Travel video guide
Where to Eat in İlkadım, Samsun: Çakallı Menemeni
This guide turns Samsun’da 1 Günde Ne Yenir? #işbirliği from Gezgin Çoban into a practical restaurant map with 4 saved spots around İlkadım, Atakum, and Kavak. The mapped places include a restaurant stop and a cafe stop. Use it to understand the places, dishes, and trip context before saving the map in Varedelo.
What the creator captured
Gezgin Çoban embarked on a comprehensive culinary tour of Samsun, emphasizing that the Çakallı menemen alone is worth traveling kilometers for. He declared Black Sea pita to be the best in the world and was particularly impressed by the unique texture of Bafra nokulu. His journey highlighted the traditional wood-fired cooking methods and historical settings that define the region's food culture.
What this map is good for
- Planning a restaurant stop or short itinerary in İlkadım.
- Comparing food stops from a creator or saved local map before you commit time in the city.
- Saving 4 mapped spots into Varedelo so the list stays usable on the ground.
- Using the original video as context, then turning it into a clean place-by-place map.
Featured spots on this map
- Niyazi Kesim Restoran Kule
Restaurant in Mevlana, Alaçam Cd. No:186, 55200 Atakum/Samsun, Türkiye, Mevlana, Atakum, Samsun, Türkiye
Price level: Medium
Hours: Hours available - Lezzetli Döner Aydın Usta
Fast Food Restaurant in Kale, 55030 İlkadım/Samsun, Türkiye, Kale, İlkadım, Samsun, Türkiye
Price level: Medium
Hours: Hours available - Meşhur Menemenci Dayı
Restaurant in Saraykent Mahallesi 55850 Kavak/Samsun 41, Mahmutlu, 41.181248 No:36 D:112392, 55850 Kavak/Samsun, Türkiye, Mahmutlu, Kavak, Samsun, Türkiye
Price level: Moderate
Hours: Hours available - Sümbül Konağı Kafe
Cafe in Pazar, Atatürk Bl. no:131, 55020 İlkadım/Samsun, Türkiye, Pazar, İlkadım, Samsun, Türkiye
Hours: Hours available
Food notes from the video
- Çakallı menemeni
- Pastırmalı ve kavurmalı menemen
- Kelle paça çorbası
- Kuzu tandır
- Türk kahvesi
- Yaprak döner
- Bafra pidesi
- Bafra nokulu
Experiences captured
- Visited Meşhur Menemenci Dayı
- Ate at Gizler Tandır
- Took a break at Sümbül Konağı
- Visited Lezzet Döner Aydın Usta
- Tried local pastries at Niyazi Restoran
- Explored Samsun's culinary stops
Planning notes for Samsun
Samsun is a coastal city located on the northern coast of Turkey between the deltas of the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers. Its history dates to the 7th century BCE when it was founded as the Greek colony of Amisos. The city has subsequently been under the administration of the Kingdom of Pontus, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Seljuk Turks, and the Ottoman Empire. The architectural landscape includes the 13th-century Göğceli Mosque.
Must-try foods nearby
- Bafra Pidesi
The most iconic food of Samsun, this closed-style pide is known for its thin, crispy dough and long, slender shape. - Kavak Kaz Tiridi
A winter delicacy and a registered cultural heritage, this dish features specially raised goose. - Çakallı Menemeni
Originating from the Çakallı region on the Samsun-Ankara highway, this version of menemen is unique because the tomatoes are peeled and mashed into a smooth puree. - Bafra Nokulu
A traditional, non-syrupy pastry that is a staple for holidays and special occasions. - Samsun Simidi
Unlike the softer simits found elsewhere in Turkey, the Samsun variety is thinner, crunchier, and has a deep mahogany color.
When to go: The best time to visit Samsun is from June to September, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for beach activities or exploring the Black Sea coastline. While summers are peak season with temperatures averaging 25–27°C (77–81°F).
Local tips
- Purchase a rechargeable Samkart at kiosks or tram stations to use the efficient coastal light rail and public bus systems.
- Carry cash in Turkish Lira for small purchases and dolmuş rides, as many local vendors and shared minibuses do not accept credit cards.
- Accept offered tea in shops or homes as a sign of respect, even if you only take a few sips to acknowledge the host's hospitality.
- Say 'Elinize sağlık' to the cook after a meal to express appreciation for their effort and the quality of the food.
What travelers are noticing
- Samsun Culture Route Festival (June 2026)
- Samsun-Trabzon High-Speed Rail Project construction
- Sports Tourism Expansion (Olympic swimming and gymnastics hubs)
Extra place context
- Meşhur Menemenci Dayı
Another iconic stop in the Çakallı region, known for serving authentic menemen 24/7. The experience is completed with fresh sourdough bread toasted on the stove.
food
Official tourism resource
The official tourism page for the İlkadım district, provided by the Samsun Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism under the Republic of Türkiye.
Planning questions
Where did Gezgin Çoban eat in İlkadım, Samsun?
This guide maps all 4 spots featured in the video, with names, addresses, and neighborhoods, so you can plan where to eat in İlkadım, Samsun.
What are the must-try foods in İlkadım, Samsun?
Creator picks from the video include Çakallı menemeni, Pastırmalı ve kavurmalı menemen, Kelle paça çorbası, Kuzu tandır. Open the map in Varedelo to see which spot each one is at.
Can I save these spots to use on my trip?
Yes. Open the map in Varedelo to save every spot, get directions, and revisit the guide from your phone while you travel.
Use it on your trip
Save this restaurant map before you go
Keep the mapped spots, creator context, food notes, and planning details together. Varedelo turns the page into a phone-friendly map you can revisit when you are choosing where to go.