A Taste of Black Sea Cuisine in Trabzon
STORIES FROM TÜRKİYE
Fresh Seafood Delights
The proximity to the Black Sea ensures that seafood is a staple in the local diet. The fishermen bring in their daily catch, providing residents and visitors with the freshest fish possible. Hamsi, or anchovies, are particularly popular and are prepared in various ways, from grilling to frying, each method highlighting their delicate taste. Other seafood, such as mackerel and turbot, are also commonly found in many traditional dishes.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Trabzon's cuisine heavily relies on locally sourced ingredients that thrive in its fertile lands. Corn is a significant crop in the region and is used in a variety of dishes, most notably in mısır ekmeği, a type of cornbread that pairs perfectly with the seafood offerings. Vegetables like cabbage and kale are also widely used, often cooked in hearty stews or served as sides.
Traditional Dishes and Recipes
The culinary traditions of Trabzon are deeply rooted in its history and culture. One of the region's signature dishes is kuymak, a creamy cornmeal-based dish made with melted cheese, butter, and cornmeal, offering a rich and savory experience. Another beloved dish is karalahana sarması, which uses cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and spices, showcasing the flavors of the land.
Experience the Culture
Exploring the food of Trabzon is not just about tasting delicious meals; it's also about experiencing the local culture and traditions. Food markets abound with vibrant produce and local specialties, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Trabzon’s residents. The region’s culinary festivals are also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and taste a variety of traditional dishes.
Historic places
Explore history →
Sümela Monastery
A historic monastery built against a steep cliff in the forested mountains of Trabzon Province.
Explore →
Laodicea
Laodicea is a Hellenistic and Roman city near Denizli in Türkiye, known for its theatre, stadium and early Christian remains. It was a wealthy commercial centre and one of the Seven Churches of Asia.
Explore →
Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle is a medieval fortress on a rocky Mediterranean promontory in Antalya Province, Türkiye, whose surviving defences were largely built under the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum in the 13th century. Its walls, inner citadel, Red Tower and vaulted shipyard form one of the most complete Seljuk military and maritime complexes in Anatolia.
Explore →
Arslantepe
Arslantepe is a deep archaeological mound on the Malatya plain in eastern Türkiye, where a Late Chalcolithic palace documents the rise of a centralised state and later Neo-Hittite rulers carved lions for its gates. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
Explore →
Xanthos
Xanthos was a leading city of Lycia and the seat of the Lycian League, on the frontier between the Antalya and Muğla provinces of Türkiye. Its surviving theatre, agora and tomb monuments, together with the nearby sanctuary of Letoon, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore →Related content
Trabzon
Trabzon is a rain-washed port city on Türkiye's eastern Black Sea coast, framed by the cliffside Sumela Monastery and slopes of tea. Byzantine and Ottoman layers sit close to highland valleys just inland.
Trabzon Tea
Trabzon tea is the black tea grown on the rain-soaked slopes of Trabzon province on Türkiye's eastern Black Sea coast, where acidic soils and constant humidity create one of the few climates in the country where Camellia sinensis thrives.
7-Day Eastern Black Sea Highlands Route: Trabzon to Artvin
A seven-day driving route through the Eastern Black Sea highlands, from Trabzon and Sumela to Uzungöl, Ayder, the Kaçkar Mountains and the forests of Şavşat, ending at Artvin.
Kuymak
A warm Black Sea dish made with cornmeal, butter and melting local cheese.
Beaches in Türkiye
Discover the stunning beaches of Türkiye, where pristine sands meet crystal-clear waters.
3-Day Trabzon and Uzungöl Route
This 3-day route in Türkiye's Eastern Black Sea region starts and ends in Trabzon, visiting Hagia Sophia, Sümela Monastery, and Uzungöl Lake. It blends city sightseeing, mountain driving, and lakeside relaxation.