Ayvalık Tostu is a beloved Turkish sandwich named after the town of Ayvalık. Known for its rich, satisfying flavors, it’s made using a special type of soft bread, similar to a baguette but slightly flatter and wider. The sandwich is generously filled with a variety of ingredients that may include:

• Sucuk (Turkish sausage)
• Kaşar cheese (mild Turkish cheese)
• Pickles
• Tomatoes
• Olives
• Ketchup or mayonnaise

The sandwich is toasted to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside for an irresistible combination. Ayvalık Tostu is a popular street food, enjoyed as a quick snack or a hearty meal!

Açma is a soft and fluffy Turkish pastry, similar to a classic brioche but slightly richer and more buttery. Weighing 100 grams, this delicious treat is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack throughout the day.

Açma has a golden, slightly shiny crust and a tender, airy interior. It can be enjoyed plain or paired with cheese, olives, jam, or chocolate spread. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle buttery flavor make it a favorite in Turkish bakeries and households alike!

Açma

• Texture & Flavor: Açma is soft, fluffy, and buttery, with a slightly sweet and rich taste. Its tender, airy crumb and delicate, golden-brown crust make it irresistible.
• Shape: Typically shaped into a ring or twisted form.
• Serving Suggestions: Açma is perfect on its own or paired with butter, cheese, olives, jam, or chocolate spread. It’s a versatile pastry that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.

Poğaça

• Texture & Flavor: Poğaça is a soft, crumbly pastry with a more compact and slightly doughy texture compared to Açma. It can be plain or stuffed with various fillings, such as:
  • Cheese (Beyaz Peynir or Kaşar Cheese)
  • Potatoes
  • Olives
  • Minced meat or spinach
• Shape: Typically round or oval, with a smooth and golden exterior, often brushed with egg yolk for a shiny finish.
• Serving Suggestions: Poğaça is a savory pastry, perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as an on-the-go snack.

Both Açma and Poğaça are staples in Turkish bakeries and are often enjoyed fresh with a hot cup of tea. Whether you prefer the buttery softness of Açma or the hearty, savory fillings of Poğaça, these pastries are sure to satisfy!