Supermarkets in Turkey 2026: A Guide for Expats and Newcomers

Once you move to Turkey, the supermarket quickly becomes part of your daily routine. This guide explains the main supermarket chains in Turkey, from discount stores to premium markets, how online grocery delivery works and how shopping fits into everyday life in Istanbul. If you are planning a move, it also shows which neighbourhoods give you the easiest access to the shops you will use most.

Moving to Istanbul? See where international buyers live and browse property for sale in Istanbul by district, or read our guide to the best areas in Istanbul.

Discount Supermarkets in Turkey

Discount chains have small stores on almost every street. They focus on everyday essentials and own-label products, and they change part of their range every week with special offers.

BIM

One of the most widespread discount chains in Turkey, with thousands of stores nationwide. Prices are low, many products are own-label and the weekly special offers, often including household goods and electronics, are well known.

A101

BIM's main discount rival, with a very large store network and its own weekly campaigns.

SOK

A discount chain at a similar price level to BIM and A101, with a slightly wider range of branded products.

Mid-Range Supermarkets

Migros

Turkey's best-known supermarket brand. Store sizes are shown by the number of Ms on the sign, from small neighbourhood shops to large hypermarkets. Migros also has a strong loyalty programme and online delivery.

CarrefourSA

The Turkish partner of Carrefour, with neighbourhood stores and larger hypermarkets in shopping centres.

Hakmar Express

A smaller chain found mainly in Istanbul neighbourhoods, convenient for daily top-up shopping.

Premium Supermarkets

Premium markets offer imported products, a wider deli and organic range and a more relaxed shopping experience. You will find them most easily in established central districts and in the shopping centres of newer residential areas.

Macrocenter

The premium store format of the Migros group, popular with expats for imported and specialty products. Macrocenter stores are concentrated in upmarket areas such as Beşiktaş, Sarıyer, Kadıköy and Ataşehir.

Mopaş

A regional chain with a mid-to-premium range, known for fresh food counters.

Boyner Marketim

Supermarket sections inside some Boyner department stores.

Online Grocery Delivery

Online grocery shopping is widely used in Istanbul, especially in central districts.

• Getir: fast delivery from small local warehouses, plus larger weekly orders.
• Trendyol Go: quick grocery and restaurant delivery within the Trendyol app.
• Migros Sanal Market and Migros Hemen: scheduled weekly delivery and express orders from Migros.

Delivery coverage and speed depend on your neighbourhood, which is one more reason to choose your area carefully when you move.

Open Markets (Pazar)

Beyond supermarkets, neighbourhood open markets are usually the freshest and most economical option for fruit, vegetables, cheese and olives. Each neighbourhood has its market on a fixed day of the week, so locals often plan their weekly shopping around it. Read more about local food in our guide to Turkish cuisine.

How Supermarket Prices Compare

Discount chains (BIM, A101, SOK) are generally the cheapest, mid-range supermarkets (Migros, CarrefourSA) sit in the middle and premium markets (Macrocenter) are the most expensive. Open markets are usually the best value for fresh produce. Prices in Turkey change frequently, so compare current offers in the apps before you shop.

Everyday Living Costs in Istanbul

Groceries are only one part of your monthly budget. When you plan a move to Istanbul, also consider:

• Housing: rent or, if you buy, the building's monthly maintenance fee (aidat), which depends on the facilities of the project.
• Utilities: electricity, natural gas, water and internet.
• Transport: metro, Marmaray, ferries and buses with the Istanbulkart. See our public transport guide.
• Property costs for owners: annual property tax, insurance and maintenance, explained in our guide to the annual costs of owning property in Turkey.

Where to Live in Istanbul for Easy Daily Shopping

• Central and walkable: Beşiktaş, Şişli and Kadıköy have supermarkets, open markets and delivery services within a few minutes.
• Family compounds with shopping nearby: Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü and Ataşehir combine newer residential projects with large shopping centres.
• Near transport: homes close to metro stations make daily errands easier. See buying property near metro stations.

Compare the two sides of the city in our guide to the European vs Asian side of Istanbul.

Planning a Move to Istanbul?

Bigist Invest helps international buyers find homes in neighbourhoods that suit their daily life, from central apartments to family compounds. Browse property for sale in Istanbul or contact us for a free consultation.