Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Erzurum, Turkey

1. Horse Meat Stew (Ağıllı Kebap)

Delicious stew made from horse meat simmered in a tomato-based sauce, served with rice. A must-try for adventurous eaters.

Unique Ingredient: One of the few places where horse meat is used as a primary ingredient.
Regional Specialty: A traditional dish specific to Erzurum and its surrounding regions.
Authentic Experience: Tasting this dish offers a glimpse into the local culture and culinary history.

Layered pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and herbs. A popular breakfast or snack option.

Traditional Pastry: A traditional Turkish böreği with a unique twist using local ingredients.
Regional Variation: Differs slightly from other regions' börek recipes due to the use of Erzurum-grown spinach and cheese.
Versatile Snack: Can be found throughout the day, making it an ideal choice for travelers on-the-go.

Spicy meatballs served with a garlicky yogurt sauce. A hearty and flavorful dish.

Spicy Meatballs: The unique combination of spices sets these meatballs apart from other Turkish kofte recipes.
Historic Location: Originates from Karahisar, a historic district in Erzurum with numerous attractions.
Cultural Significance: Represents the fusion of local and Ottoman culinary traditions.

Dough filled with ground lamb, onions, and spices, deep-fried, and served with a tangy yogurt sauce.

Regional Delicacy: A unique pastry found only in Erzurum and its neighboring provinces.
Deep-Fried Treat: Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside.
Cultural Connection: Traditionally prepared for special occasions and holidays.

Raw meatballs made from minced lamb, bulgur, onions, and spices. Served with a garlic-yogurt sauce.

Raw Meat Delicacy: A unique culinary experience, as the meatballs are not cooked before serving.
Cultural Significance: An ancient recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Regional Specialty: One of the few places where this raw meatball dish is still popular.

Toasted bread topped with local cheese, butter, and honey. A sweet-savory combination perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Unique Combination: The blend of sweet honey with savory local cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
Local Cheese: Made using milk from the local Kackar Mountain goats.
Quick Snack Option: Easy to find and enjoy on-the-go, making it ideal for travelers.

Vine leaves stuffed with rice, meat, and herbs. A traditional dish with a tangy flavor.

Regional Specialty: A unique variation of sarma found only in Erzurum.
Tangy Vine Leaves: The vine leaves are first pickled, giving the dish a distinct taste.
Cultural Significance: Traditionally prepared for special events and holidays.

Lamb or beef cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Served with fresh bread.

Regional Specialty: A traditional dish prepared using local ingredients.
Hearty Meal Option: Perfect for travelers seeking a warm, filling meal.
Versatile Side Dish: Can be found as a side dish in many restaurants throughout Erzurum.

Ravioli-like dumplings filled with spiced meat, served with a garlicky yogurt sauce.

Regional Variation: Different from other mantı recipes due to the use of Erzurum-specific ingredients.
Cultural Significance: An ancient dish that has been passed down through generations.
Versatile Snack: Can be found throughout the day, making it an ideal choice for travelers on-the-go.

Grilled meat cubes served with a variety of vegetables and seasonings. A hearty and flavorful dish.

Regional Specialty: A unique variation of kebap found only in Erzurum.
Hearty Meal Option: Perfect for travelers seeking a warm, filling meal.
Versatile Side Dish: Can be found as a side dish in many restaurants throughout Erzurum.

A sweet dessert made from ground wheat, sugar, and water. Often flavored with rosewater or mastic.

Traditional Dessert: A traditional Turkish dessert with a unique twist using local ingredients.
Versatile Flavors: Available in various flavors such as rosewater or mastic.
Cultural Significance: Helva is often prepared and shared during special occasions and holidays.

A Turkish-style kebap made from lamb or chicken, cooked on a vertical spit. Served with fresh bread and vegetables.

Regional Variation: Different from other döner recipes due to the use of local ingredients.
Versatile Meal Option: Can be found throughout Erzurum, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
Cultural Significance: A beloved street food in Turkey and an integral part of the local culture.

Thin, unleavened flatbread filled with cheese, spinach, or other ingredients. Cooked on a hot plate.

Traditional Pastry: A traditional Turkish pastry with a unique twist using local ingredients.
Versatile Snack Option: Available in various fillings, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
Cultural Significance: Gözleme is often prepared and shared during special occasions and holidays.

A sweet pastry made from shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sugar syrup. Served with clotted cream.

Traditional Dessert: A traditional Turkish dessert with a unique twist using local ingredients.
Versatile Pastry: Offers a variety of fillings, making it an ideal choice for travelers with different tastes.
Cultural Significance: Künefe is often prepared and shared during special occasions and holidays.

A refreshing salad made from lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Served with a garlic-yogurt dressing.

Traditional Side Dish: A traditional Turkish side dish with a unique twist using local ingredients.
Versatile Salad Option: Can be found throughout Erzurum, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
Cultural Significance: Gözleme salad is often served alongside other traditional dishes in Turkish cuisine.