Bringing Middle Eastern Delicacies to South Australia: The Story of Mona

Mona’s journey into the world of Turkish delight actually began with her daughter, Nahida, who first established a similar shop in Melbourne. One day Nahida sent some of their homemade delights to Mona in Adelaide, and when Mona shared it around, the response was overwhelming. Seeing the enthusiastic reception, Mona was encouraged to test the waters by selling Turkish delight at a market stall for a few weeks. The success was massive, people couldn't get enough of the handmade, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly treats. With the demand growing, Mona and her family waited patiently for the perfect location to open a permanent shop. When the right opportunity came along, they seized it, and their store became a staple in Adelaide’s vibrant market scene.

Turkish delight has long been a favorite in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, but Mona ensures her version stands apart. Unlike the mass-produced varieties found in supermarkets, her Turkish delights are entirely homemade, using only the finest ingredients. She and her family have perfected the art of making them, drawing from recipes passed down through generations and working closely with friends to refine their techniques.

The process of crafting these sweets requires patience and skill. Mona and her team create a variety of flavors, each carefully balanced to achieve the perfect taste and texture. From the traditional rose flavor, which remains a bestseller, to modern twists like pomegranate and mixed berry, every piece tells a story. Even the method of eating Turkish delight carries cultural significance. Mona recalls childhood memories of sandwiching these sweets between two biscuits, a delightful combination she still enjoys today.

For those who have never tried Turkish delight before, Mona advises–start with the classics but don’t be afraid to explore the modern flavors. Whether it’s with a cup of coffee or between two biscuits, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a piece of this handcrafted delight.

Beyond just selling sweets, Mona finds joy in sharing her culture with the diverse community that visits her shop. The market, she says, is a melting pot of cultures, with customers from Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, Australia, and beyond. She takes pride in offering an inclusive treat that keeps in mind the dietary preferences of people, making Turkish delight accessible to more people than ever before.

In addition to Turkish delight, her store offers other Middle Eastern delicacies like halva, baklava, and mamoul—a rich semolina and date pastry with Lebanese origins. Each treat reflects Mona’s dedication to authenticity and quality, ensuring that every bite is a taste of tradition.

They are planning on opening a branch in Brisbane due to growing demand.

When asked about the future, Mona dreams of continuing to spread the love for Turkish delight, always maintaining the high standards that set her sweets apart. She hopes more people will try and appreciate the art of her creations, and she remains committed to preserving the authenticity of this timeless treat.

Additionally, she keeps getting requests to include watermelon as a flavor and she has been considering doing it for a while now. We truly hope it becomes the next hit from her collection of flavours.

Mona’s perseverance and patience are the driving force that has helped her bring her culture forward to a completely new audience. Her Turkish delights are in true sense a delight! If you are in Adelaide, do visit her store. Even if you are not a fan of Turkish delight, you might find something you’ll love. Here is the facebook page to her Middle Eastern delicacies hub: The Turkish Delight Check it out!

Updated on 10 Dec 2025