23 Iconic Breads Around the World

23/23 Previous Next

© iStock / Getty Images Plus / omersukrugoksu

Simit - Turkey

These Sesame bread rings are thought to have originated in Turkey, but they're very popular across the Ottoman Empire and the Middle East (though they obviously go by different names in each country). Simit is made from flour, salt, sugar, butter, yeast, egg and of course, sesame seeds. The dough is molded in to a cigar shape, then twisted around itself and formed into a circle. It's traditionally baked until nice and golden. Size, taste and texture does vary by region, but you'll generally find varieties that are either crunchy, chewy or a little bit of both. It may also be found in braided form.

Most Turks like to enjoy simit plain as a street food or at breakfast time with fruit jams, yogurt and cheese. In the US, it is now popularly known as a "Turkish bagel", although they have a much lighter texture than bagels, closer to that of soft pretzels.

Hungry for more? Here are 8 easy world flatbreads you can make in a pan.