across the room, shelves are stacked with fine teas, coffees, and hand-designed Turkish tea sets, inviting guests into a cultural experience that goes far beyond dessert.
A Family Vision on State Street
LOKUM is the creation of brothers Bulent and Levent Derdiyok, who also run a Turkish import store nearby. Their goal was simple: to share the warmth of Turkish hospitality through food.
“We love being on State Street,” said Bulent. “We’re happy seeing happy customers.”
Despite the luxurious ambiance, the brothers designed the space to be approachable and welcoming—a place where locals and visitors alike can gather over coffee and sweets.
A Taste of Tradition
LOKUM offers an impressive variety of Turkish delights and baklava, both staples of Turkish hospitality. In Turkey, lokum is often offered to welcome guests, while baklava is a centerpiece dessert during celebrations and family gatherings.
Among their highlights:
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Turkish Coffee with Pistachio – Rich, bold, and smoky with a nutty twist.
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Brownie Chocolate & Hazelnut Lokum – Chewy, gooey, and irresistibly crunchy.
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Rose-Petal Pomegranate & Pistachio Lokum – A floral, nutty, and tart combination.
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Berry & Hazelnut Cream Lokum – Sweet-tart berry jelly balanced with creamy hazelnut.
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Classic Baklava – Flaky, syrupy layers of pastry with pistachio filling.
Blending Tradition with Modern Convenience
LOKUM has embraced online shopping, allowing customers to order assorted boxes of lokum and baklava directly from their website. Options range from one-pound to two-pound batches, with four or eight flavors in each box—ideal for gifting or sharing.
The brothers also have plans to expand further, with a new LOKUM in San Luis Obispo and even a Turkish breakfast café in Santa Barbara, continuing their mission of sharing Turkish culture with California’s Central Coast.