Instead of Gaziantep you can try Kars for a foody weekend

We have just returned from our Kars trip. Besides meeting very nice, hospitable people and visiting historical sites, I realize that Kars may rival Gaziantep. Many friends fly to Gaziantep for a weekend food fest, but why not spend some time in Kars?

My top four were:

Sarı Balık

The Yellow Carp, also known as “Sarı Sazan” in Turkish. This fish is unique to Çıldır Lake and is noted for its distinctive characteristics.

Mantı

Cooked with bone broth found in Selim, Kültürevi.

Kars Goose (definition below)

Cağ Kebab (definition below)

I have tasted most of the stuff listed here:

Kars, a city in eastern Turkey, boasts a rich culinary tradition influenced by its harsh climate, pastoral culture, and diverse regional influences. Here are some of the most popular local foods in Kars:

## Meat Dishes

**Kars Goose (Kars Kazı)**: This is perhaps the most famous dish from Kars[5][6]. The goose is typically roasted and served over rice. It’s known for its fatty, flavorful meat due to the geese being raised in the cold climate[8].

**Cağ Kebabı**: Although originally from neighboring Erzurum, this horizontally-roasted lamb kebab is popular in Kars. It’s marinated in salt, pepper, and onion, then cooked over wood flames[5].

**Piti**: A hearty stew made with lamb shank and chickpeas, served with pita bread. It’s a dish with Azerbaijani origins that has become a local favorite in Kars[8].

## Dairy Products

**Kars Gravyer (Gruyere) and Kaşar Cheese**: Kars is famous for its high-quality cheeses, particularly its aged cheddar (eski kaşar)[5][8].

**Yogurt**: The region is known for exceptional yogurt, often sourced from nearby villages like Boğatepe[5].

## Pastries and Grain-based Dishes

**Haşıl**: A dish made with boiled bulgur, served with butter and yogurt[8].

**Hangel**: Boiled triangular dough pieces served with butter and yogurt[8].

**Kete**: A type of pastry common in the region[8].

**Umaç Halva**: A local dessert made with flour[8][9].

## Soups and Other Dishes

**Ayran Çorbası**: A soup made with buttermilk[8].

**Evelik Çorbası**: A soup made from a local plant called evelik[8][9].

**Bozbaş**: A traditional soup[9].

**Ekmek Aşı**: A dish made by pouring hot oil and yogurt over bread[9].

## Beverages and Sweets

**Kars Honey**: The region is known for its high-quality honey[8].

**Georgian Wine**: While not strictly local, some restaurants in Kars serve Georgian wines due to the region’s proximity to Georgia[5].

These dishes reflect Kars’s unique position at the crossroads of Turkish, Caucasian, and Central Asian culinary traditions. Many of these can be found at local restaurants such as Kars Kaz Evi, Hanımeli Restaurant, and Pushkin[8].

Citations:

1. Karsala – Official Website
2. Kazevi Kars – About Us
3. Gustomack – Official Website
4. 1855 Gazi Restaurant – Instagram
5. CB on the Road: Exploring Kars – Culinary Backstreets
6. Kars Cuisine: What to Eat in Kars – Pegasus Airlines
7. Kars – TasteAtlas
8. What to Eat in Kars and Where to Eat – Çok Okuyan Çok Gezen
9. Kars Regional Dishes – SERKA
10. Taste of Kars – GoKars Türkiye