Buying Food Products in Turkey: A Simple, Flavorful Journey

Grocery shopping is one of the most fulfilling aspects of life in Turkey. Yes, indeed! Turkish marketplaces and stores transform food shopping into a multisensory—and cultural—experience by offering everything from aromatic spices to fresh produce.

Weekly bazaars, or bazaars

Put plastic packaging and supermarket illumination out of your mind. The pazar, which are outdoor markets that appear once a week in practically every neighborhood in Turkey, is where folks go. You will discover:

• Seasonal produce that is frequently more affordable and fresher than what is sold in supermarkets.
• Prices are shouted by vendors, and occasionally they give you a free plum “just to try.”
• Local farmers sell their own pickles, olives, and cheeses.
• Herbs, dried fruits, and nuts were arranged in lovely, colorful piles.
• Bring some small cash, a spirit of adventure, and one or more reusable bags. Never hesitate to inquire, "Bu ne?" (What is this?) —you may find a new ingredient that you love.

Chains and Supermarkets

There are several different types of supermarkets in Turkey, ranging from big-box stores like Migros, CarrefourSA, A101, and BIM to neighborhood-specific small-town stores called bakkals. What to anticipate is as follows:

• Basics like rice, pasta, yogurt, and lentils are reasonably priced.
• Every day, fresh bread, particularly simit, ekmek, and bazlama, is prepared.
• We take dairy products seriously. Try beyaz peynir (white cheese) and süzme yoğurt (strained yogurt).
• Meatballs or Turkish-style frozen börek are examples of ready-to-cook foods for hectic days.

Specialty Stores That Are Worth Seeing

Some customs around food buying merit their own section:

• For premium, fresh meat and a conversation with your amiable local butcher, visit Kasap (Butcher).
• Manav (greengrocer): carries seasonal, local produce and is frequently less expensive than supermarkets.
• Şarküteri (Deli): For gourmet goods, cheeses, olives, and cured meats.
• Baharatçı (Spice shop): You will fall in love with the aroma alone. Keep dried mint, pul biber, and sumac on hand.

A Cultural Tip

Don’t rush. In Turkish food culture, even shopping is a social event. It’s common to be offered tea, asked how your day is going, or given a cooking tip by a vendor. Accept it. These tiny moments of connection are what make life in Turkey truly special.

Whether you’re navigating the early days of expat loneliness or learning how to buy figs at the Friday bazaar, remember: you’re not just living in Turkey—you’re slowly becoming part of it. Through meals shared, words learned, and kindness exchanged, a new version of “home” starts to grow  So take your time. Sip your tea. Explore every flavor. Turkey has a seat at the table just for you.