Simit & Chai Company

What is Simit & Chai Company? Situated at 787 King Street West (near Bathurst Street) in King West, Simit & Chai Co. is an authentic Turkish bakery, cafe, and artisanal tea salon. Inspired by Istanbul's historic street bakeries, this warm, inviting space features exposed red brick, Persian carpets, and the comforting aroma of molasses-dipped sesame rings baking fresh in the ovens throughout the morning.

Simit & Chai Company Menu & What to Order The star of the bakery is the Turkish Simit—a circular, braided bread ring dipped in grape molasses and generously coated with toasted sesame seeds, yielding a delightfully crisp crust and chewy interior. Guests order simit plain or transformed into gourmet sandwiches, such as the Traditional layered with cured beef pastirma, aged asiago cheese, and sliced tomatoes. Weekend brunch regulars head straight for the Menemen, a comforting pan of eggs gently scrambled with stewed tomatoes, sweet green peppers, and Turkish spices, served with fresh simit for dipping. Complete your visit with flaky spinach and feta börek, pistachio baklava, and a glass of double-brewed black Turkish çay served in a traditional tulip-shaped glass.

Know Before You Go Simit & Chai Co. opens weekdays at 8:00 a.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 5:00 p.m. Friday) and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend brunch is very popular and seating is limited, so expect short waits during peak hours. The 504 King streetcar stops directly across from the front door at Niagara Street.