Simit
"Simit is a circular sesame-encrusted bread ring, crispy on the outside and chewy inside, that serves as Istanbul's quintessential street food breakfast. Found on nearly every corner from dawn, it's traditionally eaten plain or with cheese. This ubiquitous snack is the fuel that powers the city's morning commute."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Humble, Traditional, Energizing
Duration
5-10 minutes
Best For
Quick bite
The Backstory
Simit has been sold in Istanbul's streets since Ottoman times, with historical records dating back to the 1500s. The name comes from the Arabic word 'samīd' meaning white bread or fine flour. Street vendors would balance large trays of simit on their heads while crying out to customers. In Ottoman palace kitchens, simit was considered a delicacy reserved for special occasions.
Local Secret
"Buy from street carts in the early morning when they're fresh and warm—by afternoon, they become dry and rock-hard. Look for carts with high turnover near ferry terminals and metro stations."