Dishes you should try in Kelkit: Kelkit Şeker Fasulyesi (Kelkit sugar beans), Kelkit Kavurması (sautéed meat), Kelkit Döneri and Siron (savoury pastry roll). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Kelkit is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Kelkit

  • Kelkit Şeker Fasulyesi (Kelkit sugar beans)

    A dried bean grown in Kelkit, Şiran and Köse districts, which received a protected designation of origin from TÜRKPATENT in 2020. Because of the pink spot on its white seeds it is also called "pembegöz" among the people. It is harvested in autumn and served as a dried bean in local restaurants and at home.

  • Kelkit Kavurması (sautéed meat)

    According to local guides, kavurma is served in the restaurants of the Kelkit bazaar at around 16.00–17.00 and sells out quickly. Eating it as a hot sandwich is a known custom in the area.

  • Kelkit Döneri

    Named by Gümüşhane guides alongside kavurma among Kelkit's leading meat dishes. It is found in restaurants in the bazaar.

  • Siron (savoury pastry roll)

    Made by filling thin yufka with minced meat or potato, rolling it and baking it. It is a traditional flavour of Kelkit.

  • Pestil ve Köme (fruit leather and walnut sweet)

    Pestil made from mulberry or grape juice and köme with walnuts are the best-known sweets of Kelkit.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Made by boiling and pounding wheat and meat for a long time, keşkek is an essential dish at weddings and festive meals. Prepared in a communal spirit, it is a must at wedding tables.

Dishes from Gümüşhane Cuisine

What to eat in Gümüşhane →

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

  • Gümüşhane Sironu (yufka with yoghurt and garlic)

    A dish with a registered geographical indication, in which rolled yufka is served with yoghurt and garlic.

  • Gümüşhane Dölek Güveci (dölek casserole)

    A casserole with a registered geographical indication.

  • Kelkit Ketesi (Kelkit flaky pastry)

    A kete (flaky pastry) with a registered geographical indication.

  • Kürtün Araköy Ekmeği (Araköy village bread)

    A village bread with a registered geographical indication.

What to Buy in Kelkit: Local Products

  • Kelkit Ketesi (bakery product) Kelkit Ketesi was registered as a geographical indication on 2 December 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 961). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Kelkit Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Kelkit Şeker Fasulyesi (Kelkit sugar beans) A product registered as a protected designation of origin with TÜRKPATENT (No. 479, 2 January 2020); grown in Kelkit, Şiran and Köse districts.
  • Kelkit Zilli Kilimi (Kelkit zilli rug) Kelkit Zilli Kilimi was registered as a geographical indication on 21 June 2019 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 437). Product group: carpets and kilims. Registered by: Kelkit District Governorship.

What Kelkit Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Roman Legion Heritage

    The ancient city of Satala in Kelkit was one of the most important military bases on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. The XV Apollinaris Legion was stationed there.

  • Kelkit Culture

    Kelkit is the most populous district of Gümüşhane and has a rich cultural heritage of traditional wedding customs, folk dances and local handicrafts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Kelkit?

Kelkit is known for 6 local dishes, above all Kelkit Şeker Fasulyesi (Kelkit sugar beans), Kelkit Kavurması (sautéed meat), Kelkit Döneri and Siron (savoury pastry roll). A dried bean grown in Kelkit, Şiran and Köse districts, which received a protected designation of origin from TÜRKPATENT in 2020. Because of the pink spot on its white seeds it is also called "pembegöz" among the people. It is harvested in autumn and served as a dried bean in local restaurants and at home.

What is Kelkit famous for?

Kelkit is known for Kelkit Şeker Fasulyesi (Kelkit sugar beans), Kelkit Ketesi (bakery product) and Roman Legion Heritage. Its best-known sights include Satala (Sadak) Ancient City and Kelkit Valley.

What to buy in Kelkit?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Kelkit include Kelkit Ketesi (bakery product), Kelkit Şeker Fasulyesi (Kelkit sugar beans) and Kelkit Zilli Kilimi (Kelkit zilli rug).

Kelkit Travel Guide

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