Food and grocery delivery in Turkey: how online shopping works for everyday life
How to order food and groceries in Turkey without knowing Turkish - and how convenient is it for everyday life? This is the question on everyone's mind who is planning a move, buying real estate or a long-term stay in the country. Modern Turkey offers a developed online delivery ecosystem that has become an integral part of the city's infrastructure - official documents from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism also speak about this.
The food delivery system in Turkey is a high-tech ecosystem that unites restaurants, supermarkets and specialized platforms through unified mobile applications. Modern services provide delivery within 15-30 minutes, which makes them an indispensable element of urban infrastructure for a comfortable life.
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Order food from restaurants: Getir, Yemeksepeti and Trendyol Yemek
Is it possible to order food in Turkey as fast as in Europe or Dubai? Turkish food delivery services are not only as fast as international standards, but often surpass them in terms of speed and variety of offerings.
Getir: the king of ultra-fast delivery
Getir is a Turkish unicorn that has gained international recognition for its ultra-fast delivery concept. The app works around the clock in major cities, delivering ready-to-eat meals in 10-20 minutes. The interface is available in English, making the service as convenient as possible for foreigners.
Yemeksepeti: the leader in restaurant selection
Yemeksepeti remains the market leader in terms of partner restaurants. The platform offers a huge selection - from traditional Turkish establishments to international fast food chains. The service features detailed user reviews and a rating system to help you choose quality establishments.
Trendyol Yemek: favorable promotions and bonuses
Trendyol Yemek actively competes for the market, offering profitable promotions and loyalty programs. The service is integrated with the main Trendyol ecosystem, which allows you to accumulate bonuses when ordering food and goods.
Popular dishes and delivery times
The most popular orders include traditional kebabs, pide, lahmajun, as well as international cuisine such as pizza, burgers, sushi and coffee from specialty coffee shops. The average delivery time is 25-40 minutes depending on the neighborhood and traffic congestion.
All major applications support payment with international cards, which solves the main problem of new residents. The only limitation is the binding to a specific delivery address, as the availability of restaurants depends on geographical location.
Delivery from supermarkets: Migros, CarrefourSA, A101, Şok, Macrocenter
Is it even necessary to go to the store when everything can be ordered at home? Major Turkish retailers have long since gone online, offering a complete substitute for going to the supermarket.
Migros Sanal Market: the flagship of online retailing
Migros Sanal Market is the flagship of online retail in Turkey. The chain offers delivery of almost the entire range of stationary stores: from fresh produce to home appliances. A special feature is the ability to select specific fruits and vegetables based on photos, as well as order ready-to-eat meals from the specialty cookery.
CarrefourSA: imported goods and European brands
CarrefourSA competes with a wide range of imported goods and European brands. The service is particularly popular with expats due to the availability of familiar Western products and cosmetics. The delivery system covers all major cities and resort areas.
A101 and Şok: budget alternatives
Discounters A101 and Şok offer budget alternatives with fast delivery of basic goods. These chains are ideal for regular shopping - milk, bread, canned goods, household chemicals. The minimum order amount is usually 50-100 liras.
Macrocenter: wholesale shopping for families
Macrocenter specializes in bulk purchases and is suitable for large families or extended stays. The chain offers significant discounts when purchasing goods in large packages.
Regional differences in delivery
The online shopping experience differs significantly by city. In Istanbul and Antalya , all services are available with delivery within 2-4 hours. In Alanya, Mersin and other medium-sized cities, the choice is limited to 2-3 major chains and delivery times increase to 6-12 hours. In small coastal towns online delivery may be completely absent.
Ready to evaluate a property in an area with a strong delivery infrastructure? Contact our experts to find the best housing options.
Online platforms and marketplaces: Hepsiburada Market, Trendyol Market
What if you want everything from shampoo to almonds? Turkish marketplaces have developed separate FMCG destinations, combining store logistics with courier delivery.
Hepsiburada Market is a section of Turkish Amazon specializing in food and home goods. The platform aggregates offers from hundreds of local suppliers, providing competitive prices and a wide selection. A special feature is the ability to order rare imported products that are difficult to find in regular supermarkets.
Trendyol Market actively expands the range of food products by offering integration with the main product catalog. This allows you to combine groceries, clothing, electronics and cosmetics in one order. The Trendyol Elite loyalty system provides free delivery for orders of 150 liras or more.
Marketplaces regularly hold large-scale promotions - "Flash Sale", "Haftanın Fırsatları" (Offers of the Week), seasonal sales. Discounts can reach 50-70% on popular products, which makes online shopping much more profitable than traditional shopping.
Registration on the platforms is maximally simplified - it is enough to specify your phone number and e-mail address. Delivery is carried out throughout Turkey, including remote regions, which is especially convenient for property owners in resort areas.
New residents and investors especially appreciate marketplaces for the opportunity to "equip" an apartment or house remotely - order everything you need before arrival or during the first days of your stay.
What is important for foreigners to know: interfaces, language, payment methods
Is it possible to order food without knowing Turkish and a local bank card? Turkish delivery services are adapted for an international audience, but there are nuances to consider.
Solving the language barrier
The is solved in several ways. All major apps (Getir, Yemeksepeti, Migros, Trendyol) have English versions of the interface. For less popular services, you can use the built-in Google Translate translator, which works in real time through the smartphone camera.
Payment methods for foreigners
Payment by foreign cards is supported by most services, but technical difficulties may arise. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted, American Express - limited. In case of problems with online payment, a "cash to courier" option is always available, which is especially convenient in the first weeks of stay.
Turkish banking apps
Turkish banking apps(İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA, Yapı Kredi) offer integrated delivery payment solutions. After getting a local bank card, it is recommended to connect mobile banking - it makes all online purchases much easier.
Features of registration by address
Registering by address is key. Turkish services require an accurate indication of the address with the number of the apartment and floor. The format is Mahalle (neighborhood), Sokak (street), Bina No (house number), Kat (floor), Daire No (apartment number). When staying in a hotel, you can give the hotel address with the room number.
Useful tips for your first order
Tips for your first order: start with popular chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks) through Yemeksepeti - they have standardized menus and high quality service. Avoid ordering during peak hours (19:00-21:00) - delivery can be delayed by 1-2 hours. Always check the minimum order amount and delivery cost before placing an order.
Regional peculiarities and availability of services
Is food delivery service available in all areas of Turkey? The geography of delivery services directly correlates with the population density and purchasing power of the regions.
Megacities: maximum service coverage
Themaximum service coverage is observed in megacities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir. All major platforms with 24/7 delivery, the widest choice of restaurants and the shortest delivery times are operating here. In Istanbul, some districts (Beşiktaş, Şişli, Kadıköy) are served by dozens of courier services simultaneously.
Tourist centers: seasonal variations
Tourist centers - Antalya, Bodrum, Kusadasi - have a developed delivery infrastructure in season (April-October), but in winter the choice of services is reduced by 40-60%. This is due to population migration and closure of many restaurants in the off-season.
Mid-sized cities: limited choice
Medium-sized cities (Bursa, Adana, Gaziantep, Konya) are served by 2-3 main platforms with a limited choice of restaurants. Delivery is usually open until 23:00 and many establishments do not take orders on Sunday.
Coastal resorts: selective coverage
Thecoastal resorts have a mosaic map of coverage. Alanya and Mahmutlar are well served by high concentrations of permanent residents and tourists. Konyaalti in Antalya has excellent coverage of all services. Lara is developing as a premium neighborhood with an appropriate level of delivery services.
Benchmark districts in terms of delivery quality
The districts of Güzeloba and Hurma in Antalya are considered to be benchmarks in terms of delivery infrastructure quality - all services operate here with minimal time delays. This makes these locations particularly attractive for buying real estate.
Rural regions and remote resorts (Kaş, Oludeniz, Patara) have limited delivery options. Often there is only one local service with delivery 1-2 times a day by appointment.
Comparison of prices and delivery times: from fast food to the basic basket
Is it expensive to order groceries and ready meals in Turkey? The cost of online delivery varies widely depending on the type of order, region and service chosen.
Cost of ready-to-eat food from restaurants
Prepared food from restaurants:
- Fast food (McDonald's, Burger King): 45-80 liras for a set lunch
- Traditional Turkish cuisine: 30-60 liras for a main course
- Pizza: 40-120 liras depending on size and toppings
- Coffee and desserts: 15-35 liras per drink, 20-50 liras per dessert
Prices for food from supermarkets
Delivery from supermarkets:
- Basic grocery basket (bread, milk, eggs, vegetables): 150-250 liras
- A week's supply for a family of 2: 800-1200 liras
- Imported and premium goods are 30-50% more expensive than their offline counterparts
Delivery tariffs
Delivery rates:
- Getir: free with an order of 30 liras or more, otherwise 4.99 liras
- Yemeksepeti: 3-8 liras depending on distance
- Migros: free of charge from 150 liras, otherwise 9,99 liras
- Supermarkets A101, Şok: fixed rate 7.99 liras
Loyalty programs and savings
Loyalty programs significantly reduce the final cost:
- Yemeksepeti Plus: free delivery and discounts of up to 25%
- Trendyol Elite: free shipping and 5% cashback
- Migros Money: bonus accumulation and personalized discounts
Cost-effectiveness analysis
A comparative analysis shows that constant living "on delivery" is 20-40% more expensive than traditional trips to stores. However, time savings and convenience often compensate for the additional costs, especially for working people and families with children.
The optimal strategy is to combine online ordering of basic items (1-2 times a week) with delivery of ready-to-eat meals as needed. This provides a reasonable balance between convenience and savings.
Convenience for living and the impact on housing choice
When buying a condo, should you consider whether delivery services operate in the neighborhood? Today's real estate buyers are increasingly including the quality of delivery services in their list of home selection criteria.
Delivery infrastructure has become an integral part of urban planning. Districts with developed logistics have higher investment potential and real estate liquidity. This is especially relevant for investors considering renting apartments to expats and digital nomads.
Online delivery as a comfort factor is becoming critical for certain categories of buyers: retirees, families with young children, freelancers working from home. Lack of quality services can be a decisive factor in refusing to buy.
Top areas for the development of delivery services:
Istanbul: Beşiktaş, Şişli, Kadıköy, Nişantaşı - all possible platforms with 15-30 minutes delivery work here. These areas have a premium status in the real estate market.
Antalya: Konyaalti, Lara, city center provide a full range of services. Real estate investments in these areas show steady growth.
Izmir: Alsanjak, Kordon, Balcova are neighborhoods with European lifestyle and appropriate delivery infrastructure.
Recommendations for evaluating neighborhood logistics:
- Check the availability of all major applications at a particular address
- Assess the density of restaurants and stores within a 2-3 km radius
- Study feedback on delivery speeds at different times of the day
- Consider seasonal variations (especially relevant for resort areas)
Areas requiring special attention: new buildings on the outskirts of large cities may have limited delivery service coverage. Before buying, it is recommended to test the availability of major platforms and clarify infrastructure plans with the developer.
Tips on choosing an app and ordering style
How to save money on delivery and make online shopping a habit? Effective use of delivery services requires an understanding of their features and optimal ordering strategies.
A comparison of loyalty programs:
Yemeksepeti Plus (14,99 liras/month) - optimal for frequent orders of ready-to-eat food. Includes free delivery, discounts of up to 25% and priority order processing.
Getir Üyelik - free program with points accumulation and personalized offers. Suitable for regular grocery and fast food purchases.
Trendyol Elite (9.99 liras/month) is a universal solution for combined purchases. Covers delivery of food, groceries and all Marketplace products.
Optimal time for orders:
- Morning (8:00-11:00am): minimal lines, fast grocery delivery
- Day (12:00-14:00): peak time for business lunches, delays are possible
- Evening (17:00-19:00): optimal time for family dinners
- Late evening (22:00-00:00): limited selection but minimal queues
Weekends are characterized by increased demand and longer delivery times by 30-50%. It is recommended to schedule large grocery orders for weekdays.
Efficient ordering techniques:
- Auto-fill shopping carts - save frequent order templates to save time
- Group orders - combine purchases with neighbors to reach the minimum free shipping amount
- Monitoring promotions - sign up for notifications of discounts and special offers
- Seasonal planning - stock up on non-perishable items during big sales
Service Specialties:
- Prepared food: Yemeksepeti for variety, Getir for speed
- Groceries and household goods: Migros for quality, Trendyol for price
- Emergency shopping: Getirfor 24/7
- Large purchases: Macrocenter and wholesale platforms
What's the right choice for you?
Restaurant food, market or marketplace - what suits your lifestyle? Choosing the best online shopping strategy depends on your individual needs and lifestyle.
For families with children, it is ideal to combine weekly grocery orders through Migros with occasional delivery of ready-to-eat food through Yemeksepeti. This provides nutritional stability and saves time on cooking.
Freelancers and digital nomads will appreciate the speed of Getir for daily needs and the variety of restaurants on Yemeksepeti for a change of scenery. Schedule flexibility allows for ordering during off-peak hours with minimal delays.
Investors and property owners should consider the sophistication of delivery services as a factor in investment attractiveness. Neighborhoods with full coverage of all platforms have higher potential for value growth and rental demand.
Retirees and people with limited mobility will find online delivery an indispensable assistant. Regularly ordering basic groceries through supermarkets greatly simplifies daily life.
Summary by service type:
- Quick snacks and drinks: Getir (speed) or BiTaksi Market (24/7)
- Family dinners: Yemeksepeti (choice) or Trendyol Yemek (promotions)
- Weekly shopping: Migros (quality) or CarrefourSA (imports)
- All in one order: Trendyol Market or Hepsiburada Market
Modern Turkey offers a level of online delivery convenience comparable to the world's leading capitals. Food delivery in Turkey has become not just a service, but a way of life that greatly enhances the quality of life for locals and foreigners alike.
When choosing real estate, be sure to consider the development of delivery infrastructure - it is an investment in your comfort and future liquidity of the asset. The modern buyer appreciates not only a beautiful view from the window, but also the opportunity to get any goods and services literally without leaving home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do food delivery services in Turkey work in English? Yes, all major platforms (Getir, Yemeksepeti, Trendyol, Migros) have full English versions of the interface. For other applications you can use the automatic translator Google Translate.
2. Can I pay for orders with a foreign bank card? Most services accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. If there are any problems, cash payment to the courier upon receipt of the order is always available.
3. What is the minimum order amount for free delivery? Getir - from 30 liras, Yemeksepeti - varies by restaurant (usually 25-50 liras), Migros - from 150 liras, discounters A101/Şok - from 50-75 liras.
4. Does food delivery work in small Turkish cities? In cities with a population over 100,000 people there are usually 1-2 main services. In resort areas the availability depends on the season - in summer the choice is much wider.
5. How long does it take to deliver ready-to-eat food? In large cities: 15-45 minutes depending on the neighborhood and time of day. In smaller cities: 30-60 minutes. Getir promises delivery in 10 minutes in central areas of megacities.
6. Is it safe to order groceries online in Turkey? Yes, all major chains adhere to food safety standards. Couriers use thermal bags and perishable goods are delivered in refrigerated containers.
7. Can I order alcohol through delivery apps? Yes, most supermarkets (Migros, CarrefourSA) deliver alcoholic beverages. Restrictions: only to persons over 18 years of age, no later than 22:00, upon presentation of documents to the courier.
8. Which Istanbul neighborhoods have the best delivery service coverage? European side: Beşiktaş, Şişli, Nişantaşı, Taksim. Asian
9. Do I need Turkish citizenship or IIN to use the delivery services? No, it is possible to register in the apps without Turkish citizenship. Phone number (including foreign numbers if supported) and delivery address are sufficient. Some services ask you to enter TR IIN (TCKN) only for purchasing alcohol or prescription goods.
10. Is there support in English if there are problems with the order? Yes, major services (Getir, Yemeksepeti, Trendyol) have English-language support via chat or email. However, the language level of operators may vary. You can also use the built-in translators in your browser or Google Translate when communicating.
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