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Woman Shopping for Groceries

Grocery Options for Au Pairs in Turkey

Shopping Tips and Options for Au Pairs

Grocery shopping culture in Turkey varies from person to person, but in recent years supermarkets have replaced many of the manav (greengrocers), bakkal (small corner shops), and other traditional stores where people used to shop in the early 2000s. Today, around 80% of people do their shopping in supermarkets. Still, some prefer to visit weekly bazaars, which are held on specific days.

At these bazaars, you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, fish, spices, and delicious nuts. People also shop there for affordable but good-quality textiles such as t-shirts, pyjamas, socks, and underwear.

As mentioned earlier, shopping habits have shifted from manav and bakkal to supermarkets, and now they are also shifting from supermarkets to online shopping. Many people today use apps such as Trendyol Market, Getir Market, and Migros Sanal Market to order their daily or weekly needs. Especially for heavy items like juice, ayran, toilet paper, and bottled water, online shopping has become the preferred choice. While many people still enjoy the experience of seeing and touching products before buying, others have already left this habit behind and prefer to have everything delivered directly to their home.

Top 4 Supermarkets for Locals in Turkey

Migros

Carrefour

BIM

A101

Image by Andrew Perabeau

Grocery Shopping and Supermarket Guide for Au Pairs in Turkey

As an au pair in Turkey, you will most likely be responsible for grocery shopping for your host family. This is why it is important to know your options before arriving. Based on our experience in Turkey we can say that: The freshest fish, fruits, and vegetables can usually be found at your neighbourhood's bazaar. The best meat is typically purchased from your local butcher (kasap). For everything else, you can rely on nearby supermarkets. In order to learn more about your food options in Turkey, check here.

As in many countries, Turkish supermarkets vary in quality and budget level. At the heart of Turkish daily shopping, particularly for budget-conscious consumers, are the so-called “three-letter shops”—the powerhouses of the discount market:

  • BÄ°M: A staple for very budget-friendly shopping. It focuses on basic essentials and a limited product range to keep costs low.

  • A101: Very similar to BÄ°M, A101 is widespread across the country and a go-to for daily needs at competitive prices.

  • Åžok: The third major discount chain, known for cheap staples and convenience.

These three chains are overwhelmingly the choice of lower-income families and anyone trying to maximize savings on everyday items. Their model is built on high volume and low margins, prioritizing affordability and convenience.

Beyond discount shopping, there are other supermarket chains that offer greater variety, imported products, and a more comprehensive shopping experience. These are more popular among middle-class and affluent consumers:

  • Migros: Offers a wide range of products, including premium and imported items. It operates in different formats:

    • Migros Jet stores work as small, quick convenience shops.

    • Larger Migros stores (marked with M’s in their name to show size) provide a full supermarket experience. Migros has positioned itself as a provider of both quality and variety.

  • CarrefourSA: A joint venture with the globally recognized French chain, Carrefour. It operates hypermarkets as well as smaller supermarkets, offering a mix of local Turkish products and international goods, making it a popular choice for those seeking both variety and quality.

As an au pair, it’s useful to get to know the supermarkets, butchers, and bazaars near you, since these will be the main places where you will shop for your host family. Talking with your host family about their preferences is an important first step, as some families may prefer the convenience of supermarkets or online shopping, while others might value the tradition and freshness of the weekly bazaar. For example, many families still choose to buy their fruits and vegetables from the neighbourhood pazar, where seasonal produce is not only fresher but often cheaper than in stores. The local kasap (butcher) is also a trusted option for meat, and it can be a great way for you to make sure your host family has the best-quality cuts. This knowledge will not only make your responsibilities easier but also enrich your own experience of living in Turkey.

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