What Is Alanya Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup?

Alanya Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup is a deeply rooted traditional dish unique to the Alanya district of Antalya. Because it has traditionally been served at large gatherings such as weddings, memorial ceremonies, and funerals, it is also popularly known as “Wedding Soup.” In the past, it was the star of wedding feasts; today, it is enjoyed not only on special occasions but also as part of everyday home cooking in Alanya.

Due to its regional identity and cultural significance, the soup received a geographical indication registration in 2019 from the Alanya Municipality under the name “Alanya Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup.” This registration ensures the protection of both the recipe and its regional heritage.

Ingredients for Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup (Serves 8–10)

For the Soup:

• 1.5 kg goat or beef tripe

• 6 cups water (bone broth optional)

• 1 cup rice

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas

• 4 tablespoons tomato paste

• 4 medium tomatoes

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon red pepper (ground paprika or chili flakes)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon dried mint

• 2 lemons

For the Gülük (Meatballs):

• 200 g lean ground beef (double minced)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

For Cleaning the Tripe:

• 2 medium onions

• 2 medium lemons

• 4 tablespoons salt

  

During Boiling:

• 2 medium tomatoes

• 2 medium onions

How to Make Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup

1. Preparation

• Soak the rice in warm water with 1 tablespoon of salt.

• Soak the chickpeas overnight and boil them on the day of cooking.

2. Cleaning the Tripe

• Rub the tripe with roughly chopped onion, sliced lemon, and salt for 10–15 minutes.

• Remove the onion and lemon pieces and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.

• Skim off any foam that forms while boiling.

• During boiling, add whole peeled onions and tomatoes scored with a cross on top.

• Once tender, finely chop the tripe.

3. Preparing the Gülük (Meatballs)

• Knead the ground beef with salt and black pepper.

• Shape into small balls slightly larger than chickpeas.

4. Preparing the Soup

• Melt the butter and vegetable oil in a pot and lightly fry the meatballs.

• Add grated tomatoes and sauté.

• Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper.

• Add water and salt, then bring to a boil.

• Add the chopped tripe and boiled chickpeas.

• After a few minutes, add the lemon juice.

• Add the drained rice and simmer until the rice becomes tender.

• After turning off the heat, sprinkle in the dried mint.

Important Tips

• If the soup becomes too thick, add hot water or bone broth.

• Adding salt to the rice soaking water helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

• Do not cover the pot after adding the rice; otherwise, it may become overly soft.

Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup is one of the most distinctive dishes of Alanya cuisine, known for being both nutritious and filling. Especially at crowded tables, it symbolizes a culture of sharing and continues to be preserved as an important part of the region’s gastronomic heritage.