Armenia possesses a unique geographical location that has worked best in favor of its culinary presence!

Armenian cuisine is the oldest cuisine in the Caucasus if formed about two thousand years ago. Everything from pickles to rice is worth tasting. Armenian tables will always be full not only with different dishes but also with their hearts’ warmth. They insist on preparing the dishes themselves using organic and fresh ingredients, and they focus on healthy and beneficial components. Here’s what you must-try during your stay in Armenia.

Water

Real water drinkers know that not all water tastes the same. Well, the taste of water in Armenia is addictive, it is considered one of the purest and the most delicious water in the world. The water is so clean that you can open any tap in the house and drink directly from it, no need for boiling or filtering. You will also find 2750 “Pulpulak”, small water fountains, scattered around Yerevan city.

Lavash

Lavash is the Armenian’s bread specialty, they prepare it in unique underground clay ovens called “Tonir”. The traditional bread is thin and soft and is present during every meal, in every house and restaurant. Lavash is among the world’s best breads. Lavash symbolizes life and wisdom since in ancient battles, this bread was distributed to the soldiers to keep them from starvation.

Hot Dishes

Armenians use lots of spice and herbs while cooking their meals and take pride in their cuisine. Some of their most famed hot dishes are “Dolma”, minced meat wrapped with grape leaves, “Harissa”, Armenian porridge made of wheat and chicken or lamb bones, “Manti”, dumplings stuffed with beef, “Ghapama”, rice and dried fruits stuffed in a pumpkin. These dishes are just an intro to the Armenian cuisine, and each one has unique benefits for your body.

Soups

The harsh winter of Armenia necessitates hot soups to get your body warm. The traditional soup that is quite interesting is “Khash”, made of cow’s feet, and has many gains for the strength of your bones. Similarly, “Spas” is a very familiar soup, this one is prepared with yogurt and wheat.  

Wine

An Armenian table is not complete without a bottle of wine. Armenia has many wine factories that distribute topnotch wine to the Armenian market and abroad. Areni is considered the best winery, and although you can find their bottles in any supermarket, it is advised to you go to their factory in Vayots Dzor province, where you’ll see the process of winemaking.

Khorovadz

Armenians are famous for their barbecue, called “Khorovadz”. Their barbecue usually lasts a couple of hours, from preparation to enjoying every bite. They start off by barbecuing a range of vegetables like pepper, eggplant, tomato, and onion. Then go on with cooking the big cuts of pork (or beef). Usually, men are in charge of the Khorvadz. You can’t imagine any celebration without Khorovadz being one of the main dishes.

Fish

Fish dishes are likewise desirable in the country. Restaurants in Sevan are most known for serving the best fish dishes since they bred the fish in the Lake. “Ishxan” is the name of their delicious trout, which means prince. The fish can be fried, boiled, or barbecued, each resulting in a finger-licking taste. The traditional fish dishes are “Kutap” and “Kchuch”.  

Organic Fruits

Due to Armenia’s mountainous location, it grows all kinds of organic fruits and vegetables. Simply by walking past a fruit stand, you will smell the freshness and sweet aroma of the fruits. Armenia’s national symbol is the apricot, it comes out with a beautiful shade of red and an amazing taste! There’s also a market dedicated to dried fruits and Armenian sweets in Yerevan called “Gum market”.

Desserts

Armenian desserts are not filled with cream, even their sweets are healthy-oriented. The must-try “Gata” is a traditional pastry that once you try it, eating one piece won’t be enough to satisfy your cravings. You should also taste the “Pakhlava”, which is a layered pastry with walnuts and honey. These desserts could be found fresh in small bakeries or supermarkets.

Culinary Festivals

Various festivals take place in Armenia all year long, especially for foodies! The “Khorovadz” festival is held in mid-August in Akhtala region, Lori Province. Locals from all around the country gather on this day and cook their delicious pork or beef. You can also attend the “Dolma” festival on May 20 in Yerevan that has been holding since 2011 near Zvartnos Temple. This culinary festival is, in fact, a competition where women prepare different kinds of “Dolma” and present it to a jury, and then later a winner is announced.

Must-Visit Restaurants

Yerevan is jammed with restaurants offering various cuisines from around the world. But during your stay, you should definitely try out the restaurants serving traditional Armenian dishes. For example, “Sherep”, “Lavash”, “Tavern Yerevan”, and many more restaurants will keep you at awe after the first bite. There’s also “Dargett”, a unique place that serves a wide collection of local craft beer in the highest possible standard.

Don’t worry about the additional pounds you’ll be gaining during your stay in Armenia, trust me it is worth it! The above-mentioned dishes are only a part of the culinary experience that you will be indulged in. So, reserve your ticket now and bring along your appetite!