Dishes you should try in Van: Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herbed cheese), Murtuğa (breakfast dish) and Van Ayran Aşı (ayran soup). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Van is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Van
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Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast)
A breakfast spread with a registered geographical indication.
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Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herbed cheese)
Cheese with a registered geographical indication (protected designation of origin).
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Murtuğa (breakfast dish)
A breakfast dish with a registered geographical indication.
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Van Ayran Aşı (ayran soup)
A soup with a registered geographical indication.
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Van Kürt Köftesi (Van Kurdish meatballs)
Meatballs with a registered geographical indication.
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Van Pastası (Van cake)
A cake with a registered geographical indication.
Local Specialities from the Districts of Van
What to eat in Bahçesaray
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Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, it is an essential part of winter tables. As an important part of the district's food identity, it is a favourite with visitors.
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Bahçesaray walnuts
Walnuts associated with the district, promoted as a registered product; the source recommends them as something to taste.
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Müküs honey
Honey produced in the district, said to be famous.
What to eat in Başkale
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Kelecoş
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.
What to eat in Çaldıran
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Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, it is an indispensable winter staple. Being prepared with fresh, natural ingredients makes it a healthy choice.
What to eat in Çatak
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Kelecoş
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. The recipe, passed down from generation to generation, varies in each household with small personal touches.
What to eat in Edremit
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Balık
Pearl mullet caught in Lake Van, served grilled or fried in a pan. The pearl mullet, a migratory fish, is a species unique to Lake Van.
What to eat in Erciş
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Kelecoş
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.
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İnci Kefali
Best season: ☀️ Summer
Pearl mullet makes its sacred journey in Erciş in June and July.
What to eat in Gevaş
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İnci Kefali (Van pearl mullet)
A fish native to Lake Van and a migratory species. It is served salted or grilled, and can be tasted fresh in the lakeside restaurants of Gevaş.
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Gevaş Beans (geographical indication product)
A bean variety grown in Gevaş district. A news report states that it has received geographical indication registration.
What to eat in Gürpınar
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Kelecoş
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. Because it is prepared with seasonal ingredients, it offers a different flavour in each season.
What to eat in Muradiye
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Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential part of winter tables. An important element of the district's gastronomic identity, it is a favourite with visitors.
What to eat in Özalp
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Kelecoş
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential on winter tables. Prepared by local people on special occasions, it is a symbol of hospitality.
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Özalp otlu peyniri
Made in Özalp, it is one of the three cheeses sold most in the Van market.
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Kırdık
A local dish made in Özalp, prepared with onion.
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Özalp çöreği
A pastry made in a tandır oven with butter and sesame.
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Özalp pastası
A type of sweet specific to the Özalp region. It is made as a local dessert alongside Van pastry.
What to eat in Saray
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Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, it is an essential winter flavour. Its preparation with fresh, natural ingredients makes it a healthy choice.
What to eat in Tuşba
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Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
A traditional dish made with dried beans, bulgur and yoghurt, an essential winter flavour in Van.
What to Buy in Van: Local Products
- Van Gölü İnci Kefali (Lake Van pearl mullet) A fish unique to Lake Van, with a registered geographical indication.
- Erciş Üzümü (Erciş grapes) Grapes with a registered geographical indication (protected designation of origin).
- Bahçesaray Cevizi (Bahçesaray walnuts) Walnuts with a registered geographical indication (protected designation of origin).
- Van Gül Reçeli (Van rose jam) Jam with a registered geographical indication (protected designation of origin).
- Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi (Van savat silverwork) A handicraft with a registered geographical indication (protected designation of origin).
What Van Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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Urartian legacy
Tuşpa, Van Castle, Çavuştepe and Ayanis.
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Van cat
A blue- and green-eyed cat registered as a national breed in 2006.
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Van breakfast culture
The place of the breakfast table in social life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Van?
Van is known for 6 local dishes, above all Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herbed cheese), Murtuğa (breakfast dish) and Van Ayran Aşı (ayran soup). A breakfast spread with a registered geographical indication.
What is Van famous for?
Van is known for Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Gölü İnci Kefali (Lake Van pearl mullet) and Urartian legacy. Its best-known sights include Akdamar Church and Van Castle (Tuşpa).
What to buy in Van?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Van include Van Gölü İnci Kefali (Lake Van pearl mullet), Erciş Üzümü (Erciş grapes), Bahçesaray Cevizi (Bahçesaray walnuts) and Van Gül Reçeli (Van rose jam).