Dishes you should try in Zara: Zara Balı (Zara honey), Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs) and Madımak Çorbası (wild herb soup). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Zara is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Zara
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Zara Balı (Zara honey)
Zara Balı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 April 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1095). Product group: honey. Registered by: Zara Chamber of Agriculture.
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Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs)
Sivas köftesi, prepared with minced meat and spices, is also served in its traditional form in Zara.
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Madımak Çorbası (wild herb soup)
A soup made with local madımak herb, bulgur and yoghurt, Zara's traditional delicacy.
Dishes from Sivas Cuisine
What to eat in Sivas →These dishes are known throughout Sivas province; see the provincial food guide for details.
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Sivas Katmeri (Sivas katmer)
Katmer (flaky pastry) with a registered geographical indication.
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Sivas Pastırması (Sivas pastırma)
Pastırma (cured beef) with a registered geographical indication.
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Divriği Pilavı (Divriği rice pilaf)
A pilaf with a registered geographical indication, also known as Alatlı pilavı.
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Ulaş Yaprak Döneri (Ulaş leaf döner)
Döner with a registered geographical indication.
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Zara Sac Ekmeği (Zara griddle bread)
Bread with a registered geographical indication.
What to Buy in Zara: Local Products
- Zara Sac Ekmeği (Zara sac bread) Zara Sac Ekmeği was registered as a protected geographical indication on 9 December 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 969). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough products, desserts. Registered by: Zara Chamber of Agriculture.
- Wheat and Barley Wheat and barley are widely grown in Zara.
What Zara Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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Rural Way of Life Tradition
Zara is a district that keeps alive a traditional rural way of life. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local community's cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Zara?
Zara is known for 3 local dishes, above all Zara Balı (Zara honey), Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs) and Madımak Çorbası (wild herb soup). Zara Balı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 April 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1095). Product group: honey. Registered by: Zara Chamber of Agriculture.
What is Zara famous for?
Zara is known for Zara Balı (Zara honey), Zara Sac Ekmeği (Zara sac bread) and Rural Way of Life Tradition. Its best-known sights include Tödürge Lake and Kızılırmak Valley.
What to buy in Zara?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Zara include Zara Sac Ekmeği (Zara sac bread) and Wheat and Barley.
Zara Travel Guide
What to Eat in Other Districts of Sivas
- Sivas Central District 3 dishes Sivas Köftesi, Madımak Çorbası (madımak herb and bulgur soup) and Katmer
- Akıncılar 2 dishes Sivas Köftesi and Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)
- Altınyayla 2 dishes Sivas Köftesi and Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)
- Divriği 3 dishes Divriği Pilavı /Alatlı Pilavı, Divriği Köftesi and Keşkek
- Doğanşar 5 dishes Sivas Köftesi, Keşkek (wheat and meat dish) and Katıklı Aş (cold ayran and mint soup)
- Gemerek 3 dishes Sivas Köftesi, Keşkek (pounded wheat and meat) and Gemerek Gilaburusu (Gemerek guelder rose)
- Gölova 2 dishes Sivas Köftesi and Keşkek
- Gürün 3 dishes Gürün Dut Pekmezi (mulberry molasses), Gürün Pastırması (air-dried cured beef) and Gürün Elması (Gürün apples)
- Hafik 4 dishes Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs), Madımak Çorbası (wild madımak soup) and Hafik Tava (lamb and vegetable casserole)
- İmranlı 2 dishes Sivas Köftesi and Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)
- Kangal 3 dishes Kangal Balıklı Hot Springs, Sivas Köftesi and Madımak Çorbası (madımak herb and bulgur soup)
- Koyulhisar 3 dishes Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs), Keşkek (wheat and meat dish) and Koyulhisar tomato
- Suşehri 2 dishes Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs) and Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)
- Şarkışla 2 dishes Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs) and Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)
- Ulaş 3 dishes Ulaş Etli Pidesi (Ulaş meat pide), Sivas Köftesi (Sivas meatballs) and Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)
- Yıldızeli 7 dishes Sivas Köftesi, Madımak Çorbası (wild herb soup) and Madımak (wild herb stew)