Best Turkish Pepper Paste Brands (Biber Salcasi) 2026
If you have ever wondered what gives Turkish stews, kebabs, and breakfast dishes their deep, savory color and gentle warmth, the answer is almost always biber salcasi: Turkish pepper paste. Made from sun-ripened red peppers cooked down into a concentrated, spoonable paste, it is one of the most essential ingredients in any Turkish kitchen. This guide explains what to look for, the difference between mild and hot, and the brands we trust most for an authentic result.
Part of our Ultimate Turkish Pantry guide.
Pepper paste, or biber salcasi, is a thick concentrate made by deseeding red peppers, salting them, and slowly drying and cooking them down until you are left with an intensely flavored, jammy paste. Unlike a fresh sauce, it is meant to be a building block: a spoonful stirred into a pan blooms into a rich base for soups, stews, rice, marinades, and dips. Because so much of the dish's flavor rests on this one ingredient, the brand you choose genuinely shapes the final result.
What makes a great Turkish pepper paste?
A great biber salcasi starts with good peppers and patience. The best pastes are made from ripe red peppers that are sun-dried or slow-cooked rather than rushed, which concentrates natural sweetness and gives that signature deep red color. Look for a clean ingredient list: peppers, salt, and little else. The texture should be thick and spreadable, not watery, and the aroma should be fresh and sweet-savory, not sharp or fermented.
The other key decision is heat level. Turkish pepper paste comes in two main styles: tatli (mild, literally sweet) and aci (hot). Mild paste delivers all the color, body, and savory depth without spiciness, making it the versatile everyday choice. Hot paste adds a warming kick that is wonderful in kebabs, lentil dishes, and anything that benefits from a little fire.
The best Turkish pepper paste brands
Across years of cooking and customer feedback, a few brands consistently rise to the top. Here are the ones we recommend.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is our go-to recommendation for pepper paste that tastes genuinely homemade. The pastes are thick, deeply colored, and full of clean pepper flavor. For most cooking, start with the Cappadocia Premium Mild Pepper Paste 650g, an easy everyday jar. If you like heat, the Cappadocia Premium Hot Pepper Paste 650g brings a satisfying warmth. Cooking for a crowd or batch-prepping? The Cappadocia Mild Pepper Paste 1650g is a smart larger size. And because pepper paste and tomato paste so often work together, the double-concentrated Cappadocia Tomato Paste rounds out the pantry beautifully.
Oncu
Oncu is one of the most recognized pepper paste names in Turkey, known for rich, robust flavor. It is a favorite for cooks who want a bold, traditional taste. We stock the Oncu Hot Pepper Paste 1650g seasonally, so it is worth grabbing when you see it.
Tat
Tat is a long-established Turkish brand trusted in households for generations. Its mild paste offers a balanced, approachable flavor that suits a wide range of dishes. Look for the Tat Extra Quality Mild Pepper Paste in a glass jar when it is in stock.
Moda
Moda rounds out our list as a dependable choice with a clean, classic pepper flavor. The Moda Biber Salcasi 700g is another seasonal option to keep an eye out for.
How to use Turkish pepper paste
Pepper paste is incredibly versatile. A few favorite ways to use it:
- Stews and soups: Fry a spoonful in a little oil at the start of cooking to bloom its flavor, then build your stew on top.
- Menemen and eggs: Stir mild paste into the classic Turkish scrambled-egg dish for color and depth.
- Marinades and kebabs: Mix with olive oil, garlic, and spices to coat chicken, lamb, or vegetables before grilling.
- Rice and bulgur: A small amount adds savory richness and a warm hue.
Once opened, keep the jar refrigerated and smooth the surface flat; a thin film of oil on top helps it keep longer. Explore the full Cappadocia collection for matching pantry staples, browse our pickles and sauces for more flavor builders, and shop our Turkish grocery store online to complete your order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mild and hot pepper paste? Mild (tatli) paste gives color and savory depth with no spice, while hot (aci) paste adds a warming chili kick. Mild is the more versatile everyday choice; hot is great when you want heat.
Is biber salcasi the same as tomato paste? No. Pepper paste is made from red peppers and tastes savory and slightly sweet, while tomato paste is made from tomatoes. They are often used together in Turkish cooking for a fuller flavor base.
How do I store pepper paste after opening? Keep it in the refrigerator, level the surface, and add a thin layer of oil on top to help preserve it. Use a clean spoon each time to keep it fresh.
How much should I use? Start with about one tablespoon per dish and adjust to taste. Because it is concentrated, a little goes a long way.
Bring authentic Turkish flavor to your kitchen. Browse the full Cappadocia collection at TG Gourmet and stock up on the biber salcasi your favorite recipes deserve.