Trabzon-Rize Gourmet Guide

May Tea, often referred to as the "Month of Flowers," is cherished by nature enthusiasts, tea lovers, and the devoted hands of tea-picking aunties. This unique harvest reflects the renewal and vibrancy of spring.

Historic Kalkanoğlu Rice Restaurant

Rice pilaf is a dish that is made and consumed as frequently in almost every home in Trabzon and Rize as muhlama (a type of cheese dish) or kale. When combined with butter from the high plateaus, the rice creates a wonderful flavor. Kalkanoğlu Pilavcısı is a 150-year-old family business that has managed to maintain the same quality of flavor passed down from generation to generation. The chefs say that bone broth is another ingredient that adds flavor to the pilaf. Their dried bean stew and roasted meat are also fantastic. I always try to visit Kalkanoğlu whenever I go to Trabzon, and I highly recommend it to anyone traveling to the Eastern Black Sea region. But don't wait too long, because once the pilaf runs out, the place will close. Kalkanoğlu Pilavcısı is a very nice and charming place.

Rüştü's Bakery

With its magnificent stone building that has preserved its authenticity from years ago, and the wonderful aromas of bread and pita bread, this beautiful bakery invites you in. Located in the same neighborhood as Kalkanoğlu Pilavcı (a local rice restaurant), these two establishments are neighbors. Who knows how many masters have baked breads and pita breads at that counter over the years? While you wait for your pita bread, the wonderful aromas wafting from the stone oven might test your patience. Like many places in the Black Sea region, everything here is generously oily, but it never feels heavy. The quality and abundance of ingredients, combined with the masters' incredible flavors, make Rüştü's Bakery one of my favorite places. You absolutely must go, see it, chat with them, and taste their delicious offerings.

Rize Port Restaurant

Since my childhood, whenever my family and I traveled from Istanbul to my hometown Rize, Liman Restaurant was a place we always visited. Everyone knows and recommends Liman Restaurant; I've never met anyone with a negative opinion about any of its dishes. From the deliciousness of their bean stew to the flavor of their döner kebab and the roasted meat that starts being prepared very early in the morning, everything is perfect. They cook their food over a huge wood-fired oven. It's worth going just to see that oven. And of course, like most restaurants on this list, Liman has a wonderful rice pudding. Anyone passing through Rize should drive to Liman without considering any other alternative; I'm sure you won't regret it.

Çayeli Lale Restaurant

Lale Restaurant's operation and concept are almost identical to Liman Restaurant, but we can never really choose between them because both establishments offer delicious and high-quality products to their customers with the same care. They claim the restaurant's most famous dish is its world-renowned bean stew, but my favorites are the döner kebab served over rice, followed by the "atom" rice pudding. It's located in the town center, quite close to the coastal road. It's easily found and won't take up much of your time if you're planning a trip.

Mora Restaurant

Mora, located 3 km from the entrance of the Fırtına Valley, is a must-see. Situated within a large tea plantation and orchard, Mora offers fresh vegetables and fruits directly from the garden to your table. Every ingredient used is locally produced, whether in Mora itself or in the surrounding highlands. Breakfast is exquisite. The kiwi and apple jams, muhlama (a local dish), and clotted cream are sure to become addictive. The regional stews are also among the best in the valley. Mora is one of my top favorite places in the Fırtına Valley. It's ideal for breakfast, lunch, relaxation, and a coffee. While you're there, be sure to pet Moni, the dog who seems to think he's human.

Lazika

Lazika, like the Peloponnese, is located 3 km along the Storm River. You can also visit Lazika and taste their wonderful teas. We always have smiles on our faces, and our tea is always delicious. We look forward to seeing you.

Zua Coffee (Şenyuva Village)

Zua is a third-wave coffee shop located in the village formerly known as Çinçiva. But calling them just a coffee shop isn't quite right, as their mastic pudding made with wild berries gathered from the Kaçkar Mountains, their Elderflower Soda (Pohpedi), and their Chocolate Tart are excellent. Moreover, Zua has even made it onto the list of well-known names like Vedat Milor and received a good rating. The owners, Elif and Apo, are also very dear friends of mine and wonderful people. This year, Zua is offering a wider variety of desserts, prepared by Emel Bahçıvan and Yasemin Taşkın. We highly recommend it to anyone visiting Çamlıhemşin.

Çat Valley Trout Farm

I wanted to take you to some of the higher altitudes of the Kaçkar Mountains. While you might not have the chance to eat at the trout farm in Çat Valley, you can buy their wonderful fish and cook them yourself for a delicious meal. Besides farm-raised trout, you can also find real "mountain trout" from eggs caught in the stream of Haçivanak Plateau, one of the most beautiful plateaus in the Kaçkar Mountains. If the owner of this lovely facility, Tezcan Biber, is there, you can join his pleasant conversation and learn everything you need to know about the valley.