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Dishes you should try in Şavşat: Kuymak, Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves), Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread) and Şavşat Peyniri (Şavşat cheese). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Şavşat is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Şavşat

  • Kuymak

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

  • Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves)

    Collard green leaves wrapped around a rice filling, this sarma is an indispensable winter dish of Şavşat cuisine.

  • Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread)

    Traditional bread baked on a griddle or in an oven from cornmeal, the basic food of Şavşat tables. It is eaten with cheese and butter.

  • Şavşat Peyniri (Şavşat cheese)

    Cheese produced from the milk of animals grazing on Şavşat's high plateaus, known for its distinctive aroma. It is eaten fresh or matured.

Dishes from Artvin Cuisine

What to eat in Artvin →

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

  • Hopa Hamsili Ekmek (anchovy cornbread)

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

  • Hopa Laz Böreği (custard-filled pastry)

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

  • Şavşat Ketesi (buttery filled pastry)

    Şavşat ketesi, a buttery pastry with a filling.

  • Borçka Demir Elması (Borçka iron apple)

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

What to Buy in Şavşat: Local Products

  • Şavşat Ketesi Şavşat Ketesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 3 May 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 745). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Şavşat Municipality.
  • Şavşat Honey Honey obtained from Şavşat's forest and plateau areas is known for its variety and quality. Chestnut honey and flower honey are the most valued products of the region.
  • Civil Cheese Civil cheese produced in Şavşat is known for its fine, thread-like structure. It is made by traditional methods from the milk of animals grazing on the high plateaus.

What Şavşat Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Georgian Kingdom Heritage

    Şavşat was once part of the Samtskhe region of the Georgian Kingdom. Şavşat Castle and the church remains in the surrounding area are evidence of the cultural heritage of this period.

  • Plateau Festivals

    Plateau festivals held in summer in Şavşat keep local culture alive with traditional music, folk dances and exhibitions of local products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Şavşat?

Şavşat is known for 4 local dishes, above all Kuymak, Karalahana Sarması (stuffed collard leaves), Mısır Ekmeği (cornbread) and Şavşat Peyniri (Şavşat cheese). Kuymak, made with cornmeal, butter and civil cheese, is Şavşat's best-loved traditional dish. It is served stirred continuously over a fire until it reaches a stretchy consistency.

What is Şavşat famous for?

Şavşat is known for Kuymak, Şavşat Ketesi and Georgian Kingdom Heritage. Its best-known sights include Karagöl-Sahara National Park and Şavşat Castle.

What to buy in Şavşat?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Şavşat include Şavşat Ketesi, Şavşat Honey and Civil Cheese.

Şavşat Travel Guide

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