The Golden Ring: Istanbul's Beloved Simit

Simit is often called the Turkish bagel, but the comparison only goes so far. It is a ring of simple bread dough dipped in molasses water, coated generously with sesame seeds, and baked until the outside is crisp while the inside stays soft and chewy. Millions are sold every day, from from carts and glass cases at ferry terminals, bridges, and street corners. Everyone eats simit, whatever their income. It pairs naturally with Turkish tea and is best within a few hours of baking.

What it is

• The bread: a ring of dough dipped in grape molasses, covered in sesame seeds and baked until crisp.
• How locals eat it: with tea, white cheese, or plain while walking.
• A city symbol: sometimes called the ‘Turkish bagel’, but crunchier and lighter.

Where to try it

• Street carts everywhere, especially at ferry piers
• Simit cafés and bakeries, where you can add cheese, olives and tea

Tips

• Buy one for the ferry and share a few crumbs with the seagulls.
• Try ‘açma’ and ‘poğaça’, softer pastries sold by the same bakeries.
• Morning simit is the freshest.

More Istanbul street food

Hungry for more? See the Istanbul guide for more dishes, or explore the food streets of Kadıköy. A guided food tour is the easiest way to taste many dishes in one afternoon.

Photos: Benreis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons