Erzurum’s cuisine is a hearty reflection of its mountainous, cold-climate region, with rich, meaty dishes and unique local flavors. Here are some must-try foods when visiting Erzurum:

Cağ Kebabı The most famous dish of Erzurum, **cağ kebabı** is a succulent, horizontally roasted lamb kebab cooked over an open fire. Served on skewers, it’s seasoned with local spices and often accompanied by lavash bread, fresh tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. Many travelers visit Erzurum specifically to try this local delicacy, and you can find it in specialized restaurants across the city.

Su Böreği Erzurum’s take on this beloved Turkish pastry, **su böreği** (literally “water pastry”), is made with layers of delicate, hand-rolled dough, cheese, and sometimes parsley. Each layer is boiled before baking, resulting in a moist, deliciously rich pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or a light snack.

Kadayıf Dolması For dessert, don’t miss **kadayıf dolması**—a sweet treat unique to Erzurum. This dessert is made from kadayıf (shredded wheat pastry) stuffed with walnuts, then rolled, fried, and soaked in syrup. The result is a crispy, sweet, and nutty dessert, often served with a scoop of ice cream or topped with pistachios.

Aşotu Çorbası A hearty and warming soup, **aşotu çorbası** is made with fresh herbs, yogurt, rice, and sometimes chickpeas, seasoned with mint and garlic. It’s a perfect introduction to Erzurum’s use of local herbs and flavors, making it a comforting starter or a light meal on its own.

Lor Dolması Erzurum’s **lor dolması** is a unique dish made from stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of lor cheese (a type of ricotta-like cheese), spices, and herbs. It’s a vegetarian option that balances the rich flavors of local herbs with the creaminess of the cheese, making it a flavorful dish perfect for cheese lovers.

Kete This pastry, **kete**, is a traditional breakfast item in Erzurum. Made from flour, butter, and sugar, it’s filled with a simple buttery mixture that gives it a delicate sweetness. Kete is typically enjoyed with tea and is especially popular during Ramadan and other special occasions.

Erzurum Pide While **pide** is enjoyed across Turkey, Erzurum has its own twist. Here, it’s typically topped with minced meat and locally-sourced cheese, baked to crispy perfection in wood-fired ovens. The combination of crispy edges and savory toppings makes it a favorite among locals and a must-try for travelers.

Ayran Aşı Soup A regional specialty, **ayran aşı** is a cool yogurt-based soup made with chickpeas, wheat, and fresh mint. This refreshing soup is particularly popular during the warmer months and is a unique twist on Turkish yogurt-based dishes, offering a light, tangy taste.

Oltu Tava Named after the Oltu district, **oltu tava** is a lamb-based stew with a rich, savory flavor. The meat is marinated with onions, tomatoes, and spices, then slow-cooked to create a tender and flavorful dish. It’s usually served with fresh bread for dipping.

Erzurum Simit Erzurum’s version of **simit** (a popular Turkish sesame bread) is slightly different from the classic. Here, simit is often denser and slightly less sweet, sometimes made with local flours, and perfect when enjoyed with fresh cheese or jam for breakfast.

Each of these dishes reflects Erzurum’s regional flavors and culinary traditions. From the iconic cağ kebabı to sweet, syrupy kadayıf dolması, Erzurum offers a unique and delicious taste of eastern Turkey’s diverse food culture.