Spices in Turkish

How do you say “spices” in Turkish?

The most common word for “spices” in Turkish is:

Baharatlar = spices
(Singular: baharat = a spice)

You’ll also see:

• Baharat (general term, also used like “seasoning”)

• Baharat karışımı = spice mix

• Acı baharat = spicy seasoning

• Toz baharat = powdered spice

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The most common spices in Turkish (with English translations)

Below are the spices you’ll see most often in Turkish kitchens, markets, and recipes.

1) Black pepper — Karabiber

Turkish: Karabiber
Pronunciation: kah-rah-bee-ber
Used for: almost everything (soups, meat, eggs, rice, vegetables)

Karabiber is the default everyday spice in Turkey—just like black pepper in English-speaking countries.

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2) Red pepper flakes — Pul biber

Turkish: Pul biber
Pronunciation: pool bee-ber
Used for: kebabs, grilled meats, eggs, soups, yogurt dishes

This is one of the most iconic Turkish spices. It’s often served on the table in restaurants.

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3) Ground red pepper — Toz biber

Turkish: Toz biber
Pronunciation: toz bee-ber
Used for: sauces, soups, marinades, stews

Toz biber is closer to paprika or ground chili powder depending on the type.

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4) Paprika — Tatlı biber

Turkish: Tatlı biber
Pronunciation: taht-luh bee-ber
Used for: mild seasoning in meat dishes and stews

Tatlı means “sweet/mild,” so tatlı biber is mild paprika.

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5) Hot chili powder — Acı biber

Turkish: Acı biber
Pronunciation: ah-juh bee-ber
Used for: spicy versions of dishes

Acı means “hot/spicy.” If you want heat, this is the keyword.

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6) Cumin — Kimyon

Turkish: Kimyon
Pronunciation: kim-yon
Used for: köfte (meatballs), lentil soup, grilled meat

Kimyon is a must-know spice if you love Turkish food. It’s especially common in köfte.

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7) Sumac — Sumak

Turkish: Sumak
Pronunciation: soo-mak
Used for: salads, onions, kebabs, meze

Sumac has a tangy, lemony taste and is extremely popular in Turkish cuisine.

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8) Cinnamon — Tarçın

Turkish: Tarçın
Pronunciation: tar-chun
Used for: desserts, tea, some rice dishes

Cinnamon in Turkey isn’t only for sweets. It can also appear in savory dishes, especially in Ottoman-style cooking.

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9) Allspice — Yenibahar

Turkish: Yenibahar
Pronunciation: yeh-nee-bah-har
Used for: stuffed vegetables, meat fillings, köfte

Yenibahar is very common in dishes like stuffed peppers or stuffed vine leaves.

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10) Cloves — Karanfil

Turkish: Karanfil
Pronunciation: kah-rahn-feel
Used for: tea, desserts, some meat dishes

Cloves are also used in Turkish tea blends and winter drinks.

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11) Nutmeg — Muskat

Turkish: Muskat
Pronunciation: moos-kat
Used for: béchamel-style sauces, mashed potatoes, modern Turkish cooking

Nutmeg isn’t the most traditional spice in every home, but it’s used often enough to be useful.

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12) Ginger — Zencefil

Turkish: Zencefil
Pronunciation: zen-jeh-feel
Used for: tea, desserts, modern recipes

In Turkey, ginger is especially popular as a warming ingredient in tea.

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13) Turmeric — Zerdeçal

Turkish: Zerdeçal
Pronunciation: zer-deh-chal
Used for: rice, soups, health-focused cooking

Turmeric is widely known and increasingly common.

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14) Curry — Köri

Turkish: Köri
Pronunciation: ker-ee
Used for: modern recipes (not traditional Turkish)

You’ll see köri in supermarkets, but it’s not a classic Turkish staple.

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15) Saffron — Safran

Turkish: Safran
Pronunciation: sah-frahn
Used for: rice dishes, desserts, special recipes

Saffron exists in Turkish cuisine, but it’s typically used in smaller quantities and more special dishes.

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Spices you’ll see constantly in Turkish recipes

If you want the “top 5” essential spices in Turkish, start here:

• Karabiber (black pepper)

• Pul biber (red pepper flakes)

• Kimyon (cumin)

• Sumak (sumac)

• Toz biber (ground red pepper/paprika)

These five will appear again and again on menus and in home cooking.

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Spices vs herbs in Turkish: what’s the difference?

In Turkish, spices and herbs are treated differently:

• Baharatlar = spices

• Otlar / aromatik otlar = herbs

If you also want to learn the most common Turkish herbs (like parsley, mint, dill, thyme, and bay leaf), check out this related guide:

👉 Aromatic Herbs in Turkish: https://speakturkishonline.com/en/aromatic-herbs-in-turkish/

This is a great internal resource to complete your food vocabulary.

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Useful Turkish phrases for buying spices

If you’re shopping in Turkey (especially in bazaars), these phrases help a lot:

• Bu baharat ne?
  “What is this spice?”

• Kimyon var mı?
  “Do you have cumin?”

• Biraz pul biber alabilir miyim?
  “Can I buy some red pepper flakes?”

• Acı mı?
  “Is it spicy?”

• Ne kadar?
  “How much is it?”

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Where to buy spices in Turkey

If you’re traveling, the best places to buy spices are:

• Baharatçı = spice shop

• Pazar = street market

• Kapalıçarşı = Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)

• Aktar = herbal/spice seller (often also sells teas and natural products)

The word aktar is especially useful—these shops are everywhere in Turkey.