The Crimean Tatar cuisine is primarily the cuisine of the
Crimean Tatars, who live on the
Crimean Peninsula. The traditional cuisine of the Crimean Tatars has similarities with that of
Greeks,
Italians,
Balkan peoples,
Nogais, North Caucasians, and
Volga Tatars, although some national dishes and dietary habits vary between different Crimean Tatar regional subgroups; for example,
fish and
produce are more popular among
Yaliboylu and Tat dishes while meat and dairy is more prevalent in Steppe Tatar cuisine. Many Uzbek dishes were incorporated into Crimean Tatar national cuisine during exile in Central Asia since 1944, and these dishes have become prevalent in Crimea since the return. Uzbek
samsa,
laghman, and plov (
pilaf) are sold in most Tatar roadside cafes in Crimea as national dishes. In turn, some Crimean Tatar dishes, including Chiburekki, have been adopted by peoples outside Crimea, such as in
Turkey and the
North Caucasus.[1]
Traditional dishes
Çiberek (or Chiburekki) is a fried turnover with a filling of ground or minced meat and onions. Made with one round piece of dough folded over the filling in a half-moon shape. A national dish of Crimean Tatars, it is also popular in Crimean Tatar diasporas in Turkey, Romania, Russia, and Uzbekistan.
Köbete, a traditional pie with a rice-and-chicken filling baked between two layers of dough. Served as a main course, köbete can be made with alternative fillings, such as rice and meat, meat with potatoes and onions, or even potatoes and cheese.
Tabaq börek, small dumplings with a meat filling cooked in a broth and served as a main dish or in a soup (qashiq börek).
Göbädiä (or gubadia), a wedding pie with layers of meat, rice, chopped eggs, raisins, and qurt (dry white cheese).
Shorba, a meat soup with large pieces of beef and mutton, onion, carrots, and other vegetables.
Baqla ash, a soup made from green peas or beans, a vegetarian dish.
Sheker qiyiqs, a traditional dessert.
Dolma, bell pepper with meat
Sarma, meat wrapped in grape leaves
Beshbarmaq, a dish which is especially popular among a steppe sub-ethnic group