IT'S ALL IN A KOUPA!
THE CYPRIOT STREET FOOD IS TO BE RECOGNISED!
A TRADITIONAL STREET FOOD
It is hoped that the humble Cypriot KOUPA, which is best described as a tube of bulgur wheat filled with minced meat, will gain a new recognised European status. This comes on the back of a new registration campaign for the traditional street food to be recognised. This campaign is being spearheaded by both the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and the city’s tourism board. Both want to see Cyprus KOUPES added to the register. Their efforts so far include a series of joint studies. These studies aim to identify the ‘special characteristics’ of the delightful little bulgar wheat tubes of minced meat that have existed on the island for several years.Â
A NEW CAMPAIGN
The popularity of Cyprus KOUPA has directly led to this campaign, which is calling on the European Union to have the street food formally recognised. It is hoped that this will eventually pave the way for ‘street food’, to be registered by the Protected Geographical Indications Register. If acknowledged, Cyprus KOUPES would join a growing list of other Cypriot products that are already registered. These include Cypriot rosewater, a selection of different spirits, HALLOUMI, as well as other Cypriot cheeses.
THE PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS REGISTER
The Protected Geographical Indications Register also currently includes several unique delicacies from across the European Union. It not only offers protection but also a designated status for all of its entries. This means the street food that is usually taken with lemon will gain a new recognised format that will then protect its status if it is successfully registered.Â
