Pasha Castle, a Turkish dessert shop, opens in Annandale

Pasha Castle, a Turkish/Middle Eastern dessert and coffee shop, is now open on Columbia Pike in Annandale.

The shop offers booza ice cream, which is popular in the Middle East, and has a stretchy, chewy texture.

When Pasha Castle has its grand opening in a couple of weeks, it will have 16 ice cream flavors, says the manager, who goes by Tony.

The most popular flavor at other locations is ashta (rosewater), he says. Among the other flavors: pistachio, mango, coconut, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate with chocolate chips, and “superman,” a red, blue, and yellow ice cream with a vanilla flavor,

Pasha Castle offers a variety of coffee drinks and sweets, including Turkish Delight (lokum); several types of baklava (pistachio, hazelnut, and others); ashta rolls (pastry filled with ice cream); mini pancakes with fruit, syrup, or candy bar toppings; baklava ice cream sandwiches; and knefe (a dessert with a cheese filling).  

The former Pasha Castle Sweets & Tea on M Street in Georgetown has closed and relocated to the building at 7228 Columbia Pike formerly occupied by Impact Roofing and Kiara Dominican Hairstyle.

The move was first announced in fall 2024. According to Tony, the opening was delayed due to permitting issues.

There’s also a Pasha Castle Café at 615 Pennsylvania Ave. SW on Capitol Hill.