Hamsi tava

Hamsi tava is a traditional Turkish dish of battered and fried fish featuring anchovies (hamsi), a staple in the Black Sea region. Fresh anchovies are cleaned, deboned, and lightly salted before being dredged in flour to create a thin, crispy coating.

They are arranged in a circular pattern in a frying pan and shallow-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy, with both sides cooked evenly. Served hot with lemon wedges, fresh greens, onion salad, or yogurt sauce, hamsi tava is known for its crispy texture and rich, slightly salty flavor.

This dish, a highlight of Turkish coastal cuisine, reflects the simplicity and freshness of the Black Sea region’s culinary traditions, where anchovies hold cultural and dietary importance.