From herbal cheese to kavut (a type of porridge), from the famous Van breakfast to regional meat dishes, this rich cuisine is a discovery in itself for anyone visiting the city. If you're wondering "What to eat in Van?", let's explore the most beloved and unique flavors of Van cuisine together.
What to Eat in Van List
If you want to explore Van not only for its historical and natural beauties but also for its cuisine, the flavors on this list will add a completely different dimension to your trip. With its cheeses made from local herbs, generously portioned tables, and recipes passed down through generations, Van cuisine leaves a lasting impression on the palate. If you're ready to discover Van's famous dishes, let's start with our first culinary destination…Chirish Rice
One of the most unique flavors of Van cuisine, çiriş pilaf is prepared with çiriş herbs collected from the mountains in the spring months. This herb, which has a light leek aroma, becomes both nutritious and very filling when combined with rice and butter. Çiriş pilaf, which is frequently served at the tables of the local people, is among the must-try dishes for those who want to try local flavors in Van.
Kurut Vaccine
Kurut aşı, one of the long-standing and traditional dishes of Van cuisine, is prepared with kurut, which is a dried form of yogurt. Usually cooked with wheat or noodles, this dish is flavored with garlic, butter, and sometimes mint before being served. Both nutritious and filling, kurut aşı is particularly preferred during the winter months and is a must-try dish for those who want to get to know the regional cuisine of Van.
Sengeser Dish
Sengeser, a lesser-known but much-loved regional dish from Van cuisine, takes its name from the sengeser herb that grows in the mountains. This herb, harvested in season, is cooked with onions, tomato paste, and butter, creating a simple yet intensely flavorful dish. Usually prepared at home, sengeser reflects the nature-infused nature of Van cuisine and is a flavor worth discovering for those curious about regional herb dishes.
Murtuğa
Murtuğa, an indispensable part of Van's breakfast culture, is a traditional dish prepared with few ingredients but distinguished by its flavor. Made with flour, butter, and eggs, this dish is particularly preferred for morning meals due to its texture, satisfying portion size, and intense butter aroma. Murtuğa, which comes to mind when thinking of breakfast in Van, is among the must-try dishes for those who want to taste regional flavors firsthand.
Herb Cheese
One of the first flavors that comes to mind when Van is mentioned is herbal cheese, one of the most special tastes that brings the rich nature of the region to the table. Prepared with local herbs such as sirmo, mendi, and heliz, which are collected in the spring months, this cheese takes center stage in Van breakfast with its intense aroma and unique taste.
With its salty texture and long shelf life, this herbal cheese is a favorite of both the locals and those returning from Van, and it's an indispensable delicacy for anyone wanting to get to know Van cuisine.
Van Breakfast
Van breakfast, one of Türkiye's most famous breakfast tables, is almost a ritual with its rich content and sharing culture. Bringing together many regional delicacies from herb cheese to murtuğa (a type of porridge), kavut (a type of porridge) to honey and clotted cream, this breakfast is a symbol of enjoyable meals spent sitting around the table for a long time. Served with fresh tandoor bread and strong tea, Van breakfast promises a delicious start to the day and is a must-experience for everyone visiting Van.
Tandoori Fish
Tandoor fish, prepared by cooking pearl mullet, unique to Lake Van, in a tandoor oven, stands out as one of the city's most special regional delicacies. Cooked slowly over a wood fire, the fish is notable for its crispy exterior and tender interior. Especially popular during periods when pearl mullet is abundant, tandoor fish is a must-try for those who want to experience both the lake culture and local cuisine in Van.
Kurdish Meatballs
Kurdish meatballs, frequently made in and around Van, are a regional dish that is both filling and delicious thanks to its bulgur-based composition. Prepared with fine bulgur, onions, and various spices, the meatballs are usually cooked and served in a tomato-based sauce. A staple of home cooking, Kurdish meatballs are a must-try for those who want to experience the simple yet distinctive flavors of Van cuisine.
Kavut
Kavut, one of the oldest and most traditional delicacies of Van cuisine, is prepared with roasted flour and butter. Sometimes consumed sweetened with sugar or honey, and sometimes plain, kavut is an indispensable part of Van breakfast tables. Distinguished by its filling texture and intense aroma, this special dish reflects the simplicity and long-standing traditions of Van's regional cuisine.
Keledoş
Keledoş, a dish frequently made in and around Van, is a highly nutritious regional dish combining legumes, local herbs, and meat. Typically prepared with green lentils, chickpeas, roasted meat, and herbs unique to the region, keledoş is completed with a drizzle of butter and garlic yogurt. With its filling nature and rich ingredients, keledoş is a popular choice, especially for large gatherings, and is among the most characteristic and long-standing flavors of Van cuisine.