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For food lovers, Safranbolu is a treat. There are several very good restaurants in the old town as well as a unique local cuisine.
Kazan Ocağı
I ate at two different restaurants in town. The first was on a small rooftop terrace at Kazan Ocağı. They serve homemade cuisine typical of Safranbolu. Service is slow but it’s well worth it because the food is excellent. I ate yayım (buttered noodles served with cheese and crushed walnuts) and etli yaprak sarma (meat wrapped in grape leaves and topped with yogurt). I finished off the meal with a delicious baklava washed down with a glass of çay (tea).
Hanım Sultan Ev Yemekleri
The second restaurant I tried was Hanım Sultan Ev Yemekleri. It was also good but I wasn’t as satisfied as I was at Kazan Ocağı. I had yuvarlama (a meatball stew) and yayım.
Hıdırlık Hill Tea Garden
For sampling Safranbolu’s saffron tea, head up to Hıdırlık Hill Tea Garden (Hıdırlık Tepesi Çay Bahçesi). You’ll be able to sip on tea or Turkish coffee with panoramic views of the old town.
Kuyu Kebabı
Try the kuyu kebabı if you come across it. This local dish is lamb meat cooked in a hole. I did not have a chance to try it, but there are a few places in town that serve it.
