Here is a guide to the local delicacies that those who go on a Rize vacation should definitely try and where to find them best.
You can have breakfast at Ayder Yaylası, an ideal place to start the day in Rize. Many yayla houses and restaurants on the yayla offer a wonderful breakfast consisting of muhlama, village cheese, fresh butter, honey, jam, cornbread and tea. “Ayder Doğa Alabalık Tesisleri” is especially recommended for breakfast.
For lunch, you can visit the historical Zilkale in Çamlıhemşin. The restaurants around Zilkale offer local dishes such as black cabbage soup, cornbread and anchovy pilaf accompanied by the enchanting view of the historical castle. “Zilkale Pansiyon ve Restoran” stands out as a popular option here. You can also try delicacies such as Rize pide, cabbage sarma and Rize kavurma at places such as “Lale Lokantası” and “Pideci Hasan Usta” in the city center of Rize.
For dinner, you can enjoy local flavors such as trout, kuymak and various appetizers at the restaurants along the Fırtına Stream. “Osmanlı Alabalık Tesisleri” and “Dere Kenarı Restaurant” located by the stream are especially recommended. In the Çamlıhemşin region, places such as “Şelale Restaurant” and “Doğa Restaurant” offer both local dishes and meat dishes, providing visitors with an unforgettable dinner experience.
For those who love desserts, desserts such as Laz böreği and Hamsiköy rice pudding in the Kalkandere district are must-try flavors. “Fırıncı Osman”, one of the local patisseries and dessert shops in Kalkandere, is a great place to try these desserts. Also, for those who want to try Rize’s famous tea, Ziraat Çay Bahçesi and Botanik Çay Bahçesi are ideal venues. Here, brewed Rize tea is served with nuts or dried fruit.
While exploring Rize, don’t forget to taste Hamsiköy rice pudding and village bread in Hamsiköy. You can visit “Hamsiköy Yayla Evi” which offers these flavors in the best way. In İkizdere, you can try flavors such as corn bread, mıhlama and kuymak at the “Ridos Thermal Hotel & Spa” restaurant.
This guide will help you discover the natural beauties of the region and also experience the unique flavors of the local cuisine while on holiday in Rize. Rize’s rich gastronomic culture will add an unforgettable flavor to your holiday.
