Dishes you should try in Artvin Central District: Artvin Kuymağı, Laz Böreği, Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves) and Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Artvin Central District is famous for.
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Kuymak, prepared by continuously stirring cornmeal and butter over a fire, is Artvin's best-known dish. It is served with fresh civil cheese added, in a stretchy consistency.
Laz böreği, baked with muhallebi poured between thin layers of yufka, is a sweet börek. It is one of the distinctive flavours of Artvin and Eastern Black Sea cuisine.
The emblematic vegetable of the Black Sea, collard greens, is prepared by wrapping a rice filling in its leaves. In Artvin, the sarma is an indispensable winter dish, served with butter and cornmeal.
Traditional bread made from cornmeal, the basic food of Artvin tables. Cornbread baked in an oven or on a griddle is eaten especially with collard greens and cheese.
Held every June, the Kafkasör Festival is Artvin's most important cultural event. It welcomes thousands of visitors with bull wrestling, folk dances and music shows.
Artvin was once part of the Georgian Tao-Klarjeti region. Churches, castles and monasteries from that period are evidence of the region's multi-layered cultural heritage.
The centuries-old tradition of bull wrestling in Artvin is the most colourful part of the festivals held on the Kafkasör plateau. This tradition has been nominated for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.
Artvin Central District is known for 4 local dishes, above all Artvin Kuymağı, Laz Böreği, Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves) and Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread). Kuymak, prepared by continuously stirring cornmeal and butter over a fire, is Artvin's best-known dish. It is served with fresh civil cheese added, in a stretchy consistency.
Artvin Central District is known for Artvin Kuymağı, Artvin Balı (Artvin honey) and Kafkasör Culture and Arts Festival. Its best-known sights include Artvin Castle and Çoruh River Valley.
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Artvin Central District include Artvin Balı (Artvin honey), Tea and Hazelnut.