Ardahan, located in the northeastern part of Turkey, is a region known for its harsh winters, stunning landscapes, and a cuisine that reflects its rural, agricultural character. The food in Ardahan is simple yet hearty, made from locally sourced ingredients that have been traditionally used by the people of the region for generations. The cuisine here is deeply influenced by the cold climate, with dishes designed to provide warmth and sustenance. Meat, dairy products, and grains form the backbone of the local diet, and many of the dishes have been shaped by the region’s unique geography and cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most popular foods in Ardahan.

One of the most iconic foods in Ardahan is its cheese, particularly kaşar cheese. Ardahan is renowned for producing some of the best kaşar cheese in Turkey. This semi-hard cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a distinctive yellow color and a rich, slightly tangy flavor. It can be eaten fresh or aged, with aged kaşar having a firmer texture and a more pronounced taste. Kaşar cheese is often used in cooking, melted into dishes, or served on its own as part of a traditional Turkish breakfast. The cheese-making tradition in Ardahan is centuries old, and the region’s high-quality milk, derived from cows grazing on the nutrient-rich pastures, is what gives the cheese its exceptional flavor.

In addition to kaşar, another popular dairy product in Ardahan is gravyer cheese. Similar to Swiss gruyère, gravyer is a hard, nutty cheese that’s aged for several months to develop its complex flavor. It is often used in cooking or enjoyed with bread and honey. The cheese-making process in Ardahan is a point of pride for local producers, and many small farms continue to use traditional methods to create these high-quality cheeses, making them a must-try for visitors to the region.

Moving on from dairy to breads, one of the most beloved pastries in Ardahan is kete. Kete is a traditional Turkish pastry that is particularly popular in the eastern regions of the country. It is a type of flatbread that is often filled with butter or a mixture of butter and sugar, giving it a rich, flaky texture. Kete can be served plain or with various fillings such as cheese, walnuts, or tahini, and is often enjoyed with tea. In Ardahan, kete is commonly served during breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. The pastry’s warm, comforting flavor makes it a favorite during the cold winter months.

Another popular dish in Ardahan is kavurma, a type of preserved meat. Kavurma is made by slow-cooking lamb or beef in its own fat, along with salt and sometimes onions or spices. Once the meat is fully cooked and tender, it is packed into jars or containers and sealed with a layer of fat on top, which helps preserve it for long periods. Kavurma is often made in the fall, just before the onset of winter, and is stored for use throughout the colder months when fresh meat may be less available. This dish reflects the practical, resourceful nature of Ardahan’s cuisine, as it allows people to enjoy meat during the harsh winter without the need for refrigeration. Kavurma can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in other dishes, such as pilaf or scrambled eggs.

Soups are an essential part of the diet in Ardahan, especially during the cold winter months. One of the most popular soups in the region is ayran aşı, a yogurt-based soup made with wheat, chickpeas, and mint. This soup is both refreshing and filling, making it a popular choice in the summer as well as during the colder seasons. The tangy flavor of the yogurt pairs perfectly with the heartiness of the wheat and chickpeas, while the mint adds a fresh, fragrant touch. Ayran aşı is typically served warm in the winter and cold in the summer, showcasing the versatility of this dish in adapting to the region’s extreme climate.

Another beloved dish in Ardahan is piti, a slow-cooked lamb stew that is traditionally baked in clay pots. Piti is made with lamb, chickpeas, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, and is cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that is both hearty and satisfying. Piti is often served with a side of rice or bread to soak up the flavorful broth. The use of clay pots in cooking piti is a tradition that goes back centuries, and many families in Ardahan continue to use these traditional methods to prepare the dish.

In addition to these savory dishes, Ardahan is also known for its sweet treats. One of the most popular desserts in the region is hasuda, a simple yet delicious dessert made from sugar, flour, and butter. The ingredients are cooked together until they form a thick, caramel-like consistency, and the result is a rich, sweet treat that is often enjoyed with tea. Hasuda is a reflection of the simplicity of Ardahan’s cuisine, using just a few basic ingredients to create a satisfying and comforting dessert.

Honey is another important part of Ardahan’s food culture. The region is known for its high-quality honey, which is produced by bees that feed on the wildflowers growing in the area’s mountainous terrain. Ardahan honey is prized for its purity and rich flavor, and it is often enjoyed with bread, cheese, or yogurt. Honey is also used as an ingredient in many desserts and pastries, adding natural sweetness to dishes.

Finally, no visit to Ardahan would be complete without trying ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink that is popular throughout Turkey. Ayran is made by mixing yogurt with water and a pinch of salt, creating a tangy, slightly salty drink that pairs perfectly with the rich, hearty dishes of Ardahan’s cuisine. Ayran is typically served cold and is a common accompaniment to meals, particularly during the warmer months.

In conclusion, the food of Ardahan is a reflection of the region’s rural, agricultural heritage and its cold, mountainous climate. The cuisine is based on simple, wholesome ingredients such as meat, dairy, grains, and honey, which are transformed into hearty, comforting dishes that provide sustenance during the long winters. From the rich flavors of kaşar cheese and kavurma to the sweet simplicity of hasuda, the food of Ardahan offers a unique and authentic taste of northeastern Turkey. Whether you're exploring the countryside or enjoying a meal in a local home, the culinary traditions of Ardahan are sure to leave a lasting impression.