What to Eat in Arhavi: Famous Dishes and Local Products

Famous Dishes of Arhavi

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  Arhavi Kestane Balı (Arhavi chestnut honey)

  Arhavi Kestane Balı was registered as a protected designation of origin on 10 November 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1252). Product group: honey. Registered by: Arhavi Chamber of Agriculture.

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  Kuymak (Muhlama)

  Kuymak, made with cornmeal, butter and civil cheese, is Arhavi's most loved traditional dish. It is served stirred continuously over a fire until it reaches a stretchy consistency.

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  Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves)

  Collard greens wrapped around a rice filling, this dish is an indispensable winter meal in Arhavi cuisine. It is served with butter and cornmeal.

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  Hamsi Tava (pan-fried anchovies)

  The anchovy, the emblematic fish of the Black Sea, is served in Arhavi fried in cornmeal in the form of a tava. Anchovies are at their most delicious in the winter months and are the main source of protein for local people.

These dishes are known throughout Artvin province; see the provincial food guide for details.

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  Hopa Hamsili Ekmek (anchovy cornbread)

  Hopa bread made with cornmeal and anchovies, with a registered geographical indication.

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  Hopa Laz Böreği (custard-filled pastry)

  A sweet börek made by placing custard between layers of yufka, with a registered geographical indication.

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  Şavşat Ketesi (buttery filled pastry)

  Şavşat ketesi, a buttery pastry with a filling.

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  Borçka Demir Elması (Borçka iron apple)

  A local apple with a registered geographical indication, firm in texture and long-lasting.

What to Buy in Arhavi: Local Products

• Arhavi Termonisi Arhavi Termonisi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 5 May 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1732). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Arhavi Municipality, Arhavi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• Tea Arhavi is one of the most important tea-producing centres in Eastern Black Sea. The tea gardens in the coastal parts of the district are the backbone of the local economy.
• Kiwi Kiwi cultivation has become widespread in recent years in Arhavi's mild coastal climate. Kiwis grown in the area have become one of Türkiye's important kiwi-producing areas.
• Honey Honey obtained from Arhavi's forest and plateau areas is known especially for its chestnut honey variety. Beekeeping is a traditional livelihood in the region.

What Arhavi Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

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  Tea Culture

  Tea cultivation and the tradition of drinking tea are an inseparable part of daily life in Arhavi. The tea-picking season is an important period that shapes the social life of local people.

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  Black Sea Horon Tradition

  The traditional Black Sea folk dance, the horon, is performed at weddings and festivals in Arhavi. Danced to the accompaniment of the kemençe, the horon is an important part of the region's cultural identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arhavi Travel Guide

• 📍 Things to Do in Arhavi 8 places to visit →
• 🗺️ What to Eat in Artvin All the famous dishes of the province →

What to Eat in Other Districts of Artvin

• Artvin Central District 4 dishes Artvin Kuymağı, Laz Böreği and Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves)
• Ardanuç 4 dishes Kuymak, Karalahana Soup and Corn Bread
• Borçka 4 dishes Kuymak (cornmeal with butter and cheese), Karalahana Dolması (stuffed kale leaves) and Macahel Balı ile Kaymak (honey with kaymak)
• Hopa 3 dishes Hamsi Tava (pan-fried anchovies), Kuymak and Karalahana Çorbası (collard green soup)
• Kemalpaşa 4 dishes Hamsili Pilav (anchovy pilaf), Muhlama (Kuymak) and Laz Böreği
• Murgul 3 dishes Kuymak, Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves) and Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread)
• Şavşat 4 dishes Kuymak, Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves) and Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread)
• Yusufeli 4 dishes Kuymak (cornmeal and cheese dish), Alabalık Izgara (grilled trout) and Karalahana Sarması (stuffed kale leaves)