Palouze — traditional dessert of Northern Cyprus made from grape juice
Paluze is one of the oldest desserts of Cyprus, loved equally in both the north and south of the island. Northerners claim that the sweet came from the Ottoman Empire, while in the south it is called an ancient Cypriot treat, known since antiquity.
How Paluze is made
Paluze is a thick dessert made from grape juice, similar to pudding or sweet jelly. In southern Cyprus, it is traditionally made from pure juice without additives, whereas in the northern part of the island, water, milk, and a little starch are often used to make the consistency thicker.
The classic recipe is simple: flour is added to grape juice (or a mixture of water and milk) in a ratio of 1 to 8 and cooked until thickened, stirring constantly. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, it is poured into molds and sprinkled with chopped almonds, pistachios, or drizzled with pekmez (grape syrup). After cooling, the dessert is ready to serve.
There are also fruit variations of paluze: made with cherry, plum, lemon, or strawberry juice, depending on the regional harvest. Served cold, the dessert is especially refreshing on a hot day.
Historical Facts
The first mentions of paluze can be found in Byzantine chronicles — the dessert was made from grape must and flour during harvest festivals. During the Ottoman period, the recipe spread throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and became the basis for other sweets, such as Turkish muhallebi and Middle Eastern muhallabieh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paluze
How else is paluze consumed?
Paluze is the base for another treat — sucuk (the local equivalent of Georgian churchkhela). Nuts are threaded, dipped into warm paluze, and dried. The process is repeated several times until a thick layer of sweet glaze forms. The result is a natural sweet without sugar or preservatives.
Where can you try paluze?
Paluze can be found in small cafes and family-run pastry shops in Lefke, Güzelyurt, and Karpaz. In autumn, it is often prepared during grape festivals. In some supermarkets, packaged dessert called Paluze Tatlısı is available in chilled form.
Are there Paluze festivals in Northern Cyprus?
Yes, every year in the Lefke district, the Paluze Festival takes place, dedicated to traditional Cypriot sweets and the grape harvest. The dessert is also served at the oldest grape festival in Mehmetçik on the Karpaz Peninsula — there, paluze is the main treat.
How does paluze differ from other desserts?
The main difference is the absence of sugar in the classic recipe. All sweetness comes from grape juice. For this reason, paluze is considered a natural and healthy dessert, often given even to children. Unlike puddings or jellies, paluze does not contain gelatin, only flour or starch.
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