The city welcomes visitors with its unique culinary culture. From cağ kebab to tandır meat, kesim soup to kadayıf (a type of flatbread), these delicacies bring Erzurum's cultural richness to your table. For those wondering what to eat in Erzurum, this guide will explore the city's most famous flavors, must-try restaurants, and local specialties.
What to Eat in Erzurum List
If you are planning to come to Erzurum by purchasing a flight or bus ticket, be prepared for both easy transportation and a delicious taste discovery.Cağ Kebab
It's practically impossible to visit Erzurum without trying Cağ Kebabı. This special kebab is prepared by grilling lamb over a wood fire and roasting it on horizontal skewers, served in thin slices. Served with fresh lavash bread, onions, and sumac, Cağ Kebabı offers a satisfying and unforgettable experience.
The restaurants in the city center, and especially the Cağ Kebab restaurants, are ideal spots for those looking to sample this unique flavor. If you're arriving in Erzurum by plane or bus, we recommend setting aside at least one meal to try this delicacy.
Stuffed Kadayif
When you think of Erzurum, one of the first desserts that comes to mind is Kadayıf Dolması (Stuffed Kadayif). This dessert, made by stuffing thin, wire-wrapped kadayif with walnuts and drizzling with syrup, offers a light yet incredibly delicious experience. A must-try, especially at tea time or after a meal, Kadayıf Dolması reflects the city's unique culinary culture.
If you are coming to Erzurum with a plane ticket or bus ticket, a freshly prepared Kadayif Dolma from the local patisserie should be on your must-try list.
Stuffed Cheese
One of the most beloved dishes of Erzurum cuisine is stuffed lor cheese. Prepared by carefully cooking peppers, zucchinis, or eggplants stuffed with fresh lor cheese, this dish offers a light and highly nutritious alternative.
Served with yogurt, you can experience Erzurum's unique culinary culture at its finest. If you're planning to arrive in Erzurum by plane or bus, we highly recommend trying the Lor Dolma (Red Lor Stuffed Cheese); it stands out among the city's regional delicacies as a balanced blend of sweet and savory.
Water Pastry
Another classic dish that comes to mind when Erzurum is called "Su Böreği." This börek is made with generous amounts of cheese sandwiched between thin sheets of phyllo dough, meticulously layered, and baked in the oven. A favorite for both breakfast and main meals, Su Böreği reflects the rich pastry tradition of Erzurum cuisine.
If you are coming to Erzurum with a plane ticket or bus ticket, we definitely recommend tasting fresh Su Böreği at one of the restaurants or patisseries in the city; its soft texture and the flavor of the cheese will immediately impress you.
Stuffed Turnip
One of the more unusual yet delicious dishes of Erzurum cuisine is Stuffed Turnip. Stuffed with a carefully prepared filling, this dish offers a light and nutritious option. A staple of local cuisine, Stuffed Turnip is a must-try for those seeking a unique Erzurum flavor experience.
Erzurum Ketesi
Ketesi is one of Erzurum's unique delicacies. This pastry, filled with butter and sometimes cheese or cottage cheese, is a favorite, especially for breakfast and teatime.
Erzurum Ketesi, made by baking layers of rolled-out dough in the oven, offers a satisfying and unforgettable flavor. If you're planning to arrive in Erzurum by plane or bus, be sure to add a freshly prepared Ketesi from one of the city's bakeries to your itinerary; it's definitely a standout among the local delicacies.
Lalanga
Lalanga is among the most beloved pastries in Erzurum cuisine. Made by frying small pieces of yeast dough, this dish stands out as a practical and satisfying snack for both breakfast and teatime.
Drizzled with butter while still warm, it becomes even more unforgettable. If you're arriving in Erzurum by plane or bus, be sure to try Lalanga at one of the local cafes or breakfast spots; it'll quickly become a favorite among the city's traditional dishes.
Tatar Pastry
Tatar Böreği (Tatar Pastry) is another dish that comes to mind when talking about Erzurum's local pastries. Made by filling thin sheets of phyllo dough with a filling, usually made with ground meat, onions, and spices, this pastry offers a delicious and filling option.
Served hot, it best reflects the richness of Erzurum's cuisine. If you're arriving in Erzurum by plane or bus, we highly recommend trying Tatar Böreği at one of the restaurants or bakeries in the city center; it's one of the standout local delicacies.
Ayran Soup
Ayran Aşı Soup, a traditional soup from Erzurum cuisine, stands out for its refreshing effect, especially during the summer months. Prepared with yogurt, wheat, and various vegetables, this soup offers a light and nutritious option. Served with fresh bread, it becomes a staple on Erzurum tables. If you're planning to arrive in Erzurum by plane or bus, be sure to try Ayran Aşı Soup, one of the local delicacies; it offers both a refreshing and cultural experience.
Mulberry Chulla
One of Erzurum's signature desserts is Mulberry Çullama. Made by combining ripe mulberries with carefully prepared dough or syrup, this dessert offers a natural and delicious option. Its flavor is even more unforgettable when prepared with fresh mulberries, especially in the summer months. If you're planning to arrive in Erzurum by plane or bus, don't leave without trying the Mulberry Çullama at one of the local patisseries; it's one of the regional flavors that best reflects the city's cultural richness.
Hasuta
Hasuta, a traditional dessert from Erzurum cuisine, is a must-try, especially at teatime. Made with walnuts or hazelnuts in a thin dough, this dessert, when combined with syrup, satisfies sweet cravings and reflects the city's local culinary culture. If you're planning to arrive in Erzurum by plane or bus, you should definitely try Hasuta at one of the local patisseries; it's one of Erzurum's unique dessert experiences and offers an unforgettable taste.