Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide

Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide is a traditional vegetarian pastry specialty unique to the Akçakoca district of Düzce Province in Türkiye. Prepared using traditional methods, it is made with leafy greens such as chard, spinach or black cabbage, shaped into a half-moon form, and baked. This product has been passed down through generations by the Manav Turks living in Akçakoca’s Yukarı Mahallesi neighborhood and is prepared using herbs known locally as “mancar.” It has been officially registered as a geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The key distinguishing features of Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide are: the complete enclosure of the filling in a half-moon shape of dough; baking on a traditional stone oven or on a metal surface heated by wood fire; and serving hot with butter spread on top immediately after baking. This method ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the filling soft and moist through steam retention, giving the product a distinctive flavor and texture.

Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide (Düzce Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

Production Method

Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide consists of two components: dough and filling. Preparation takes approximately 45 minutes.

Dough Ingredients (for 3 pides)

• 3 glasses (360 g) wheat flour
• 2 tea spoons (4 g) salt
• Lukewarm drinking water (as needed)

The dough is kneaded until it reaches the consistency of an earlobe, then covered and left to rest for 45 minutes.

Filling Ingredients

• 2 bunches (600 g) chard or spinach (mancar)
• 1 dried onion (85 g)
• 5 sprigs fresh mint (10 g)
• 2 tea spoons (4 g) salt
• 1–2 g black pepper
• 2 g red pepper powder
• 2 tablespoons liquid oil

The greens, onion and fresh mint are finely chopped and mixed with salt, spices and oil. The rested dough is divided into portions of 80–100 g each, then rolled out on a floured surface to a diameter of 35–40 cm. The filling is spread over half of each dough round, which is then folded over to form a half-moon shape. The pides are baked on a stone oven or on a metal surface heated to 180 °C by wood fire until both sides are golden brown. Immediately after removal from the oven, butter is spread on top. It is typically served with ayran.

Geographical Indication Information

Akçakoca Mancarlı Pide was officially registered as a geographical indication on 29 December 2017 with registration number 321. The product category is classified as “pide / bakery and confectionery products, dough-based items, sweets.” All stages of production must take place within the boundaries of Akçakoca district, Düzce Province. Monitoring and control are carried out with the participation of relevant institutions under the coordination of the Akçakoca Chamber of Commerce and Industry.