Simit

Simit is a popular street food that you’ll find in every corner of Istanbul. From afar, it looks like a chocolate-glazed donut, but it is actually fluffy bread with a crunchy sesame exterior.

It’s common to see street carts and vendors peddling simit, but for simit in its most perfect state, you have to go straight to the bakery and get your stash as soon as the Turkish bread is ushered out of the brick oven.

Freshly baked, simit has that distinct roasted sesame aroma to stir your senses, only to be lulled by the soothing warmth of chewy dough. Simit is definitely delicious on its own but feel free to smear spreads, jams or pair it with cold cuts and vegetables.

Here are the best places to have simit in Istanbul:

• CITIR SIMIT CAFE | Sisli
  For oven-fresh simit round-the-clock
  What to order: Simit, Menemen, Omelette
  Price range: 1.25 to 8 TRY ($0.36 to $2.28)
  When: 08:00 – 17:00 Daily
  Where: Fulya Mahallesi, Vefa Deresi Sokak, No. 17/A, Sisli, Istanbul
• SIMIT SARAYI | Beyoglu
  For excellent breakfast to start your day
  What to order: Mixed wrap, Simit, Manti
  Price range: 8 to 22 TRY ($2.26 to $6.23)
  When: 06:30 to 14:00 Daily
  Where: Kocatepe Mahallesi, Tarlabasi Bulvari, No. 6, Beyoglu, Istanbul
• IPEK FIRIN | Beylikduzu
  For unforgettable simit
  What to order: Simit, Durum kofte, Manti
  Price range: 12 to 30 TRY ($3.40 to $8.49)
  When: 06:00 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: Baris Mahallesi, Ada Ciftligi Caddesi, No. 1, Beylikduzu, Istanbul