Dishes you should try in Ayvalık: Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri/Ayvalık Sepet Peyniri, Ayvalık Lor Tatlısı, Ayvalık Zeytinyağı (Ayvalık olive oil) and Ayvalık Tostu. This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Ayvalık is famous for.
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Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 November 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1664). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Ayvalık Municipality.
Ayvalık Lor Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 December 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1305). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Ayvalık Municipality.
Ayvalık Zeytinyağı was registered as a protected designation of origin on 11 June 2007 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 88). Product group: solid and liquid fats, including butter. Registered by: Ayvalık Chamber of Commerce.
This toastie, very famous in Ayvalık, can also be found in large cities. It is made with ingredients such as cheese, sucuk, sausage and pickles.
A fish species specific to Ayvalık and its surroundings, papalina is most often eaten fried.
These dishes are known throughout Balıkesir province; see the provincial food guide for details.
A dessert made with cheese, semolina and syrup, with a registered geographical indication.
A clotted-cream dessert with a registered geographical indication.
Frothy Susurluk ayran, served with the Susurluk toasted sandwich (tost); both are registered.
A traditional soup with a registered geographical indication.
Small-podded okra registered with a protected designation of origin.
Following the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, the population exchange settled Ayvalık's Greek population in Greece, while Turks from Crete and Mytilene were settled in Ayvalık. This cultural exchange left deep traces on the city's cuisine, architecture and way of life.
Olive growing in Ayvalık is a tradition maintained for centuries. The olive harvest, held in November and December, becomes a community event. Old olive oil factories have been restored and turned into museums and cultural centres.
The music festival and academy programme held every summer brings international musicians together in Ayvalık. Classical music concerts take place in historic venues.
Ayvalık is known for 5 local dishes, above all Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri/Ayvalık Sepet Peyniri, Ayvalık Lor Tatlısı, Ayvalık Zeytinyağı (Ayvalık olive oil) and Ayvalık Tostu. Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 November 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1664). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Ayvalık Municipality.
Ayvalık is known for Ayvalık Kelle Peyniri/Ayvalık Sepet Peyniri, Ayvalık Karadiken and Population Exchange Culture. Its best-known sights include Cunda Island (Alibey Island) and Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table).
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Ayvalık include Ayvalık Karadiken and Ayvalık Sakızlı Kurabiye (mastic biscuits).