Rize is a city in the Black Sea Region with a rich and diverse culinary culture. Thanks to its abundant rainfall and fertile soils, this region has the opportunity to grow a variety of agricultural products, which form the cornerstones of Rize cuisine. The city's food culture is shaped by both seafood and fresh produce from the mountainous areas.
One of the most well-known dishes in Rize cuisine is muhlama, commonly known as kuymak, made from corn flour. This is a creamy pan dish made with butter, corn flour and kolot cheese, one of the local cheese types. Kuymak is especially popular for breakfast and is usually served with fresh tea.
Anchovy is a must for Rize cuisine. It is used in various dishes such as pilaf with anchovies, steamed anchovies and fried anchovies. Pilaf with anchovies is a dish unique to the region, especially prepared with rice, onion and plenty of anchovies. Anchovies are also consumed fried or grilled.
Kale is another important food ingredient of Rize. Dishes such as black cabbage soup and black cabbage rolls are among the hot and nutritious options that are frequently consumed on cold winter days. Kale is also used for cabbage soup, a soup prepared by adding pieces of corn bread and served with yogurt.
The most famous of Rize's desserts is laz pastry. This is a traditional dessert made of layers of phyllo dough with light syrup and filled with custard. Local honey varieties such as Anzer honey are also an important part of Rize's culinary culture. This honey, collected from the Anzer Plateau, is known for its various health benefits and is often consumed for breakfast.
The food and drink culture is not only experienced at home, but also in the tea gardens, cafes and restaurants in the city. Rize is known as the tea capital of Turkey, so tea ceremonies and tea-based social events are very popular here. Locals and visitors alike sit in tea gardens around the clock, drinking tea and chatting. These tea gardens are considered to be the heart of Rize's social life and offer local snacks and desserts in addition to tea.
As a result, Rize's food and beverage culture offers a rich and varied cuisine that makes the most of the region's natural resources. With its seafood, local vegetables and unique desserts, Rize provides visitors with a unique experience both visually and palate-wise. These flavors are both part of the daily life of the locals and create unforgettable memories for visitors to Rize.