Dishes you should try in Damal: Goose Meat, Hangel and Lor Aşı. This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Damal is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Damal
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Goose Meat
Goose farming is widespread in Damal, and goose meat is the main protein source in winter. Salted and dried goose meat is served as kavurma or cooked in a tandır oven.
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Hangel
Hangel is prepared by cutting thinly rolled dough into small squares and boiling it. It is served with garlicky yoghurt and sizzling butter poured on top.
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Lor Aşı
Lor Aşı, made with fresh lor cheese, wheat and yoghurt, is one of Damal's traditional winter soups. Its nourishing and filling nature makes it an indispensable dish on cold winter days.
Dishes from Ardahan Cuisine
What to eat in Ardahan →These dishes are known throughout Ardahan province; see the provincial food guide for details.
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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.
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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.
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Çıldır Gölü Sazanı (Çıldır Lake carp)
The mirror carp, the main fish of the lake, caught in winter through holes cut in the ice.
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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.
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Ardahan Çiçek Balı (Ardahan flower honey)
Honey made from highland flowers, with a registered geographical indication.
What to Buy in Damal: Local Products
- Damal Doll The Damal Doll was registered as a protected geographical indication on 8 April 2003 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 48). Product group: handicrafts other than carpets, kilims and textiles. Registered by: Damal Village Services Union.
- Honey Honey obtained from the rich vegetation of Damal's high plateaus is known for its dark colour and intense aroma. Beekeeping is an important source of livelihood in the area.
- Civil Cheese Civil cheese produced in Damal is known for its fine, thread-like texture. It is made by traditional methods from the milk of animals grazing on the high plateaus.
What Damal Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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Damal Dolls Tradition
The stone statues found in Damal are called 'Damal Dolls' by the local people. These statues are evidence of the region's cultural richness in the Iron Age and an important part of local identity.
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Border Culture
Damal, located on the Georgian border, has been a meeting point of different cultures throughout history. Traces of Georgian, Turkish and Caucasian cultures coexist in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Damal?
Damal is known for 3 local dishes, above all Goose Meat, Hangel and Lor Aşı. Goose farming is widespread in Damal, and goose meat is the main protein source in winter. Salted and dried goose meat is served as kavurma or cooked in a tandır oven.
What is Damal famous for?
Damal is known for Goose Meat, Damal Doll and Damal Dolls Tradition. Its best-known sights include Damal Dolls and Damal Dolls (Stone Statues).
What to buy in Damal?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Damal include Damal Doll, Honey and Civil Cheese.
Damal Travel Guide
- Things to Do in Damal 8 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
- Çıldır 3 dishes Goose Meat Kavurma, Lake Fish (Carp) and Lor Dolması
- 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