Kaak bi Simsim
The iconic Beirut street bread: oval sesame rings, lightly crisp outside and chewy within, sold by cart vendors and eaten warm with thyme oil or white cheese. One of the great street foods of the Arab world.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 250 ml Warm water
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Anise seeds (yansoon)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large, beaten (for egg wash) Egg
- 200 g White sesame seeds
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, and anise seeds in a large bowl.
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 10 minutes until smooth and slightly firm — slightly stiffer than regular bread dough.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 30cm rope, slightly tapering at the ends.
- Form each rope into an oval ring, pressing the ends firmly together. Place on baking sheet.
- Brush generously with beaten egg wash. Immediately press into a plate of sesame seeds — coat all surfaces heavily.
- Return to baking sheet. Let rest 15 minutes.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until golden-brown all over. Serve warm.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kaak bi Simsim?
The iconic Beirut street bread: oval sesame rings, lightly crisp outside and chewy within, sold by cart vendors and eaten warm with thyme oil or white cheese. One of the great street foods of the Arab world.
Where is Kaak bi Simsim from?
Kaak bi Simsim comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Kaak bi Simsim vegetarian?
As written, Kaak bi Simsim contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of anise seeds (yansoon) in Kaak bi Simsim?
The anise seeds (yansoon) called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Kaak bi Simsim its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Kaak bi Simsim?
In a Lebanese breads spread, Kaak bi Simsim is served warm — with dips like hummus, labneh, or za'atar and olive oil, or alongside any main dish.
Can I make Kaak bi Simsim ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Breads are best fresh and warm. If you make this ahead, let it cool completely, store it in an airtight bag or container, and gently rewarm before serving. Many flatbreads also freeze well.