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The 2025 “World’s 100 Best Desserts” list published by TasteAtlas has sparked a wave of backlash in Kahramanmaras, after the city’s world-famous Maras dondurmasi was left out, despite being widely regarded as one of the most distinctive ice cream traditions globally.
The annual list, closely followed in international gastronomy circles, placed European-style ice creams among the top entries. England’s clotted cream ice cream ranked fourth, while Italy’s gelato secured the sixth position. The prominence of these varieties, alongside the absence of Kahramanmaras ice cream, has drawn criticism from local residents and business owners.
Residents and local business owners expressed strong reactions, arguing that Maras ice cream is unmatched in both quality and tradition. Known for its unique preparation method using goat milk and salep, the ice cream is churned and stretched to achieve a dense, chewy texture that melts slowly.
Local resident Ali Sahin emphasized that authentic ice cream can only be found in Kahramanmaras, highlighting the region’s natural ingredients and traditional production techniques. Similarly, tradesmen in the historic bazaar insisted that while other countries may have their own versions, the world’s best ice cream unquestionably belongs to Kahramanmaras.
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