(CNN) -- Grandeur defines Istanbul: From architectural icons such as Hagia Sophia to the city's indomitable traffic, Istanbul pulsates with intensity and splendor. Including sweet splendor. Istanbul's passion for pastries and its history of inventing some of the world's most delightful desserts tempts visitors and residents to skip dinner and head straight for the meal's concluding course. Where do you go to eat like a local? Share your photos and tips Here's a taste of the most inventive, decadent and eccentric sweets from this culinary crossroads: Sahlep: This mild beverage is Istanbul's answer to hot chocolate. Originating during the Ottoman Empire, sahlep's key ingredient is crushed orchid, which is used to thicken warm milk before being sweetened with sugar and cinnamon.
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Istanbul, at the crossroads of history, is also a hub for sweet confections
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Candied fruit, Turkish delight and candy-coated nuts are among the city's sugary bounty
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Nut pastes such as marzipan are molded into colorful shapes
Either way, watch the crowds of locals treasuring the decadent treat -- men in suits on their way to work, children speaking rapid @placeholder and pulling on their mothers' sleeves as they beg for one more piece.