These days more and more imported items can be found somewhere here in Istanbul. But finding these items often involves a wild goose chase and, to top it all off, they normally cost an arm and a leg. So experienced expats know that the best way to have a touch of home away from home is to bring it yourself — or have your visiting friends and family stow it away in their suitcases. The things that people crave from their homelands could fill pages and pages, but here is a list of the top 11 items people tend to bring with them:
1. Pork products in all its deviations
2. A favorite cheese
3. Peanut butter
4. Marmite/Vegemite
5. Vanilla extract and maple syrup
6. Spice packets (think taco or harissa), curry pastes and stir fry sauces
7. Wine and whiskey
8. Baked/tinned beans, dried black beans
9. Hot chocolate, Milo, specialty teas, coffee
10. Favorite snacks like salt and vinegar crisps/chips, granola bars, Reese’s Pieces, digestive biscuits, marshmallows
11. Superfoods like chia seeds, mate, or hemp seeds, spelt flour
I’m sure we’re leaving something off the list. Let us know in the comments what foods and products you like to bring from home!
Annie Özsaraç is a contributor to Yabangee
I think this list is perfect! That being said, Annie, next time you go through duty free I’d love a bottle of Knob’s Creek bourbon.
Traditional English confectionery such as chocolate limes or Bassett ‘s mint creams!
Traditional English confectionery such as chocolate limes or Bassett ‘s mint creams!
Mustard at affordable prices in all its many and fantabulous variations!
almond flour, definitely, if you are into it…
Pickles and chutneys
Great list! You can find a lot of this stuff at Milka in Kadıköy, along with a decent selection of Asian products. It’s pricey, but sometimes you NEED Jif peanut butter.
Caferağa Mh., Moda Cd No:112, Kadıköy
Allens Lollies, Snakes and Red Frogs for me and Vitawheat 9 Grain biscuits.
Great list! but I would also add apple cider vinegar with the mother, coconut oil, cacao nibs and organic coffee beans
Bovril (for cooking), oxo cubes, ground almonds for baking and cake cases as turkish ones are not as good.