1 piece (medium) of Kandil Simidi (25 g) has 118 calories. That works out to 470 calories per 100 g. It contains 15 g of carbs, 2.3 g of protein, 5 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber. Its 105 mg of Sodium covers 5% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

What is Kandil Simidi?

Kandil Simidi is a sesame-covered ring pastry from Turkey, traditionally made for kandil nights, significant evenings in the Islamic calendar. Its dough is shaped into small rings and baked until golden; recipes often use flour, fat and fragrant additions such as mahleb. The result is usually crisp on the outside, with a delicate, sometimes slightly tender centre, and a distinctly toasted sesame flavour.

In Turkey, people share it with neighbours and family on kandil nights, and enjoy it at other times with tea. It is more savoury than sweet, making it an easy accompaniment to a hot drink or a small snack between meals. Kandil Simidi is relatively energy-dense, with 470 calories per 100 g, so one ring alongside fruit or yoghurt can make a more filling, balanced snack.

Kandil Simidi Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

470

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

60g

· 22% DV

Protein

· 18% DV

Fat

20g

· 26% DV

Fiber

3.5g

· 13% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 53% · Protein 8% · Fat 39%

Kandil Simidi Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

0.18mg · 15% DV

2.1mg · 13% DV

0.13mg · 10% DV

Biotin

2.5µg · 8% DV

Minerals

Selenium

11µg · 20% DV

Sodium

420mg · 18% DV

Phosphorus

120mg · 17% DV

Calcium

110mg · 11% DV

How Nutritious Is Kandil Simidi?

Nutrient density

Low

20/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

31/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Kandil Simidi Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

High

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Kandil Simidi

To burn the 470 calories in 100 g:

🚶

116min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

48min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

64min

Cycling

🏊

55min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Kandil Simidi Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Kandil Simidi Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy free

Eggs yes

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame yes

Which Diets Is Kandil Simidi Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Kandil Simidi Fat Profile

SATURATED

4.5g

MONOUNSATURATED

8.5g

POLYUNSATURATED

6.5g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 15.8:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (15.8:1).

Compare Kandil Simidi

🥨vs🍚

Kandil Simidi vs Bulgur Pilaf350 kcal more per 100 g

→🥨vs🍝

Kandil Simidi vs Whole wheat pasta346 kcal more per 100 g

→🥨vs🥖

Kandil Simidi vs Breadstick60 kcal more per 100 g

→🥨vs🥯

Kandil Simidi vs Simit130 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Kandil Simidi

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Kandil Simidi

What is Kandil Simidi?

Kandil Simidi is a small, usually sesame-coated Turkish ring pastry traditionally shared on kandil religious nights. It is baked rather than boiled like many bagels, and its texture is often crisp or crumbly.

Why do people give Kandil Simidi to neighbours?

People share Kandil Simidi as a gesture of generosity and togetherness on kandil nights. Families may bake it at home or buy it from a bakery, then offer it to neighbours, visitors, and relatives.

How is Kandil Simidi different from Turkish simit?

Kandil Simidi is typically smaller, more crumbly, and richer than the chewy, bread-like Turkish simit sold as a breakfast staple. It is usually coated with sesame and baked as a short pastry, without the familiar molasses-water dip used for many simits.

What does Kandil Simidi taste like?

Kandil Simidi has a savoury, buttery or olive-oil-rich flavour, with toasted sesame on the outside. Some recipes include mahlep, which gives the pastry a distinctive fragrant, slightly cherry-like aroma; others keep the flavour simple.

How do you make Kandil Simidi at home?

To make Kandil Simidi, mix flour with fat, egg, salt, and the recipe’s other wet ingredients, then shape the dough into small rings. Brush the rings with egg, coat them in sesame seeds, and bake until golden.

Can Kandil Simidi be made without mahlep?

Yes, Kandil Simidi can be made without mahlep. Mahlep adds a characteristic aroma but is not essential to the pastry’s shape or sesame coating, so you can leave it out and still make a traditional-style ring.

What is Kandil Simidi usually served with?

Kandil Simidi is commonly served on its own as a savoury snack, alongside tea, or as part of a shared plate of pastries. In Turkey, it is especially associated with offering guests something to eat during kandil visits.

How should you store Kandil Simidi to keep it crisp?

Store Kandil Simidi only after it has cooled completely, in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Moisture softens the pastry, so avoid leaving it uncovered; a brief warming in the oven can refresh pieces that have lost their crispness.

Can you freeze Kandil Simidi?

Yes, baked Kandil Simidi freezes well once fully cooled. Pack it airtight to protect it from freezer moisture, thaw it at room temperature, and warm it briefly in the oven if you want to restore a crisper texture.

Is Kandil Simidi a good snack for people with diabetes?

Kandil Simidi is made with flour, so its carbohydrates can raise blood glucose. People managing diabetes should account for the portion in their meal plan; a dietitian can help fit it into an individual plan.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026