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Why travelers keep chasing this Black Sea rice pudding

A serving of Hamsikoy sutlac topped with hazelnuts is prepared for tasting in Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)
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A serving of Hamsikoy sutlac topped with hazelnuts is prepared for tasting in Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)
February 28, 2026 12:40 PM GMT+03:00

Hamsikoy sutlac, a geographically unique rice pudding from Türkiye’s northeastern Trabzon province, continues to stand out as one of the region’s most recognized traditional desserts, attracting both local residents and international visitors who make their way to the historic village where it originated.

A dessert shaped by geography and the Silk Road route

Hamsikoy, located in Macka district along the historical Silk Road route, lends its name to the dessert that has been produced in the area for nearly a century. The pudding’s reputation is closely tied to the region’s high-altitude plateaus, where animals graze naturally, contributing to the distinctive quality of the milk used in the recipe.

Today, numerous businesses in Hamsikoy, along with producers across Trabzon province, prepare the pudding daily, drawing steady interest from domestic and foreign travelers who seek out authentic local cuisine during their visits.

Hamsikoy sutlac is served with crushed hazelnuts, a common topping for the traditional dessert in Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)
Hamsikoy sutlac is served with crushed hazelnuts, a common topping for the traditional dessert in Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)

Tradition carried forward through simple techniques

Chef Esra Kavazoglu, speaking to Anadolu Agency, explained that the dessert continues to be prepared according to traditional methods and remains widely appreciated by visitors. She underlined that the quality of milk sourced from animals raised on mountain pastures plays a decisive role in achieving the characteristic taste, adding that travelers arriving in the city are encouraged to try the geographically registered specialty.

The preparation process remains intentionally straightforward, reflecting a culinary approach built around patience rather than complexity.

Ingredients including rice, sugar and salt are displayed before the preparation of Hamsikoy sutlac in Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)
Ingredients including rice, sugar and salt are displayed before the preparation of Hamsikoy sutlac in Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)

Recipe outline: Slow cooking brings out natural flavor

Ingredients (serves about 15 people)

  • 5 kilograms milk
  • 250 grams rice
  • 500 grams sugar
  • A small amount of salt
  • Hazelnuts (optional topping)
Hamsikoy sutlac is ladled from a large pot during traditional outdoor preparation in Macka district of Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)
Hamsikoy sutlac is ladled from a large pot during traditional outdoor preparation in Macka district of Trabzon, Türkiye, Feb. 26, 2026. (AA Photo)

Preparation

Milk is first brought to a boil in a traditional copper pot, a material commonly used in regional cooking for even heat distribution. Washed rice, sugar and a small amount of salt are then added, and the mixture is left to simmer for about 30 minutes until it thickens naturally.

Once cooked, the pudding is poured into bowls and topped with hazelnuts according to preference before serving.

February 28, 2026 12:40 PM GMT+03:00
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