A simit is a baked pastry famous in Turkey. You will very likely see people snacking on this delightful and extremely tasty snack.
Simits have been around for over 500 years! They are circular bagel like breads and have been coated in molasses and encrusted with sesame seeds before they are baked.
Traditionally they are eaten with cheese and tomatoes accompanied with tea. You can see red and gold carts travelling around the cities and towns with rows and rows of simits inside. They do have other names though, for instance in Izmir they are known as ‘gevrek’ and in other places can be known as a bokegh or koulouri.
Typically simits are eaten for breakfast but they also make a great snack throughout the day. They are baked round the clock in a lot of Turkish regions and are best eaten straight from the oven when they are crisp and warm.
These days, restaurants have opened purely for simit lovers such as ‘Simit Saray’. You can enjoy many different fillings and accompaniments from these establishments. Make sure to visit one of these places or better still, a bakery (firin) when you are in Turkey. Grab a seat with a view and enjoy your simit with a traditional tulip glass of tea and enjoy!!