Simit is a classic Turkish street food known for its deep golden crust and generous sesame seed coating. Vendors sell it fresh from carts and bakeries across Türkiye, from early morning until late at night. Locals often enjoy simit for breakfast or as a quick snack during the day. Its crisp exterior and slightly chewy interior create a satisfying contrast in every bite.
What makes simit unique is its shape and preparation. Bakers dip the dough rings (Watch how to shape simit here) in grape molasses diluted with water before coating them in sesame seeds. This step gives simit its signature color, subtle sweetness, and toasted aroma once baked. The dough itself stays simple, relying on flour, water, yeast, and salt. As a result, the sesame flavor takes center stage.
People traditionally eat simit with Turkish tea, white cheese, olives, or jam. It also works well as a sandwich base, filled with cheese, tomatoes, or cured meats. Because of its balance of texture and flavor, simit fits easily into both sweet and savory pairings.
Beyond taste, simit holds cultural importance. It represents everyday life in Turkish cities and towns. Students, commuters, and families all reach for it as an affordable and comforting staple. Today, bakeries around the world bake simit, yet it remains deeply connected to Turkish food culture.
If you like Turkish baked goods, be sure to check out the Bazlama and Dereotlu Pogaca recipes as well.
Watch the recipes in action on the FırınForno YouTube channel and follow FırınForno on Instagram for daily posts!
Simit
Course: BreadCuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Medium16
simit1
hour20
minutes142
kcalIngredients
300 g warm water
5 g instant yeast
7 g sugar
500 g flour (12–13% protein)
7.5 g salt
Toasted sesame seeds (enough for coating)
40 g molasses
60 g boiling water
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise until double, approx. 30 min.
- Mix the molasses and boiling water in a wide bowl. Let it cool down.
- Divide the dough into 60 g pieces and roll each into a tight ball. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into a rope, fold it in half, twist the strands together, and seal the ends to form a ring (Watch how it is done here).
- Dip each simit ring into the molasses bath, then coat thoroughly with toasted sesame seeds.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and let rise for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 250°C with a baking stone if available.
- Just before baking, spray the simits with water for better crust and shine.
- Bake at 230°C for 15–20 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Recipe Video
Watch the recipes in action on the FırınForno YouTube channel and follow FırınForno on Instagram for daily posts!