Erzurum is a city in eastern Turkey with a rich food culture. The city's food has been shaped by cold climatic conditions and the interaction of different cultures throughout history, offering both nutritious and unique flavors. The most famous dish of Erzurum cuisine is cağ kebab. A variation of döner, this kebab is prepared by marinating lamb meat in a special marinade and cooking it horizontally on skewers placed side by side. Served with ayran and lavash bread, cağ kebab is one of the must-try flavors in the city.
Another popular dish in Erzurum is stuffed kadayıf. This dessert is cooked with walnuts inside specially prepared kadayif and served after being sweetened with sherbet. A warming dessert on cold winter days, stuffed kadayıf is an indispensable part of tea hours. Ayran aşı, another dish unique to Erzurum, is a refreshing soup based on yogurt and wheat that is frequently consumed on cold days in the region.
Erzurum cuisine is not limited to main dishes and desserts; various pastries and local breads also play a big role. Heğde, made from wheat and usually consumed for breakfast, is an energizing and filling starter. Another type of local bread, katmer, is a delicacy prepared with oil, flour and salt and is especially preferred at breakfast tables.
The food and drink culture in Erzurum also shows seasonal characteristics. In the winter months, rich and nutritious dishes are preferred, while in the summer months lighter dishes and salads are at the forefront. This seasonality is a reflection of the local people's adaptation to the changing climatic conditions throughout the year.
Erzurum's food and beverage experience takes place in local bazaars as well as restaurants and eateries. The markets in the city are where you can find many local products such as fresh seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, fresh meat products and homemade jams. These markets are also part of the social life of the city, where locals come together, communicate and enjoy the daily life.
In conclusion, Erzurum's food culture is nourished by its rich historical and geographical diversity. In the city, eating and drinking is not only about filling the stomach, but is also seen as a social activity, a sharing of culture. These flavors are important elements that reflect Erzurum's rich cultural mosaic and hospitality.