Dishes you should try in Saray: Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Saray is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Saray
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Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast)
Van breakfast, made up of herb cheese, kaymak, honey and dozens of kinds of jam, is also served in Saray as a rich spread.
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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.
Dishes from Van Cuisine
What to eat in Van →These dishes are known throughout Van province; see the provincial food guide for details.
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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.
What to Buy in Saray: Local Products
- Bahçesaray Cevizi (Bahçesaray walnuts) Bahçesaray walnuts were registered as a protected designation of origin on 8 March 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1043). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Van Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.
- Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) Herb cheese made from sheep's milk and flavoured with local herbs, it is also produced in Saray.
What Saray Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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Border Culture
Saray is a district on the Iranian border. Border trade and cultural interaction have shaped the way of life in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Saray?
Saray is known for 2 local dishes, above all Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish). Van breakfast, made up of herb cheese, kaymak, honey and dozens of kinds of jam, is also served in Saray as a rich spread.
What is Saray famous for?
Saray is known for Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Bahçesaray Cevizi (Bahçesaray walnuts) and Border Culture. Its best-known sights include Kapıköy Border Gate and Saray Castle.
What to buy in Saray?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Saray include Bahçesaray Cevizi (Bahçesaray walnuts) and Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese).
Saray Travel Guide
What to Eat in Other Districts of Van
- Bahçesaray 4 dishes Van Breakfast, Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish) and Bahçesaray walnuts
- Başkale 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı and Kelecoş
- Çaldıran 2 dishes Van Breakfast (Van Kahvaltısı) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
- Çatak 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı and Kelecoş
- Edremit 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı and Balık
- Erciş 3 dishes Van Kahvaltısı, Kelecoş and İnci Kefali
- Gevaş 3 dishes İnci Kefali (Van pearl mullet), Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast spread) and Gevaş Beans (geographical indication product)
- Gürpınar 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı and Kelecoş
- İpekyolu 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı and Murtuğa
- Muradiye 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast spread) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)
- Özalp 6 dishes Van Kahvaltısı, Kelecoş and Özalp otlu peyniri
- Tuşba 3 dishes Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)