In 1957, İdris Çolpan and his brother Namik opened Lale Pastanesi in the heart of Sultanahmet. What began as a small pastry shop soon transformed into something much greater. At the time, The Pudding Shop was the only place in the area where adventurous travelers could find direct transportation to Asia and reliable tourist information about Turkey.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the shop became a central hub for explorers on the famous “Hippie Trail.” Travelers from around the world gathered here to exchange stories, plan routes, and form lifelong friendships. The tourists themselves made The Pudding Shop famous, using it as a meeting point and message center.

İdris Çolpan often explained that these “pilgrims” heading east—frequently driving old cars or Volkswagen vans—would stop at his restaurant to meet new companions and find fellow travelers with whom they could share expenses, journeys, and unforgettable experiences.

To manage the growing flow of communication, the Çolpan brothers installed a bulletin board where visitors could leave messages offering rides, seeking travel partners, or sharing news about routes to Europe and the Far East. This simple board became a symbol of connection, cooperation, and adventure.

Today, Pudding Shop continues to honor this remarkable heritage. While serving traditional Turkish cuisine and desserts, it preserves the spirit of curiosity, friendship, and cultural exchange that made it legendary.