A Local Classic from Samsun's Esnaf Restaurants
Chicken and chickpea pilaf is one of the most recognizable everyday dishes in Samsun, commonly served at small local eateries known as "pilavcı" that have operated in the city center for decades. This dish has become something of a symbol of daily life in Samsun.
Preparation
Chicken breast is boiled, deboned and hand-shredded. Rice is cooked separately in chicken broth with butter, and boiled chickpeas are mixed in or scattered on top. When served, a generous portion of shredded chicken is piled over the rice and finished with melted butter.
Serving
The dish is typically served with cacık (a yogurt and cucumber side), and some restaurants add pickles or roasted peppers. It is a filling, practical meal favored by workers during lunch hours.
Although the ingredients are simple, the right cooking technique and a well-made chicken broth are what define the dish's flavor. It is one of the local specialties visitors to Samsun are often encouraged to try at the city's pilaf shops.