Dishes you should try in Çıldır: Goose Meat Kavurma, Lake Fish (Carp) and Lor Dolması. This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Çıldır is famous for.
Last updated:
Famous Dishes of Çıldır
-
Goose Meat Kavurma
Geese slaughtered in Çıldır in autumn have their meat salted and dried, then prepared as kavurma. This winter staple protein is fried in butter and served.
-
Lake Fish (Carp)
Carp caught in Lake Çıldır is eaten grilled or fried in a pan. In winter, fishing through holes cut in the ice in the Eskimo style is one of the district's traditional activities.
-
Lor Dolması
Prepared by wrapping fresh lor cheese in thin yufka pastry and baking it. Served with melted butter and red pepper sauce poured on top, lor dolması is a traditional winter dish in Çıldır.
Dishes from Ardahan Cuisine
What to eat in Ardahan →These dishes are known throughout Ardahan province; see the provincial food guide for details.
-
Ardahan Kaz Eti (Ardahan goose meat)
Goose meat slaughtered in autumn, salted and dried, then cooked in winter with rice or noodles; it received a geographical indication in 2022.
-
Kaz Etli Erişte (noodles with goose meat)
Homemade noodles cooked in the broth of goose meat; it is the main dish of the winter table.
-
Çıldır Gölü Sazanı (Çıldır Lake carp)
The mirror carp, the main fish of the lake, caught in winter through holes cut in the ice.
-
Göle Kaşarı (Göle kaşar cheese)
Kaşar cheese made from highland milk in the dairies of Göle; the Kaşar Festival has been held in the district since 1995.
-
Ardahan Çiçek Balı (Ardahan flower honey)
Honey made from highland flowers, with a registered geographical indication.
What to Buy in Çıldır: Local Products
- Lake Çıldır Fish Carp and trout species are caught in Lake Çıldır. Fishing on the ice in winter is both a traditional source of livelihood and a tourist activity.
- Ardahan Honey Honey obtained from the endemic vegetation of Çıldır's high plateaus is known for its dark colour and intense aroma. The honey, gathered from keven and alfalfa flowers, is a valuable product of the region.
What Çıldır Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
-
Horse-Drawn Sledge Tradition on Ice
When Lake Çıldır freezes in winter, horse-drawn sledge tours are organised. This tradition is both the local people's means of transport and a unique experience for tourists. Thousands of visitors come to Çıldır for this activity every year.
-
Eskimo-Style Fishing
Traditional fishing through holes cut in the ice of frozen Lake Çıldır is a tradition that has been maintained for centuries. In winter, fishing is carried out from tents set up on the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Çıldır?
Çıldır is known for 3 local dishes, above all Goose Meat Kavurma, Lake Fish (Carp) and Lor Dolması. Geese slaughtered in Çıldır in autumn have their meat salted and dried, then prepared as kavurma. This winter staple protein is fried in butter and served.
What is Çıldır famous for?
Çıldır is known for Goose Meat Kavurma, Lake Çıldır Fish and Horse-Drawn Sledge Tradition on Ice. Its best-known sights include Lake Çıldır and Şeytan Castle (Şeytan Kalesi).
What to buy in Çıldır?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Çıldır include Lake Çıldır Fish and Ardahan Honey.
Çıldır Travel Guide
- Things to Do in Çıldır 7 places to visit
- What to Eat in Ardahan All the famous dishes of the province
What to Eat in Other Districts of Ardahan
- Ardahan Central District 4 dishes Goose Meat, Ardahan Civil Cheese and Lor Dolması
- Damal 3 dishes Goose Meat, Hangel and Lor Aşı
- Göle 3 dishes Goose Meat, Hangel and Çiriş Otu Yemeği (Çiriş Herb Dish)
- Hanak 4 dishes Hanak Tel Cheese, Goose Meat and Kesme Soup
- Posof 3 dishes Goose Meat, Erişte (Noodles) and Herbed Cheese