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Dishes you should try in Hemşin: Muhlama, Laz Böreği and Karalahana Çorbası. This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Hemşin is famous for.

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Famous Dishes of Hemşin

  • Muhlama

    Prepared with cheese melted in butter and cornmeal. This dish holds an important place on local tables and is made according to traditional recipes. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.

  • Laz Böreği

    A sweet börek of thin layers of yufka with muhallebi between them, baked in the oven. Made according to recipes passed down through generations, this dish is an important part of the region's culinary culture.

  • Karalahana Çorbası

    A soup made with kale, cornmeal and beans. Prepared with local ingredients, this flavour reflects the region's gastronomic richness. This soup, which warms you on cold winter days, is the region's comfort food.

Dishes from Rize Cuisine

What to eat in Rize →

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

  • Rize Muhlaması (cornmeal, butter and cheese dish)

    A dish made with cornmeal, butter and cheese, with a registered geographical indication.

  • Rize Etli Karalahana Sarması (meat-stuffed black cabbage rolls)

    Stuffed cabbage rolls with a registered geographical indication.

  • Rize Pepeçurası (grape and cornmeal dessert)

    A dessert made with grapes and cornmeal, with a registered geographical indication.

  • Derepazarı Pidesi

    A pide with a registered geographical indication.

  • Rize Kavurması (fried meat)

    A kavurma with a registered geographical indication.

What to Buy in Hemşin: Local Products

  • Hemşin Çorabı (Hemşin socks) Hemşin Çorabı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 9 August 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 841). Product group: handicrafts other than carpets, kilims and textiles. Registered by: Hemşin Municipality.
  • Hemşin Tea Tea grown in the district and one of the quality varieties of Rize tea.
  • Hemşin Honey Honey made from plateau flowers, known for its natural qualities.

What Hemşin Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions

  • Hemşin Culture

    Hemşin has one of the most colourful cultures on the Black Sea, with its own language, music and traditions. Tulum music and the horon dance form the basis of its cultural identity.

  • Plateau Festivals

    Plateau festivals held in the summer months, with horon shows, wrestling competitions and local cookery contests, are the district's most colourful events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat in Hemşin?

Hemşin is known for 3 local dishes, above all Muhlama, Laz Böreği and Karalahana Çorbası. Prepared with cheese melted in butter and cornmeal. This dish holds an important place on local tables and is made according to traditional recipes. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.

What is Hemşin famous for?

Hemşin is known for Muhlama, Hemşin Çorabı (Hemşin socks) and Hemşin Culture. Its best-known sights include Hemşin Valley and Hemşin Arch Bridges.

What to buy in Hemşin?

Local products and souvenirs to buy in Hemşin include Hemşin Çorabı (Hemşin socks), Hemşin Tea and Hemşin Honey.

Hemşin Travel Guide

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