Nohut Dürüm

Nohut Dürüm is a popular street food from Gaziantep, Türkiye, consisting of a thin flatbread (dürüm) wrapped around a hearty filling of seasoned chickpeas. Unlike the more internationally known döner dürüm, this dish is entirely vegetarian, relying on chickpeas as the protein base. The chickpeas are typically slow-cooked with tomato paste, pepper paste, garlic, and a blend of spices including cumin and Aleppo pepper, giving them a rich, savory depth. The mixture is then mashed slightly to create a cohesive texture, wrapped tightly in a warm, soft lavash or yufka, and often accompanied by fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a squeeze of lemon.

A great version of Nohut Dürüm is distinguished by the balance of its filling—the chickpeas should be tender but not mushy, deeply infused with the spicy tomato mixture, and generously portioned so every bite is flavorful. The bread must be freshly griddled, slightly charred for smokiness, and pliable enough to hold the filling without tearing. Mark Wiens, who featured the dish at the venue Nohut Dürüm in Gaziantep, praised its "intense, comforting flavor" and the way the simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying, handheld meal.

Regional variations are minimal, as the dish is most strongly associated with Gaziantep’s street food culture. Some vendors may add a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for tang, while others serve it with a side of pickled turnips. Outside of Gaziantep, similar chickpea wraps appear in other parts of Turkey, but the Gaziantep version is considered definitive for its bold, spice-forward character.