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Armenian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, aromas, and culinary delights. Traditional Armenian dishes combine the elements of Mediterranean cuisine and their own unique flavors.
The Armenian kitchen boasts a rich collection of recipes that have been passed down through generations. The cuisine of each region reflects the essence of Armenian culture and history.
Once you arrive here, you are greeted with an irresistible aroma of freshly baked lavash and khorovats (barbecue). The core of local cuisine is also a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
During recent years, Yerevan has become a city with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. In addition, there are several Armenian chefs who mix traditions and modern techniques. From the bustling streets of Yerevan to the countryside, there are many brilliant cafes and restaurants to be added to your gastronomic tour.
This article will take you on a culinary journey to uncover the real taste of this small country and traditional Armenian dishes.
Lavash
The Armenians are true bread lovers, and no meal here is complete without bread and lavash. Lavash is a real culinary symbol of Armenia. It is baked in a traditional tonir, an underground oven in the form of a deep round hole. It was an essential part of every house serving as an oven and at the same time as a heater.
The locals traditionally eat lavash with cheese, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This is a kind of appetizer for every meal. Additionally, it is used to wrap kebab or khorovats. The Armenians believe the tastiest thing in the world is lavash put under newly grilled khorovats.
Khorovats and tolma
The meat holds a special place in Armenian cuisine, with dishes like khorovats (barbecue) taking center stage. No matter whether you are in downtown Yerevan or a village, you will definitely smell the aroma of smoky meat. This meal brings people together, and it’s hardly possible to imagine any Armenian wedding or birthday party without it.
Tomla is made of a mixture of minced meat, herbs, and spices wrapped either in grapes or cabbage leaves. In summer Armenians stuff eggplants, bell peppers, and even apples. Moreover, every year Armenia hosts a festival celebrating tolma where you can enjoy dozens of different types of this dish.
Variety of options for vegetarians
The local cuisine also offers a delightful array of vegetarian and vegan options. Armenians eat a lot of fresh and cooked herbs, as well as vegetables and fruits.
For example, you can taste aveluk, a native Armenian wild sorrel. You can see the braids of dry aveluk when walking in the market. One can also try Jingyalov hats, a flatbread with dozens of herbs, which is a symbol of Artsakh.
Ghapama is another gem of Armenian cuisine that even has a song praising it. Ghapama is a baked pumpkin stuffed with boiled rice, raisins, dried fruits, and honey.
Armenian pastry
The traditional pastry is a fusion of flavors, textures, and craftsmanship. When walking in Yerevan, one can find a variety of small bakeries with gata, baklava, and other sweets.
One of the traditional pastries is gata with butter and flour filling and also containing nuts and dried fruits. In the past, every family made its own symbols on gata. It is a part of all festivities in Armenia. For example, people usually present gata to their guests during weddings. It’s an important part of the Christmas and New Year table when an older woman in the family usually hides a coin inside when baking gata. The one who gets a piece with a coin will be lucky during the year.
Best traditional restaurants
An authentic dining experience is a part of any journey to this country. Yerevan boasts a vibrant culinary scene with many small taverns and restaurants. Here you can find any dish from the list above. From the cozy charm, songs, and dances in Tavern Yerevan to the elegance of Yasaman or Sherep, you can taste Armenian cuisine in the atmosphere you prefer most.
In addition, there are new dining options offering haute cuisine to their guests. One of them is Renommee restaurant with an individual menu and unique dishes made from traditional Armenian products. Moreover, Tsaghkunk, a restaurant in a small village in Gegharkunik province, made it to Forbes list of 10 favorite restaurants of 2021. It was also proud to host acclaimed Danish chef Mads Refslund.
Exploring traditional Armenian dishes with Levon Travel
Our Armenia gastro and wine tour is the best way to experience the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance behind each dish. The tour features visits to authentic restaurants, wineries, brandy factories, and culinary master classes. Keep in mind that we also specialize in custom tours for groups and individuals. Thus, you can give an idea and we will take care of every detail.