The Turkish simit, the essential sesame bun to eat all day! Sold on the streets by small merchant trailers, pastries, bakeries.
The simit is priced around 10 tl (0.30 cts €) in Istanbul. It is the maximum price arranged by the street vendors. In the bakeries, the price might be more expensive.
Tasty, crispy, it is best eaten hot, straight out of the oven. The simit is a real delight while accompanied with tea.
Turkish simit, often referred to as “Turkish bagel,” is a traditional bread originating from the Ottoman Empire, with its roots traced back to the 16th century. Simit is a circular bread, encrusted with sesame seeds, known for its crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior. Its name is derived from the Arabic word “samit,” meaning bread.
Historical records indicate that simit was a popular street food in Istanbul during the 1500s, where it was sold by vendors known as “simitçi.” Over centuries, simit became a staple in Turkish cuisine, often enjoyed with tea, cheese, olives, or jam. The preparation of simit has evolved, but its essence remains the same, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and taste in Turkish culture.
Turks eat it at all hours, may it be natural, with cheese, honey, tomatoes, olives, Nutella with tea and ayran… they never get bored of it!
A specialist of the modern simit for all tastes has been growing day by day: “Turkish simit Sarayı” also exports to Europe, in Netherlands. You can choose whether to eat in the restaurant or on the go. People actually eat simit without being hungry!
In Turkey, it is called the poor man’s meal because it is cheap and consistent! If
How about discovering another start of the Turkish cuisine: the lahmacun, turkish pizza?