Istanbul simit is more than a snack. It’s a daily staple that feels tied to the city. This sesame-coated bread ring shows up everywhere: in commuters’ hands, near ferry docks, and on café tables with tea.
Simit is loved for its contrast. The outside turns crisp and toasty, while the inside stays soft and chewy. Eat it plain, split it for a quick sandwich, or pair it with a simple Turkish breakfast.
Key takeaways
- Simit is Istanbul’s best-known sesame bread ring, sold by street vendors and bakeries.
- Traditional Istanbul simit is braided, dipped in a cold pekmez (molasses) mix, then coated with sesame.
- For the best bite, buy it warm and look for an even, deep-golden crust.
- Across Türkiye you’ll also find regional styles like İzmir’s “gevrek” and Ankara simidi.
History and origin of simit
Simit has a long history in Ottoman Istanbul. A 2011 study that reviews archival price lists (narh defterleri) notes that “simit” appears in an official list from 1525. Later, court records from Üsküdar (1593) mention a ring-shaped type called simid-i halka.
By the 17th century, simit was already a common street food. Evliya Çelebi’s travel book is often cited for describing a large simit trade in Istanbul, with many shops and hundreds of sellers.
In 2025, “İstanbul Simidi” was registered as a geographical indication (mahreç işareti) by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.
Ingredients and how Istanbul simit is made
Simit starts with a simple dough and a key finishing step. The official geographical-indication file for İstanbul Simidi lists wheat flour, water, salt, fresh yeast, pekmez, and sesame.
After mixing, kneading, and a short proof, the dough is rolled into ropes and shaped into a braided ring. The ring is dipped into a cold pekmez mix, then rolled in sesame seeds. A hot oven gives you a crisp crust and a soft center.
Where to find great simit in Istanbul
You can find good simit all over Istanbul, but freshness matters most. Buy it warm if you can, especially in the morning.
| Where to look | Why it’s worth it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry piers (Eminönü, Karaköy, Kadıköy) | Fast turnover often means hot, just-baked simit. | Pick rings that are evenly browned and well coated with sesame. |
| Neighborhood bakeries (fırın) | Many bake in small batches through the morning. | Ask: “Taze simit var mı?” (Is there fresh simit?) |
| Traditional simit bakeries | Some long-running shops focus on the classic style. | If you’re in Karaköy, one often-mentioned stop is Eryılmaz Kardeşler for a traditional, sesame-heavy simit. |
Different varieties of simit
Classic Istanbul simit is sesame-coated and lightly sweet from pekmez, but there are many variations.
- Tahinli simit: you may spot versions made with tahini for a nuttier taste.
- Zeytinli simit: some bakeries add olives for a savory take.
- İzmir “gevrek”: extra crunchy; official tourism sources note a different pekmez step than Istanbul’s cold dip.
- Ankara simidi: often darker and crisper, with a stronger pekmez finish.
Simit as a cultural symbol in Istanbul
Simit is part of Istanbul’s daily rhythm. Sellers still move through busy streets with trays of rings, and the bread shows up in small routines—tea breaks, ferry rides, and quick breakfasts.
It’s meant to be simple and shared. You’ll see people tear off pieces for friends, or split one and add cheese on the spot.
Simit etiquette: how to eat it like a local
Most people eat simit on the go. It’s common to keep it plain, or add cheese, olives, or jam.
Many locals also dip bites into Turkish tea. It softens the crust and brings out the toasted sesame flavor.
Serving ideas and simple recipes
At home, serve simit like a Turkish breakfast: slice it, warm it, and set it out with cheese, olives, jam, and fresh vegetables.
It also works well as a sandwich bread. Try it with labneh and herbs, or toast a half and top it for brunch.
If you’re looking to explore more delicious foods, check out this article on homemade cottage cheese.
FAQs
What is a simit?
Simit is a ring-shaped bread topped with sesame seeds. In Istanbul, it’s sold all day by street carts and bakeries.
What does a simit taste like?
It tastes toasty and nutty from sesame, with a crisp crust and a soft, chewy center.
Where can I buy simit in Istanbul?
You’ll find it at street carts, bakeries (fırın), markets, and near busy transit spots like ferry piers.
How is simit typically eaten?
People eat it plain, or with cheese, olives, or jam. It’s often paired with Turkish tea.
Is simit a popular food in Istanbul?
Yes. It’s one of the city’s most common everyday foods.
Can I find different varieties of simit in Istanbul?
Yes. Besides the classic sesame ring, you may see tahinli (with tahini), zeytinli (with olives), and other regional styles.
