You have many reasons to come to Armenia. Incredible nature, very ancient history, monuments of stone architecture and man-made wonders. And also, of course, people – the cordiality, hospitality, generosity and special rhythm of life of the people of Armenia are known far beyond its borders. All this manifests itself at the table – Armenians love to treat, toast and enjoy feasts.
- Gastronomic guide
- First dishes
- Snacks
- Hot dishes
- Fish dishes
- Alcoholic and other drinks
- Sweets
- Gastronomic excursions
- Frequently asked questions
What to try in Armenia: gastronomic guide
This country is not in a hurry, so if you are invited to visit, don’t think about limiting yourself to a cup of coffee. And what delicious things are waiting for you in Armenia? Fresh vegetables and lots of greens, cheeses, dairy products, flatbreads and sauces will be on the table. All this is in addition to soups, salads, hot delicacies and numerous appetizers. Baking and bread deserve special attention – in Armenia they are above all praises.
So, you are in Armenia for the first time. You have walked around, looked around, impressed and come to have lunch. What to order from the variety of Armenian delicacies?
First dishes
Khash
Khash is the undisputed king of Armenian soups. It is not even the first dish, it is a special style of eating: early in the morning men gather for hot, rich broth with meat, otherwise it is impossible. Onions, herbs, garlic – to taste, and dry pita bread crumbled into the broth. Hash is considered a “resurrecting” remedy and a cure for all diseases.
Savior
If you don’t appreciate khash, order salvation. It is a specific soup based on matsoni and wheat groats, in hot weather it can be served cold. Perfectly refreshing. And really brings back to life after cognac, as a khash!
Snacks
Shawarma
Street food, which has gained popularity all over the world, is also loved in Armenia. For example, in Yerevan you will find a lot of cafes with excellent shawarma – cheap, tasty and hearty. You can have a snack on the run or sit down for lunch.
Lahmajun
These thin flatbreads with minced meat, onions and spicy red sauce are also made all over the eastern (and not only) world. They are delicious and very appetizing, especially if you splash them with lemon and drink ayran.
Zhengyalov Hatz
The most unusual representative of our rating is zhengyalov hatz, thin flatbread filled with herbs. And not just herbs – real mountain herbs, no less than 20 varieties, are used. It turns out juicy and unusual.
Lavash
Real Armenian lavash is so good that it has been recognized by the UNESCO committee. As an intangible heritage of humanity – indeed, its recipe, as well as its flavor, is unique. You can taste the perfect pita only in Armenia!
Hot dishes
Khorovats
Shashlik, or in Armenian Khorovats. There are dozens of types of shashlik in Armenia, and even more marinade recipes – each master has his own. Shashlik is grilled on coals, baked and even cooked in a pot. All kinds of meat, fish, poultry and vegetables are used. Excellent shashlik and other Armenian delicacies are served in the restaurant “Taverna Yerevan”. And in the evenings national music is played here.
Kyufta
Kyufta is small cutlets made of minced meat. Onions, spices, eggs are added to the meat and boiled over high heat. Something similar can be found in different eastern and Turkic-speaking countries, but Armenia considers itself the originator of the recipe.
Tjvjik
A meat dish of beef innards fried with onions, tomatoes and spices. Sprinkling with herbs is a must.
Dolma
Sometimes they also say tolma, but you will be understood either way. Another culinary “business card” of Armenia, such mini rolls of grape leaves with stuffing. The stuffing is rice with minced meat and spices, peppers, onions, tomatoes, spicy herbs. White spicy sauce is usually served with dolma. Try dolma in Yerevan’s Dolmama restaurant – there are at least a dozen variations on the menu.
Fish dishes
Sevan trout
Sevan trout, tender fish whitefish, as well as Sevan crayfish are ideal to taste on the spot – near Lake Sevan. People come here all year round, but the coast of the legendary lake is especially popular in the season from May to September. You can have a rest at one of the recreation centers and dine on a cozy open terrace.
Kebab of crawfish necks
Do you want to try something more exotic and even aristocratic? Order kebab made of crawfish necks, a tender and juicy treat.
Alcoholic and other drinks
Wine
Armenian wines are not as famous on the world market as their Georgian counterparts, and yet. Armenia, with its ancient roots of winemaking – which go back thousands of years BC – will also offer fans interesting brands of wine. Be sure to visit Areni, the wine capital of Armenia, where you can not only buy interesting samples, but also taste them heartily.
Cognac
What is still worth appreciating on the spot is Armenian cognac. For this purpose, guests of the republic are welcome to tour the legendary Noah and Ararat factories. Both are located in Yerevan, and both welcome tourists – a tour of their expanses is interesting and informative.
Compotes
Don’t like alcohol – drink compotes, natural and very tasty. In Armenia they are made of peaches, figs, quince, cornel, pomegranate – a real explosion of flavors and vitamins.
Coffee
Coffee in Armenia is really loved, appreciated and can be brewed. Armenians drink it almost around the clock, and wherever you stop for coffee, the drink will be excellent.
Sweets
Gata
Gata is the queen of the Armenian dessert table. Large sun pies are baked very sweet, with nuts and honey. It is very tasty with hot tea.
Churchkhela
Churchkhela, or “Armenian Snickers”. Who doesn’t know these ropes of nuts, in the thick juice of grapes or pomegranate. Don’t hesitate to ask for a piece to try – all flavors are unique.
Pastilles
Pastila is also made of fruits and berries – thin sweet cakes, a real treasure trove of vitamins. By the way, it is a great gift for friends – it is perfectly stored and takes up almost no space in your luggage.
Jam
Another companion to tea – jam, it is cooked in the most inconceivable combinations. From young walnuts, quince, cornel, figs and even eggplants. The most delicate is made from rose petals.
Gastronomic excursions
Armenia is one of the most promising destinations for sightseeing and educational vacations. Tourists come here all year round: for historical sights, beautiful nature, incredible mountains and outdoor activities. And also for gastronomy – a visit to Armenia will not count without tasting Armenian feast at least once. Both pilgrimage, historical and gastronomic trips are best made in the company of a local guide – a connoisseur of traditions and history of Armenia. Where to start?
Of course, with a walk around the “pink city” Yerevan. One of the most beautiful world capitals, Yerevan, which is 29 years older than Rome, can offer a curious traveler a lot of interesting things. There are temples, fascinating city routes and excellent museums. Gourmets will also find something to enjoy – restaurants, snack bars, taverns of Yerevan are waiting for guests at generously laid tables.
If you have seen the most interesting things in Yerevan, go for a walk to Lake Sevan. Its waters abound with fish, and its surroundings are full of sights. Visit the ancient monasteries of Ayravank and Sevanavank, and then have lunch on the open terrace of one of the restaurants (if you came in the warm season).
It is definitely worth a drive to the ancient temple of Garni, the oldest sanctuary in the Caucasus, and then stop by the legendary Geghard Monastery. Its name translates as “spear” – in the Middle Ages the very Spear of Destiny was kept here. All this and much more will be told to you on the excursion to the holy places. And on the way out of the monastery complex don’t forget to buy sweet gata pie – the most delicious in Armenia are baked here.
In the southern part of Armenia is the town of Areni, famous for its wine-making traditions. Their chronicle goes back 6000 years – they are one of the oldest wineries on the planet. If you are interested in tasting Armenian cognac and listening to its history and visiting ancient cellars, visit the Ararat and Noi wineries. Both are located in Yerevan, and are waiting for guests for a tour.
Frequently asked questions
What do they eat for breakfast in Armenia?
Armenians do not eat a lot in the morning, rather you will be treated with a cup of coffee and sweets. However, in hotels they serve a traditional hearty breakfast, adding brine cheese, a favorite of locals. It’s available in hard versions such as chanach, lori and cecil, as well as soft curds.
What is the best thing to eat with cheese?
The cheese is served with thin pita bread – it’s so good it’s listed by UNESCO as Intangible Wealth of Mankind. And if you like fermented milk products, try the matsoni. Also order a plate of fresh herbs, that natural vitamin complex.
What fast food in Armenia should you try?
Look for zhengyalov khatz on the menus of cafes and restaurants. These are traditional flatbreads with lots of greens. More than 20 kinds of greens serve as filling in zhengyalov khatz, and if you prefer meat, you will love lakhmajun. Thin flatbreads with minced meat, onions, tomatoes and spices are served with ayran and fresh vegetable salad.
What is hash?
It is a very, very rich meat soup, which is eaten, however unusual it may sound, early in the morning. Traditionally, dry pita bread is crumbled into khash, garlic and herbs are added – it is a very invigorating start to the day.
What is the most unusual kebab?
The most unusual kebab is made of crawfish necks. Everyone knows Sevan crayfish, but Armenian cooks have learned not only how to boil them masterfully. Order crawfish kebab – it is a real symphony of taste and aroma.
Where is the best place to buy dried fruits?
For them you should go to the market of Yerevan – experienced tourists say that such a variety is not found anywhere else in the world. There are dozens, even hundreds of kinds of fruits in dried and candied form. Apricot apricots, raisins, dried cornel and figs, fruit pastilles, and of course churchkhela. Everyone knows these strings of nuts covered with thick grape juice.
How old is Armenian wine?
The traditions of winemaking in Armenia are among the oldest on earth. Thus, in the region of Areni wine jugs were found 6000 years old.
What is wine made of in Armenia?
In addition to grape wine, Armenian winemakers have learned to make wines from pomegranate, plum, mulberry and berries.
What are the most famous wine brands in Armenia?
The most famous wine brands in Armenia are, first of all, Areni, Ijevan, Armenia Wine. But don’t be squeamish about homemade wine, which is sold right on the roads!
We wish you a great trip in Armenia, and there is no doubt that it will be delicious!