Büyük Marketler: Istanbul's Big Supermarket Chains
Büyük marketler — big supermarkets — in Istanbul range from full-size hypermarkets with imported goods to small discount chains found on nearly every corner. Knowing which chain does what makes everyday shopping much easier when you're new to the city.
Migros and CarrefourSA are the closest to a Western-style full supermarket experience, with larger stores, imported products, and online delivery options. ŞOK, A101, and BİM are discount chains with smaller stores, simpler selections, and noticeably lower prices — extremely common across every neighborhood and often the most convenient option for daily basics.
Most neighborhoods have at least one discount chain within a short walk, while the larger Migros or CarrefourSA stores are usually a short bus, metro, or taxi ride away, sometimes inside a shopping mall like Cevahir.
Largest chains
Migros, CarrefourSA, ŞOK, A101, BİM
Best for imported goods
Migros, CarrefourSA
Best for everyday low prices
ŞOK, A101, BİM
Istanbul's Main Supermarket Chains
Migros
- What It's Good For
- Full-size supermarket, wide selection including imported goods, online delivery via the Migros app
CarrefourSA
- What It's Good For
- Similar to Migros — larger stores, often inside malls, good for a bigger weekly shop
ŞOK
- What It's Good For
- Small discount stores, extremely common, good for quick everyday basics
A101
- What It's Good For
- Similar to ŞOK — small, discount-focused, found in nearly every neighborhood
BİM
- What It's Good For
- No-frills discount chain with rotating weekly special items alongside everyday basics
| Chain | What It's Good For |
|---|---|
| Migros | Full-size supermarket, wide selection including imported goods, online delivery via the Migros app |
| CarrefourSA | Similar to Migros — larger stores, often inside malls, good for a bigger weekly shop |
| ŞOK | Small discount stores, extremely common, good for quick everyday basics |
| A101 | Similar to ŞOK — small, discount-focused, found in nearly every neighborhood |
| BİM | No-frills discount chain with rotating weekly special items alongside everyday basics |
Tips for Grocery Shopping in Istanbul
A few things that make everyday shopping easier:
- Discount chains (ŞOK, A101, BİM) don't always take cards for very small purchases — carry some cash as a backup
- Migros and CarrefourSA are the most reliable for imported or specialty items like specific international brands
- Local neighborhood markets (pazar) on set weekdays often have better and cheaper fresh produce than any supermarket chain
- Migros' delivery app is widely used and can save a trip if you're not near a large store
- Prices and selection can vary noticeably even between branches of the same chain, especially between wealthier and more budget neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Longer Stay in Istanbul?
The small everyday logistics — like knowing where to shop — add up fast when you're settling in. Our team can help with the bigger pieces too.
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