Important Note: Amazon prices in this article change all the time. Also, if there is a Turkish or Middle Eastern grocery store in your city, we recommend trying there first for many of these products. It is often cheaper and fresher. This guide is specifically for our readers who do not have a Turkish store nearby.
1. Olives: The Crown of Breakfast
Turkish breakfast without olives is unthinkable. Black olives, green olives, cracked olives, at least one type must be on the table. The "kalamata" or canned black olives sold at American supermarkets are very different from Turkish breakfast olives. They taste saltier and the texture is more watery.
Marmarabirlik Black Olives
Marmarabirlik is one of Turkey's most recognized olive brands and is actively sold on Amazon. The M size (Mega) and XL size options are especially popular.
- Advantages: Authentic Turkish flavor, Gemlik olives, intense and aromatic. The easiest way to eat "real" Turkish olives without going to a Turkish grocery store.
- Disadvantages: Amazon price is generally 40-60% more expensive compared to Turkish stores. A 400g pack is around $8-12 on Amazon, while the same product is $4-6 at a Turkish store.
- Shipping note: Some buyers complain about the glass jar arriving broken. If possible, buy a single order instead of "Subscribe & Save" and check the packaging.
View on Amazon: Marmarabirlik Black Olives
Olive selection tip: Turkish olives come in two main preparation styles: "salamura" (brined in salt water) and "kuru" (dry salt-cured). For breakfast, brined is preferred. Dry olives have a more intense flavor but can be too heavy on a breakfast plate by themselves. They work better in sandwiches or salads.
2. Cheese: Amazon Actually Has Options Now
We used to say "Amazon is not a good source for cheese." But now two real Turkish cheeses are available on Amazon, and in reasonable quality too.
Sutas White Cheese
Sutas is one of Turkey's biggest dairy companies. Their white cheese on Amazon arrives cold-shipped in vacuum-sealed packaging.
- Flavor: Mildly salty, creamy, tastes like classic Turkish breakfast white cheese.
- Note: Store in the fridge for a maximum of 5-7 days after opening. It tastes best when eaten fresh.
View on Amazon: Sutas White Cheese →
Tahsildaroglu Ezine Cheese
Ezine is a district in Canakkale famous for its cheese production. Tahsildaroglu has brought this geographically-indicated cheese to Amazon. It is considered the "premium" version of white cheeses. More intense aroma and creamier.
- Flavor: More mature, a bit more intense, aromatic. Perfect on bread or alongside melon rather than eating it plain.
- Price: A little more expensive than Sutas but you can feel the quality difference.
View on Amazon: Tahsildaroglu Ezine Cheese →
Still true: If there is a Turkish or Middle Eastern store near you, fresh cheese will always be better and cheaper than Amazon. These two products are especially great options for readers in cities without a Turkish store.
If there is no local store, alternatives:
- From Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, Bulgarian feta or French feta is the closest American alternative.
- Kasar alternative: Provolone or young Gouda provides the closest texture and melting to Turkish kasar.
3. Sucuk: The Star of Breakfast
Sucuklu yumurta (sucuk with eggs) is one of the most loved Turkish breakfast combinations. Good news is that finding real Turkish sucuk on Amazon is much easier than cheese. Two brands stand out:
Nema Kasap Sucuk
- Flavor: Intensely spiced, one of the closest options to traditional Turkish sucuk taste. Garlic and black pepper profile is prominent.
- Texture: Firm, well-cured. Sliced thin, it fries up beautifully in the pan.
- Size: Sold in approximately 1 lb (450g) packages.
- Halal certified: Yes.
View on Amazon: Nema Kasap Sucuk
Cumhuriyet Sucuk
- Flavor: Compared to Nema, a bit milder on the spice, more "balanced" taste. Better suited for those who do not love strong spice.
- Texture: Slightly softer, which is an advantage for thicker slices.
- Size: Similarly sold in 1 lb packages.
- Halal certified: Yes.
View on Amazon: Cumhuriyet Sucuk
| Feature | Nema Kasap | Cumhuriyet |
|---|---|---|
| Spice intensity | High, traditional | Medium, balanced |
| Texture | Firm, ideal for thin slicing | Softer |
| Price (Amazon, varies) | ~$12-16 | ~$12-16 |
| Halal | Yes | Yes |
| Our pick | Those wanting traditional flavor | Those wanting milder taste |
Cooking tip: Slice the sucuk about 0.5 cm thick before putting it in the pan. You do not need to add oil. Sucuk releases its own fat. Fry each side 2-3 minutes on medium heat, then crack eggs on top. Keep the lid on until the egg whites cook. This is the simplest method for the most authentic sucuklu yumurta.
4. Honey, Tahin, and Pekmez: The Sweet Trio
Tahin-pekmez as a duo and strained flower honey hold a special place in Turkish breakfast. These products can be found on Amazon, but there are things to watch for.
Turkish Honey
Turkey's pine honey and flower honey are famous worldwide. But Turkish honeys on Amazon usually cost $20-35 for 250-400g, which is quite expensive. If you are not specifically after Turkish honey, raw honey from a local farmers market is both fresher and more economical.
Search on Amazon: Turkish Honey
Tahin
Tahin is a paste made from roasted sesame seeds, eaten mixed with pekmez. On Amazon there are both Turkish branded (Koska, Oncu) and Middle Eastern branded (Soom, Joyva) options. Middle Eastern brands are generally cheaper and quality-wise very close. Tahin is a universal product after all.
Pekmez (Grape Molasses)
Pekmez is concentrated grape syrup. In Turkish breakfast it is put on the plate with tahin and eaten by dipping bread. This product is not easily found in America, so Amazon or a Turkish store is pretty much the only option.
Search on Amazon: Grape Pekmez
Watch out: Some products sold as "grape molasses" on Amazon are actually American grape syrup or balsamic glaze. Check if the product description says "uzum pekmezi" or "Turkish grape molasses." Seeing a Turkish brand (Koska, Tamek, Oncu) is the most reliable way.
5. Jam and Helva
Turkish Jam
Turkey has a very rich jam culture: sour cherry, apricot, strawberry, fig, rose... Most of these can be found on Amazon. Tamek and Koska are the most common brands. Prices are usually $6-10 per jar.
Honest note: American organic jams (Bonne Maman, Stonewall Kitchen) are quality-wise very close to Turkish jams. Unless you specifically want Turkey-specific flavors like sour cherry jam or rose jam, a local American brand works just fine.
Helva (Tahini Helva)
Koska is Turkey's most known helva brand and is actively sold on Amazon. Plain, cocoa, peanut, and pistachio varieties are available. Helva is served as a small slice on the breakfast plate or put between bread.
6. Serving: Tea Glass and Coffee Cup
Turkish breakfast is not just about food. Presentation matters too. The ince belli tea glass and the small coffee cup complete the soul of the table.
Pasabahce Tea Glasses
Pasabahce is Turkey's biggest glass manufacturer and their ince belli tea glasses are recognized worldwide. The Amazon set usually comes as 6 glasses + 6 saucers.
- Quality: Good. Pasabahce is the brand that exists in every household in Turkey. Glass quality is solid, saucers match the glasses well.
- Note: Some buyers say the glasses are "smaller than expected." Turkish tea glasses are already small (100-120ml). This is not a defect, it is the standard size. If you are used to big mugs, it might surprise you.
View on Amazon: Pasabahce Tea Glass Set
Karaca Nakkas 18-Piece Set: Tea + Meze Plate Combination
This is the most interesting Karaca product on Amazon: 6 meze/dessert plates (19cm) + 6 small tea glasses + 6 saucers, all in one box. You can set up Turkish-style tea service and the snacks that go with it in one go. Has 4.4/5 stars on Amazon with nice reviews.
- Good points: Colorful and elegant design, complete set for hosting guests, good balance of price to contents.
- Watch out: Because of the colorful decoration, hand washing is recommended. Dishwasher fades the colors. Glass cups are small (standard Turkish tea size). Some buyers might find them small.
View on Amazon: Karaca Nakkas 18-Piece Tea + Meze Set →
Karaca Riley 18-Piece Plate-Bowl Set: Everyday Use
A stoneware set with modern, gray/simple design and dishwasher-safe feature. One of the most practical and everyday-friendly of Karaca's tableware products. 6-person set: large plate, small plate, bowl.
- Good points: Goes in the dishwasher and microwave (many Karaca sets do not, so this is a plus). Simple and modern design that goes with any tablecloth.
- Watch out: Stoneware is a heavy material. Carrying by hand can get tiring. Not a decorative choice but a functional one.
View on Amazon: Karaca Riley Stoneware Plate-Bowl Set (18 Pieces) →
Alisveristime Turkish Coffee Cups
Turkish coffee cups are much smaller than regular coffee mugs (60-80ml). The Alisveristime brand offers traditional hand-painted Turkish motif cups.
- Quality: Perfect for decorative purposes. Very suitable as a gift too.
- Note: Because they are hand-painted, they should not go in the dishwasher. Hand wash required.
View on Amazon: Alisveristime Coffee Cup
Summary: What to Buy Where?
| Product | Amazon Suitability | Local Alternative | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Olives (Marmarabirlik) | Good but expensive | Turkish store is much cheaper | Store if available, otherwise Amazon |
| White Cheese (Sutas) | Good, cold-shipped | Turkish store is fresher | Amazon is great if no store nearby |
| Ezine Cheese (Tahsildaroglu) | Good, premium option | Turkish store is cheaper | Amazon has value for this special taste |
| Sucuk (Nema / Cumhuriyet) | Very good | Turkish store similar price | Amazon is a good source |
| Honey | Very expensive | Local raw honey | Local should be preferred |
| Tahin | Good | Middle Eastern brands also good | Amazon or store, not much difference |
| Pekmez | Good (no other source) | Turkish store | Amazon is the only option if no store |
| Jam | Medium | Bonne Maman is similar quality | Local is enough except for special flavors |
| Helva (Koska) | Good | Turkish store | Amazon works |
| Tea Glass (Pasabahce / Karaca) | Very good | Rarely available | Amazon is the best source |
| Breakfast / Serving Set (Karaca) | Very good | Rarely available | Amazon is the best source |
| Coffee Cup | Very good | Rarely available | Amazon is the best source |
Setting up a Turkish breakfast table through Amazon is possible, but it does not make sense for every product. For sucuk, pekmez, helva, tea glasses, and coffee cups, Amazon is a good source. For cheese and honey, local options are both cheaper and better quality. Olives depend on your budget. If there is a store near you, go there. If not, Marmarabirlik on Amazon does the job well.
Disclosure: Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
