In big cities like Istanbul, many supermarket chains are popular among both locals and tourists.
Here, we introduce five commonly used supermarkets from a resident’s perspective, plus one premium option.
Quick Guide: Choosing by Your Needs
| Situation | Recommended Supermarkets |
|---|---|
| Want high quality & imports | Macrocenter, CarrefourSA Gurme |
| Need something close by | ŞOK, BİM, A101 |
| Want fresh food & bakery | Migros, ŞOK |
| Love checking special deals | A101 (weekly leaflets) |
| Want to buy alcohol | Migros, Macrocenter, CarrefourSA |
Migros: A Classic, Nationwide Favorite
- Store types: M, MM, MMM (by size)
- Features: Wide range of imported products; in-store fresh bread and pizza
- Membership: “Money Club” gives discounts
▶ You can sign up at the store or via app, even with a foreign phone number.
▶ Points (Money) can be exchanged for Turkish Airlines miles, but the app can be buggy.
Macrocenter: Premium Ingredients & Imported Goods
- Features: Rich selection of Western-style wines, cheeses, and sweets
- Membership: Uses the same “Money Club” as Migros
▶ Mostly in upscale urban areas or tourist spots; great for a “treat-yourself” shopping experience.
CarrefourSA: French-Turkish Joint Venture
CarrefourSA offers a wide variety of products, from food to electronics and clothes, with good quality.
- Store types: Hyper, Super, Express, Gurme (by size and style)
- Membership: “CarrefourSA Kart” for discounts and points
▶ Easy to register even without the app; many stores nationwide.
ŞOK: Budget-Friendly for Everyday Needs
Look for the bright yellow and red design.
ŞOK sells cheap fresh foods and daily necessities, with many house brands like Mis and Piyale.
- Features: “Everyday low price” strategy; known for fresh vegetables
- Stores: Common in residential areas; great for quick shopping
▶ Many locals even go just for vegetables. You can also find brand-name items at lower prices.
BİM: Turkey’s Largest Discount Supermarket
Known for its red and blue design.
BİM focuses on fewer items to cut costs, following a “hard discount” model.
- Features: Strong private-label lineup (like Dost milk and cheese), trusted for quality
- Stores: Simple design and efficient operation
▶ Not “cheap and bad,” but “cheap and reliable,” which has earned long-term trust.
A101: Fun to Hunt for Bargains!
Spot the turquoise blue sign!
A101 is full of nuts, local snacks, and cheap home goods.
- Features: Weekly “Aldın Aldın” sales are a highlight
- Private brands: Birşah (dairy), Çerezya (nuts), Veronica (household items)
▶ No membership needed; everyone gets the same prices. Many people enjoy browsing the flyers for deals.
Store Hours & Alcohol Rules
Store hours vary, but many open around 8 AM. Discount stores like ŞOK, BİM, and A101 often close at 8 or 9 PM.
Migros, CarrefourSA, and Macrocenter usually stay open until 10 PM.
HocamNote: In Turkey, alcohol sales in supermarkets and stores are banned between 10 PM and 6 AM (except in licensed restaurants).
Rules are stricter outside big cities, so be careful when planning to buy alcohol!