Buy Traditional Spices From Spice Bazaar in Istanbul

Editor Istanbul

Apr 25 1016 read

One of Turkey's biggest bazaars is Istanbul's Spice Bazaar. It is the most well-known shopping center in Eminonu, after the Grand Bazaar.Â

Spice Bazaar was initially known as "New Bazaar," but it was later called "Egyptian Bazaar." In Istanbul, it is also referred to as the Egyptian bazaar. The bazaar was the spice trading hub. However, in recent years, the bazaar has begun to market a wider range of items.Â

The structure is part of the New Mosque complex.

The bazaar's shops were designed to support the mosque's maintenance. As a result, you will visit both the bazaar and the New Mosque in Istanbul! You can stroll across the square from Eminonu, which is in Fatih city, by taking the bus or subway. Take a stroll down the narrow lane, which is lined with cheese and dried meat shops. Switch left into the bazaar after that. You may, on the other hand, hail a cab and tell the driver you're heading to the Spice Bazaar, as every taxi driver in Istanbul is familiar with the location of the famous bazaar.

About every spice you can think of can be found in Spice Bazaar. However, there is no need to buy spices that can be used anywhere; instead, look for Turkish spices, which are the finest of their kind and can only be used in Turkey. I've mentioned some of the best spices in Istanbul down below.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a main ingredient in the best gastronomy in Istanbul and Turkey. In Turkey, black pepper is one of the most used spices. Despite the fact that black pepper is used all over the country, Spice Bazaar has the freshest black pepper. The bitter and flavorful taste of black pepper can be found in almost every dish. Because of the antioxidants, it aids metabolism and burns fat.

Cumin

Cumin is an aromatic spice with a strong flavor that is important in Turkish cuisine. It's most often found in kÃ¶fte (meatballs) and other meat-based dishes. Cumin is rarely used in its seed form in Turkey because it is processed into a powder. The primary function of this Anatolian spice is to mask the odor of meat. Cumin is also used in spicy sausages such as sucuk and pastirma (bacon). Cumin is a healthy spice for those who suffer from asthma. It also boosts immunity and speeds up digestion. To experience the wonders of cumin, you must try sucuk and pastirma during your visit to Istanbul.

Sumac

Sumac is a common spice in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. It gives food a burgundy color and a mildly tangy, lemony taste when processed into powder shape. Sumac powder is primarily used as a garnish in Turkish cuisine. Sumac powder may be sprinkled on grilled foods, milk, or blended with onions.

Red Pepper Flakes

At the restaurant table, you'll notice some. Their colour ranges from dark red to orange, and they are somewhat spicy, but not as hot as those found in South American or Asian cuisine. Some of the pepper flakes are only for color, and they are tailored to each person's preference. It's a great food to bring back from Turkey because it gives your dishes texture and flavor.

Isot

The majority of Turkish spices, such as peppers from Adana, Maras, and Antep, are grown in southern Turkey. The Urfa pepper is sun-dried and fermented, giving it a deeper hue and a chocolate and grapefruit aroma. It lacks the spiciness of red pepper, but it can be used to spice salads, soups, and koftes.

Nigella

The flavor of black cumin is spicy and peppery. It is well-known for its antioxidant properties, and when taken consistently and in limited amounts, it can help improve the immune system. It's typically served with Turkish cheese or spread over traditional bread in Turkish cuisine. It has a good lemon and spicy flavor. Nigella oil is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine because it assists in the treatment of allergies.