Mudurnu Spoon Handle

Mudurnu spoon handle is a traditional pasta dish unique to the Mudurnu district of Bolu province. Registered with a geographical indication mark on 28 May 2021, this product is protected under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769. The registration application was submitted on 9 September 2019 by the Mudurnu District Governorate.

Mudurnu spoon handle is a pasta-like dough product made by rolling a dough prepared from special-purpose (böreklik) wheat flour, eggs, salt, and water into thin sheets, cutting them into square shapes, and then joining opposite corners of each square using a wooden spoon handle. After boiling, the product is served with a mixture of walnut kernels, keş (dried cheese), sunflower oil, and butter and/or kaymak poured on top.

The wooden spoon handle used in the preparation process determines the product’s distinctive shape and gives it its name. This unique folding technique is the primary feature that distinguishes Mudurnu spoon handle from similar pasta dishes. The dish holds an important place in Mudurnu’s culinary culture and has strengthened its regional recognition through participation in various food competitions since the 1990s.

The production of Mudurnu spoon handle begins with mixing ingredients in specific proportions. Approximately 1 kg of böreklik wheat flour is combined with two eggs, two teaspoons of salt, and 100 ml of drinking water to form a dense dough. The resulting dough is divided into four equal portions (pazı) and left to rest for about 30 minutes. The rested dough is then rolled into thin sheets and cut into squares measuring 3x3 cm or 4x4 cm. Each square is folded by joining two opposite corners using a wooden spoon handle to form the “spoon handle” shape.

The prepared dough pieces are boiled in salted boiling water for approximately 15 minutes and then drained. A layer of keş and walnut kernels is sprinkled on the bottom of the serving plate, and the boiled spoon handles are arranged on top. Additional keş and walnuts may be added as desired, followed by a mixture of melted butter and/or kaymak with sunflower oil, completing the presentation.

The name Mudurnu spoon handle may be used only for products manufactured within the boundaries of the Mudurnu district of Bolu province. The original production method and the skilled craftsmanship required in its preparation reinforce the geographical and cultural connection to Mudurnu. Therefore, all stages of production must be carried out within the specified geographical boundaries.

Monitoring of the geographical indication for Mudurnu spoon handle is conducted under the coordination of the Mudurnu District Governorate. The monitoring board consists of representatives from the District Governorate, the District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Directorate of Public Education, and the Mudurnu Municipality. Inspections are carried out at least once a year, and additional inspections may be organized upon complaint or need. During inspections, the product’s ingredients and production method are verified for compliance with registered criteria. When non-compliance is identified, relevant individuals or institutions are notified of the necessary corrective actions.

The term “Mudurnu spoon handle” and the geographical indication emblem must appear on the product itself or its packaging. If this is not possible, the term and emblem must be displayed in a clearly visible location within the production facility.