Sesame Simit (Turkish Bagel) @ Istanbul, Turkey.

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But what if you are on the go and you have yet familiarised yourself with the local food yet? The humble bread is what usually comes to mind. And in Istanbul, the simit is the thing to have.

This stall is a common sight in the streets of Istanbul, Ankara, and even small towns. 

A local delicacy which fuels the Turks, simit is a common type of bread that can be found sold by street vendors to high end coffee shops. It is their take on the bagel as a go to rush-hour street food, or can be enjoyed slowly with some coffee. made with white bread flour, this is a breakfast staple.

What a view, and I mean the mosque. 

After touching down from Ataturk Airport, some breakfast was in order and we found a simit stall near the Hagia Sophia. Being very hungry after a 10 hour flight, it was the gem that we needed to sustain ourselves until lunch time.Prices do range from a measly TL 1 (Turkish Lira), to TL 5, which was mine as it was stuffed with cream cheese.

The cheese really does the trick. 

In the States, they are called a Turkish bagel. And for good reason. It does look like one. However, I find to be more similar to a pretzel. The one I had was simple but fulfilling, The outer part was coated with sesame, giving it a nutty bite and a woody aroma. The cheese added a salty profile to the bread, which I like. I also like to have sandwiches that I make at home to be loaded with this stuff. SO this is right up my alley.

Another shot of the stall. 

There is nothing much to say about this humble bread, except that you need to try it when you are here. There are various places that sell it, from supermarkets, to street stands and cafes. Do yourself a favour if you are in Turkey to try one. And do get one that is stuffed with cheese. Its awesome.

Also as you would have probably figured out, I just got back from a trip to Turkey. So watch this space for some Turkish delights (pun not intended).