Ancient Roman dishes, including Pompeii bread, honey cakes, and olive paste, have been brought back to life through archaeological discoveries in Turkey’s Gaziantep Province. A recent excavation in the ancient city of Dülük has revealed not only artifacts but also recipes dating back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the culinary practices of Ancient Rome.
Archaeologists working in the Gaziantep Province uncovered a wealth of information about ancient food preparation, which has enabled historians and chefs to recreate these dishes. The project, led by local officials and culinary experts, has resulted in the creation of several Roman-era foods, such as the distinct round loaf of bread known as Pompeii bread, along with honey cakes and olive paste.
The dishes were presented to visitors at the GastroAntep Culture Route Festival 2025, where they were tested for authenticity and flavor. Umut Yılmaz, the mayor of Şehitkamil, praised the project, stating that the flavors of these ancient foods are unique to the region and can be experienced by visitors. The goal is to not only showcase these culinary traditions but also to promote them as part of Gaziantep’s cultural identity.
Chef Mutlu Durgun, who led the recreation project, emphasized the importance of following the original recipes as closely as possible, using ingredients available during the Roman era. He noted that the lack of sugar at the time led to the use of honey in desserts. The project also aims to teach locals these recipes so that they can produce and offer these ancient dishes to visitors, preserving the culinary heritage of Dülük.