Simit or koulouri, who can claim the circular sesame bread as their own?

The circular sesame bread, known as simit in Turkey and koulouri in Greece, is a beloved staple food in both countries. Although the bread looks and tastes similar, both countries have claimed the bread as their own.

In Turkey, simit is a popular street food that is often eaten for breakfast with tea. Simit is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and molasses, and is covered in sesame seeds before being baked to a golden brown. In Greece, koulouri is a popular snack food that is often sold by street vendors. It is made with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, and is also covered in sesame seeds before being baked.

Despite the similarities between simit and koulouri, there are some subtle differences in the way they are made and eaten. For example, simit is often eaten plain or with cheese or jam, while koulouri is often served with sesame paste or cheese. Additionally, simit is often larger than koulouri and has a denser texture.

Both Turkey and Greece have a long history of bread-making, and it is difficult to determine the exact origin of the circular sesame bread. However, it is clear that simit and koulouri are both delicious and beloved foods that have become an important part of the culinary traditions of Turkey and Greece.