Army Toast

Ordu Tost is a type of toasted sandwich unique to the province of Ordu, prepared by spreading ezme sucuk between two special slices of toasted bread. The bread is baked over hazelnut shell fire, resulting in a golden yellow color and a semi-firm texture. Ezme sucuk is a spreadable form of sausage made by mixing ground beef, spices, garlic, and salt. The sandwich is fried in a toaster after being brushed with butter. Optional additions include half-fat kaşar cheese. The production of Ordu Tost requires a specific methodology and regional expertise tied to its geographical boundaries. This product received geographical indication registration as a certification mark in 2023. It may be marketed under the name “Ordu Tost” only when prepared within the boundaries of Ordu province using established traditional methods.

History

The origin of Ordu Tost dates back to the 1970s. As toaster machines became widespread across Türkiye, various food businesses in Ordu developed a type of toast tailored to local taste preferences. Over time, its ingredients and preparation method became standardized among the local population.

Producer and consumer declarations collected during the 2022 geographical indication application process confirmed that the sandwich had been prepared using the same recipe for many years and was widely known locally as “Ordu Tost.” Although different establishments sometimes referred to it as “sucuklu-kaşarlı tost” or “karışık tost,” witness testimonies and producers involved in the registration application documented that it was consistently produced under the name “Ordu Tost” with a fixed composition.

Geographical Boundary and Distribution

The product may bear the name “Ordu Tost” only if produced within the boundaries of Ordu province. The production area includes the districts of Altınordu, Fatsa, Ünye, Perşembe, Gülyalı, Gölköy, and other municipalities. Consumption is most concentrated in central districts of Ordu but is widespread throughout the entire province.

Ordu Tost is prepared and served by local artisans in restaurants, buffets, and small-scale fast-food establishments.

Ordu Tost (Anadolu Agency)

Ingredients of Ordu Tost

• Toasted Bread: Rectangular, golden yellow, semi-firm toasted bread produced specifically in Ordu (30 cm length, 8 cm width, 12 cm depth). The bread is baked over hazelnut shell fire and rested for one day.
• Ezme Sucuk: A spreadable sausage made by grinding beef, sausage spices, garlic, and salt in specified proportions and processing them through a meat grinder. Applied in a thin layer (1–2 mm thickness).
• Half-Fat Kaşar Cheese (optional): Can be used together with ezme sucuk in Ordu Tost.
• Butter: Used to coat the outer surfaces for frying (5–10 g).

Preparation of Ordu Tost

Toasted Bread Production

Ezme Sucuk Production

Assembly

Hygiene and Production Standards

The following hygiene and quality standards must be strictly observed during production:

• Sucuk and kaşar cheese must comply with the Turkish Food Codex.
• Toaster machines must be cleaned daily.
• Material and surface contact must adhere to hygiene regulations.
• Work surfaces, knives, and equipment used during preparation must be sterilized to prevent cross-contamination.

The Ordu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for enforcing these regulations.

Registration and Inspection Information

• Registration Type: Certification Mark
• Registration Date: 11 May 2023
• Registration Number: 1357
• Registration Holder: Ordu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Inspection Authority: Ordu Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry

Service and Consumption

Ordu Tost is typically consumed during breakfast and snacks. In its traditional presentation, it is not served with sauce, pickles, or garnishes. Any modifications to its ingredients—such as the addition of sausage or salami—eliminate its geographical indication status.