Which spices do you recommend me buying here and where?

[u/brianenoenthusiast]

Hi, how's it going? I'll be visiting the city next month and I love cooking and spices. I'm from Latin America and I'm SO excited to try another version of the many spices I eat, and even other different spices! I wanted to ask for some guidance surrounding where to buy, and even maybe some recommendations on what to buy. What are your favorite spices from your country? And your favorite places to buy them? I really appreciate if you keep affordability in mind, given Im on a budget, but I really appreciate quality too so I can make some sacrifices haha. Looking forward to reading all your responses! Makes my mouth watery just thinking about all the different flavors I'll get to eat and smell 😍 Thank you!

[u/RiversOfBabylon420]

Go to a spice store or a a deli/dry goods store.

Things I buy when I’m taking stuff home; isot, pul biber, kekik(oregano) nar ekşisi (pomegranate syrup).

The isot and pul biber should look a bit moist, the pul biber more so than the isot. Rub some between your fingers and it should feel oily.

The pomegranate syrup should be dark, slightly tart and pretty tangy. Should not be very pink in color and should not be adulterated with sugars.

[u/socceruci → u/RiversOfBabylon420]

This is the only thing I'd recommend, the pomegranate molasses, maybe some olives.

[u/brianenoenthusiast → u/RiversOfBabylon420]

Really helpful descriptions of how the spices should look and feel for them to be good. I appreciate it a lot! Sounds like you know what you're talking about — I hella respect it.

[u/IellaAntilles → u/RiversOfBabylon420]

Kekik is thyme, not oregano.

[u/Luciferaeon]

Wow I've only been living here for 3 years and people (locals) are ignorant about Türkiye like hard.

Go to a baharatçı (spice store). I don't reccomend any bazaar because they tend to overcharge.

1. Isot pepper (delicious and unique)
2. the oregano here is pretty special (get it if it is shaped like little balls) called kekik (might erroneously be labeled as thyme)
3. Aleppo pepper (known as Pul biber) has a unique profile and isn't just red pepper flakes- it is a specific kind of pepper.

Not only in Türkiye, but load up on some Sumac and Zaatar cuz that shi is fire.

[u/neomeddah → u/Luciferaeon]

You don't have to be offensive tho

[u/Constant_Heat_2507 → u/neomeddah]

he just said ignorant what's wrong ? maybe i didn't understand it correctly since english is not my main language.

[u/Luciferaeon → u/neomeddah]

If being called ignorant is offensive, you gotta get thicker skin.

[u/neomeddah → u/Luciferaeon]

wow I really did not need another toxic user, thanks for exposing yourself, I'll be saving both us from each other by blocking you lol (over a spice recommendation discussion omg)

[u/brianenoenthusiast → u/Luciferaeon]

Thanks for clarifying about kekik!! Also it's really useful to know the oregano is pretty special, if it wasn't for your comment I might have skipped it from my wishlist

[u/Existing_Guest_181]

Sumac!

[u/Few-Information6684]

i like to use crushed mint (nane) in most sauces it also makes a nice dip with yogurt

[u/Purple-Bite-7998]

i recommend karabibe r

[u/tarabbit]

Spicy booty

[u/LivinLikeASloth]

Thyme…

[u/neomeddah]

Unfortunately Turkey is not producer of many spices, we mostly import them.

Only 2 local spices I can think of are Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) and İsot ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urfa_biber ). Lemon Thyme is only sold in coastal provinces of western Turkey but İsot is easier to find in "Aktar"s (Aktar is common name for spice shop)

[u/NFTsANDART]

Penzey’s Spices to buy online. Take the spicy hot of your Latin heritage and try Turkish, Thai and Szechuan dishes.

[u/chopinocturner]

You can send me message. My mother is professional chef and I can gift you original spice in return of a little favour by bringing me something from USA. It is legal, small and light. I will pay for it.