Pilavuna

Pilavuna, a traditional, appetizing type of pastry, is a pastry made with cheese inside, unique to the island of Northern Cyprus. This delicacy, made with yeast dough like bread dough, is rolled very thinly. The texture of the dough should be like a donut. A mixture of halloumi or fresh curd cheese produced in Cyprus, flavored dried mint, and sometimes raisins is placed inside this pastry. Recipes may vary depending on the area on the island where they are made, so pastries can be salty, semi-sweet or sweet. It is usually eaten for breakfast or with afternoon tea when you are at home. Pilavuna, sometimes called 'flaounes', is a celebratory food traditionally prepared by Orthodox Christians in Cyprus on Good Friday to be eaten on Easter Day and eaten when breaking the Christmas fast.

Pilavuna is one of the unique flavors of the island of Northern Cyprus and should be on the radar of flavor hunters. This delicious pastry, made with cheese hidden in a thin bread dough, leaves an unforgettable mark on the palate. The consistency of the dough is like a donut and gives you an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Recipes may vary depending on different regions of the island and even families. Some can be salty, some slightly sweet or even completely sweet. However, what they all have in common is that they can be enjoyed with tea or at the breakfast table.

Pilavuna, which you may sometimes hear as 'flaounes', is an important traditional food in Cyprus. It is prepared especially among Orthodox Christians on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas and decorates celebration tables. Trying this special pastry means tasting the cultural richness of Cyprus.