Black Sea cuisine is one of Turkey's most authentic and region-specific gastronomic treasures. Shaped by cornmeal, fresh fish, local cheeses and plenty of hazelnuts, this cuisine clearly differs from other regions. Here are 10 local flavors you must try during your Rize visit.
1. Muhlama (Kuymak)
The flagship dish of Rize cuisine, muhlama is a breakfast delicacy made with cornmeal, butter and local fresh cheese (especially stringy cheese), forming threads in the pan. With its cheese strings, it's the most popular photographable Black Sea dish.
2. Laz Pastry
Named after the region's people, Laz Pastry is a sweet dish category, made of custard between thin phyllo layers. Served sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
3. Cornbread (Corn Pita)
This pita made with cornmeal instead of wheat flour is unique to the Black Sea. When fresh, it's extremely filling whether eaten with butter or alongside muhlama.
4. Anchovy Rice (Hamsili Pilav)
In Istanbul you know pan anchovy or steamed anchovy, but when you come to the Black Sea you must try anchovy rice. Rice filled between fresh anchovies arranged on top and bottom of the pan, cooked in oven or on stove.
5. Black Cabbage Soup
Known as 'black cabbage' in the Black Sea, made from this dark-colored, hard-leafed plant darker than spinach, this soup is a healing flavor that should be drunk especially in cold weather.
6. Fresh Red-Spotted Trout
The glacial waters of Fırtına Valley host Turkey's tastiest trout. These red-spotted trout are served both pan-fried and grilled at facilities in the valley.
7. Rize's Hazelnut Breakfast
Rize breakfast is different from other regions. With muhlama, cornbread, fresh cream, local cheese, homemade jam and of course a glass of Rize tea, this table is the richest breakfast experience.
8. Kıvırcık Şekerpare
This flour dessert specific to the region consists of curly phyllo dipped in syrup. Although it shares the name with standard şekerpare, it's quite different in preparation and appearance.
9. Mıhlama (Hemşin Style Egg)
When you come to the Çamlıhemşin region, you must especially try Hemşin-style mıhlama. This breakfast dish made of egg and cheese cooked in butter is both filling and exquisite.
10. Black Cabbage Pilaki
This traditional pilaki where beans and black cabbage are cooked together is a true Black Sea comfort food that warms body and soul in cold weather.
At Almara Bungalow, we serve local Hemşin breakfast consisting of muhlama, cornbread and fresh cheese in morning breakfasts. Experience the true taste of the region from day one.
Related Pages
- [Rize tea garden and factory tour](/blog/rize-cay-bahcesi-ve-fabrika-turu)
- [Hemşin culture and local life](/blog/hemsin-hamami-ve-kultur-rehberi)
- [Çamlıhemşin bungalow accommodation](/odalar)
Almara Bungalow Editorial Team
Content carefully prepared by local guides and nature enthusiasts who know the Rize and Çamlıhemşin region best.