Dombay's Culinary Treasures: a guide to new flavors

• Ниткачева Алена
• 21 февраля 2025
• Путешествия

Dombay is a famous ski resort right at the foot of the Main Caucasian Mountain Range. Many people visit it for the sake of unity with the wild, skiing and snowboarding on trails of different difficulty levels, and the opportunity to breathe the mountain air.

Our editorial staff suggests looking at this place from a different perspective, because Dombay is also famous for many unique recipes that can be tried in Karachay-Cherkessia. If you want to feel the special atmosphere of the Caucasus and understand how life is here, you should definitely appreciate the local food and get acquainted with the traditions of its preparation! We have put together a special guide to dishes that will not leave both sophisticated gourmets and novice gastro travelers indifferent.

Karachai black sheep dishes

In Karachay-Cherkessia, the locals bred their own breed: the black Karachay sheep. The black sheep is a unique and rare animal that can be found far from all places in the Caucasus. These animals feel good in the highlands, their meat has no pronounced odor and is considered more tender than other breeds. Those who have tried it claim that it just melts in your mouth. Of course, the cuisine of these places could not exist without lamb dishes.

In Dombay, you should definitely take a shish kebab from black Karachay lamb, which is cooked here on the grill with onions and a minimum of spices, so as not to interrupt the taste of the meat itself. We also recommend trying jau-orun, a boiled shoulder of mutton with brine. This is a special sauce made from crushed garlic with salt, black pepper, ayran and sour cream. And the bravest can appreciate homemade lamb sausage — jerme. Previously, only tripe and fat were used in the preparation of jermeh, but now rice and meat are also added.

Khychiny

This dish is often found in Dombay. It fully reflects the national identity of the people of Karachay-Cherkessia, and recipes and tips on how to cook khichiny are carefully passed down from generation to generation.

Experts say that there are more than 40 varieties of such tortillas. Khichins are made from thin dough and a filling that can consist of potatoes, cheese, various types of meat, and even pumpkin with spices. Each tortilla is carefully rolled out and then fried in a dry hot frying pan until a delicious golden crust. No feast is complete without hychins, and an invitation to "hychins" to visit is considered the highest manifestation of affection here.

Gotlibje

Another interesting dish of Kabardian cuisine is poultry stew. For this delicious recipe, the locals take the chicken and stew it in a thick sour cream sauce with lots of onions and garlic. The secret of taste lies in the right spices and herbs. Gedlib is served with different side dishes, but we recommend trying it with mashed potatoes or vegetables stewed over a fire. Believe me, this dish is worth ordering!

Lacums

Lakums are a dish consisting of crumpets fried in butter. They are made for holidays, symbolic dates and important family events. Kabardian lakums are made from simple ingredients, but each hostess has her own recipe. In all homes and restaurants where this dish is served, its taste will be slightly different.

There are sweet lacums that are sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with tea. Sometimes they are made salty (and this is an ideal snack for a noisy feast). Simple lakums are especially popular, they are eaten as regular bread with hot dishes or soups, as well as with local cheeses, fresh vegetables and pickles.

Ayran

This drink deserves a separate place in our Dombay flavor guide because it is one of the symbols of the Caucasus. There are more than 30 types of ayran, but it can always be recognized by its signature sour-salty taste, which distinguishes the drink from other fermented dairy products. Ayran is appreciated for its medicinal properties and a large number of useful probiotics and vitamins. Due to its composition, ayran helps strengthen the immune system.

In Dombay, the drink can be tasted in combination with khichins, meat dishes and any unsweetened pastries. You can also drink ayran separately, adding mint leaves, fresh cucumber and green apple to it. It's very refreshing!

Trout

Our list would be incomplete without mentioning the delicious mountain trout dishes. This fish is found only in clean water and is in constant motion, so its meat has a very delicate taste. Trout is a must-try!

In the Caucasus, trout is served with savory spices and appetite-whetting spices. Lemon or pomegranate juice is often used in cooking, and fish is stuffed with nuts and fruits. The ideal option for the first acquaintance with fish is trout baked in its own juice with mountain herbs. The pure taste of meat, the light aroma of smoke and a lot of pleasant memories afterwards.

Only 20 kilometers from Dombay is the town of Teberda, where you can visit several trout farms at once. On their territory, you can not only taste the freshest trout, but also catch it yourself for lunch or dinner.

You can also order original dishes from the peoples of Karachay-Cherkessia at the ATAU restaurant of the Cosmos Selection Dombay Diamond Hotel, and the cozy rooms and responsive service will make your trip even more enjoyable!

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