Dishes you should try in Tuşba: Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish). This guide also covers the local products to buy and what Tuşba is famous for.
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Famous Dishes of Tuşba
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Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast)
Van breakfast, made up of herb cheese, kaymak, honey, butter and dozens of kinds of jam, is one of the richest breakfast spreads in Türkiye. Murtuğa (flour roasted with egg) is an essential part of breakfast.
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Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese)
Herb cheese made from sheep's milk and flavoured with local herbs (sirmo, heliz, siyabo), it is a geographical indication product of Van. It is matured in skin bags (tulum) or tin cans.
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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.
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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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 Tuşba: Local Products
- Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) Geographical indication Van herb cheese is made from sheep's milk and flavoured with local herbs. It is a widely recognised and sought-after product across Türkiye.
- Van Kedisi (Van cat) The Van cat, with different eye colours (one blue, one amber), is one of the world's rarest cat breeds and a symbol of Van.
What Tuşba Is Famous For: Culture and Traditions
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Urartian Heritage
Van is the capital of the Urartian Kingdom, which ruled between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. Van Castle, rock tombs and cuneiform inscriptions are the most important remains of this civilisation.
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Van Breakfast Culture
Van breakfast, with its dozens of varieties, represents Türkiye's richest breakfast tradition. Breakfast salons in the city are the places where this culture is kept alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat in Tuşba?
Tuşba is known for 3 local dishes, above all Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish). Van breakfast, made up of herb cheese, kaymak, honey, butter and dozens of kinds of jam, is one of the richest breakfast spreads in Türkiye. Murtuğa (flour roasted with egg) is an essential part of breakfast.
What is Tuşba famous for?
Tuşba is known for Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast), Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) and Urartian Heritage. Its best-known sights include Van Castle and Mollakasım Beach.
What to buy in Tuşba?
Local products and souvenirs to buy in Tuşba include Van Otlu Peyniri (Van herb cheese) and Van Kedisi (Van cat).
Tuşba 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
- Saray 2 dishes Van Kahvaltısı (Van breakfast) and Kelecoş (bean, bulgur and yoghurt dish)