I just got back from Istanbul, and I still can't stop thinking about the food - especially simit. You see it everywhere there: on street carts, in bakeries, even on ferry boats. So when I spotted Trader Joe's Turkish Simit Bread in the frozen section, I grabbed it immediately - half-excited, half-skeptical.
But once I warmed it up and took that first bite, I couldn't believe it. It tastes almost exactly like the simit I had in Istanbul - crispy sesame crust, chewy center, and that warm, nutty flavor that somehow feels like breakfast and nostalgia all in one.
Taste test
I baked it straight from the freezer, and the smell filled my kitchen - toasty sesame, a little bit earthy, like a Turkish bakery at 8 a.m. The crust got beautifully crisp while the inside stayed soft and slightly dense, perfect for spreading.
I had mine the traditional way - with cream cheese and honey - and oh wow. The cream cheese melts a little against the warm bread, and the honey adds this light sweetness that pairs perfectly with the roasted sesame flavor. It's the kind of simple breakfast that makes you stop for a second and actually enjoy the moment.
The flavor balance is spot-on. It's less sweet than a bagel, less doughy than pretzel bread, and somehow both hearty and light. I could easily eat it plain with tea and be happy. Oh and i also didn't use the oven, i reheated simit in the air fryer. 360 degrees for about 3 minutes.
A little bit of history
Simit has been a part of Turkish life for centuries. Often called the "Turkish bagel," it's actually thinner, crunchier, and coated in sesame seeds that get toasted to perfection during baking. It's one of those everyday foods you can find on almost every street corner - usually sold by vendors pushing bright red carts.
People eat it for breakfast, lunch, or just as a snack with black tea. It's the kind of thing that makes you feel like you're part of the city - simple, comforting, and familiar.
Trader Joe's version really captures that spirit. It's not just a bread roll with sesame - it actually feels like simit.
Traditional pairings
If you want to enjoy it the Turkish way, here's how to make it shine:
- Cream cheese and honey - my favorite combo, and totally addictive.
- Feta and sliced tomatoes - the true Turkish breakfast pairing.
- Hard-boiled eggs and cucumbers on the side.
- Or go a little off-script and serve it with Trader Joe's Hummus or Zhoug Sauce for a savory twist.
It's also great for sandwiches - try it with Trader Joe's Smoked Gouda Sliced Cheese or Turkey Breast for a quick lunch that still feels special.
Location in store
You'll find Trader Joe's Turkish Simit Bread in the frozen bread section, near the naan and par-baked French rolls. Each pack comes with a few rings, ready to bake - just pop them in the oven or air fryer until golden.
I like keeping a bag in my freezer for those slow weekend mornings when I want something warm and comforting but don't want to actually bake.
Similar products
If you like this one, you might also enjoy:
- Trader Joe's Garlic Naan - soft, aromatic, and great for dipping.
- Trader Joe's Organic Pita Bread - another freezer staple.
- Trader Joe's Everything Ciabatta Rolls - for that same sesame crunch.
- Trader Joe's French Brioche - sweet and buttery, if you want to mix it up.
Final thoughts
Trader Joe's nailed it with this one. Their Turkish Simit Bread tastes so close to the real thing, I honestly did a double take after my first bite. It's crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with that toasted sesame flavor that's hard to fake.
If you've ever been to Istanbul - or if you just love good bread - you need to try this. Warm it up, spread on some cream cheese, drizzle with honey, and let your kitchen smell like a Turkish bakery for a few minutes.
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