Hamsili Pilav (Anchovy Rice)

The Black Sea Coast's Fish Pilaf

Hamsili Pilav is a dish that combines rice pilaf with anchovies, an essential presence on tables in Samsun's coastal districts during the winter months. Hamsi, the Black Sea's best-known fish, serves in this recipe both as a flavour component and as a striking visual element.

How It's Made

Cleaned anchovies are arranged around the edges of a mould, tray or dish, with their heads facing outward. The centre is filled with rice pilaf enriched with onion, butter, and sometimes walnuts or currants. Once baked in the oven, the dish is flipped onto a serving plate, and the anchovies form a sun-like pattern around the pilaf.

A Tradition on the Samsun Coast

Frequently served in coastal restaurants during autumn and winter, when the anchovy season begins, hamsili pilav is one of the region's best-known fish dishes, prized for being both filling and visually striking. For visitors to the city, it stands out as one of the most practical ways to experience Black Sea cuisine.