Spice Bazaar Tips

Gokce Nacar

Sep 30 838 read

Spice Bazaar Tips

The ancient Egyptian Bazaar is one of Istanbul's most important bazaars. The market served as the Ottoman Empire's international commercial hub. Today, it is a vibrant and genuine market known for its herbalists and many unique items, as well as the most well-known covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar.

It was named Egyptian Bazaar because it was constructed in 1660 with funds from the Ottoman eyalet of Egypt. Istanbul's spice trade is centered on the market. Spice Bazaar includes 85 stores offering spices, Turkish delight and other sweets, jewelry, souvenirs, dried fruits and nuts, and so on. A trip to Istanbul would be incomplete without a visit to the atmospheric Spice Bazaar. Visit the Egyptian Bazaar, which is more colorful and lively during Ramadan than normal.

How to Get to Spice Bazaar?

You may take the bus or metro to Eminonu, which is located in the Fatih district, and then walk across the plaza. Take a stroll along the small lane lined with cheese and dried meat stores. Then turn left into the market. On the other hand, you may hail a cab and tell the driver you're heading to the Spice Market, since every taxi driver in Istanbul is familiar with the location of the renowned bazaar.

What to Buy in Spice Bazaar?

Almost every spice you can think of may be found at Spice Bazaar. However, there is no need to purchase spices that can be found elsewhere, therefore it is better to search for Turkish spices that can only be found in Turkey. I've included some of the finest spices in Istanbul down below.

Sumac is a popular spice in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. It imparts a crimson color and a somewhat tangy, lemony taste to dishes when crushed into powder form. Sumac powder is mostly used as a garnish in Turkish cuisine. Sumac powder may be sprinkled over grilled meats, yogurt, or mixed with onions.

Red Pepper Flakes are one of the most popular spices you can get in Istanbul. They are produced by sun-drying spicy and sweet peppers and then crushing them. The technique varies per location, but the significance remains constant. When visiting cafés and restaurants in Istanbul, you will almost certainly order at least one dish with red pepper flakes sprinkled on top. It's not only the taste that makes it popular in Turkish cuisine; it's also high in vitamin C, so it'll help your immune system along the road.

Spice Bazaar Hours of Operation

Despite the fact that it may vary on religious and public holidays, Spice Bazaar is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The bazaar's businesses were created to help fund the Blue mosque's upkeep. As a consequence, you'll get to see both the market and the New Mosque in Istanbul! You may take the bus or metro from Eminonu, which is in Fatih city, across the plaza. Take a walk along the small alley packed with cheese and dried meat stores. After that, turn left into the marketplace. You may, on the other hand, grab a cab and inform the driver you're going to the Spice Bazaar, since every taxi driver in Istanbul knows where the renowned bazaar is.

Spice Bazaar has almost every spice you can think of. However, instead of purchasing spices that can be used everywhere, search for Turkish spices, which are the best of their type and can only be used in Turkey. Some of the finest spices in Istanbul were listed above. You should also visit other historical attractions, and maybe attend a Bosphorus tour with the help of Iamistanbul!