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Sinop mantisi, a geographically registered regional dish from Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, continues to attract visitors who want to explore the city’s local food traditions. Known for its unusual serving style that combines yogurt and finely ground walnuts, the dumpling dish leaves a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other varieties of Turkish manti.
Sinop mantisi has been passed down through generations and remains one of the first dishes visitors look for when they want to taste local cuisine in the city. The dumplings are widely prepared both in homes and in restaurants, reflecting how deeply the dish is embedded in everyday food culture.
Its cultural significance was formally recognized in 2020, when the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office granted the dish a geographical indication registration under the name “Sinop mantisi.” Such registrations identify foods that are strongly tied to a specific region and protect their traditional characteristics.
Chef Halime Sahin described the dish as one of the city’s most special flavors, explaining that its texture and ingredients help shape its identity. She pointed out that the dough is rolled thin and prepared with yogurt and eggs, elements that give the dish its characteristic structure.
Highlighting its unique presentation, Sahin emphasized the importance of walnuts, yogurt, minced meat and village butter in the recipe. She noted that the dough is kneaded at least three hours before cooking so that it can rest, explaining: “If the dough rests, it adds more flavor.”
Sahin also underlined a feature that distinguishes the dish from other dumpling traditions around the world, stating: “One of the most important features of Sinop mantisi is that it is the only manti in the world served with walnuts.”
The recipe presented in the project is designed for two servings and begins with a simple dough prepared from flour, water, salt and one egg. After kneading, the dough is left to rest before being rolled out and cut into small square pieces.
The filling is prepared by mixing minced beef with finely chopped onion, salt and black pepper. Small portions of the filling are placed in the squares of dough, which are then folded into triangular shapes and sealed.
The dumplings are boiled in hot water for about 15 minutes. After cooking, they are served with toppings that define the dish’s signature flavor combination. Finely ground walnuts, yogurt, red pepper flakes and melted butter are added on top before serving.
Ingredients
Preparation
Knead flour, water, salt and egg together to form the dough.
Let the dough rest, then roll it out and cut it into square pieces.
Prepare the filling by mixing minced beef with finely chopped onion, salt and black pepper.
Place small portions of filling onto the dough squares.
Fold the dough into triangular shapes and seal the edges.
Boil the dumplings in hot water for about 15 minutes.
Serve with walnuts, yogurt, red pepper flakes and melted butter on top.
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