National gastronomy is like a palette that colors/paints the journey with different shades and reveals the secret of the mentality of Armenian people. Gastronomy in Armenia helps to understand another cultural feature of the country. The multifaceted Armenian cuisine reflects the rich history of the nation. Divided for many centuries, the people were under two spheres of influence. Therefore, it is customary to divide Armenian cuisine into Eastern and Western, which makes the local gastronomy even more special, traditional and original. We are ready to present our guide to the main dishes of Armenian cuisine. Be ready for bright combinations and long-lasting tastes.
Ghapama
Ghapama is a fragrant stuffed pumpkin that was previously served at the wedding table as a sign of abundance. Nowadays, as part of the wedding menu, ghapama can not be seen so often, but many people also like this dish, and the impressive presentation of the dish is always accompanied by delight. Today, ghapama is prepared according to the same traditional recipe, filling the pumpkin with rice, nuts and dried fruits, the choice of dried fruits can be different. Delicious ghapama can be tasted in the "Yerevan Tavern", as well as in the “Sherep restaurant”, where traditional dishes acquire modern interpretations.
Tolma
Tolma is beef meat with rice wrapped in a grape leaf. The signature dish of Armenian cuisine can be tasted in almost any Armenian restaurant, for example, in "Dolmam" or "Yerevan Tavern".
Ariza
Ariza is a hearty thick porridge based on wheat with the addition of chicken meat and ghee, which is cooked for five or more hours. You can taste the dish according to the traditional recipe in the "Yerevan Tavern".
Khash
The main dish of the winter feast is an original soup khash. In fact, it is a rich broth of beef legs, which is served with dry pita bread and garlic. It is believed that it is very useful for joints. It is customary to eat hash in the first half of the day, so we recommend having breakfast with this special dish in the restaurant "Old Djarvezh".
Spas
Another famous dish that will warm you up in the cold winter. Spas is a rich warm soup based on matsoni and a special kind of whole grain Dzavar. You can try this delicate soup with a creamy taste in the "Yerevan Tavern".
Kyufta
Kyufta is a kind of cutlets in Armenian cuisine. It is prepared from meat whipped to a puree. Then the cutlets are cooked in a fragrant broth with spices. The meat turns out to be so tender and fragrant that it just melts in your mouth. There is also a popular variation – Ishli Kyufta, which is made from minced meat, chopped nuts and bulgur and served with lemon.
Lahmajun
Lahmajun is a crispy flatbread with juicy meat and lots of spices. The dish gained its popularity thanks to repatriates from Middle Eastern countries. This unusual variation of Armenian street food can be tasted in numerous small cafes in the city center, as well as in the "Yerevan Tavern", "Mayrig" and almost all other restaurants with national food.
Zhingyalov khatz
This dish is suitable for all lovers of greenery and it is a thin flatbread with a mix of 25 types of wild and garden greenery, finely chopped and mixed with vegetable oil. A healthy and satisfying snack is ideal at any time of the year, especially in summer. We recommend you try Zhingyalov khatz in the cafe of the same name on Teryana Street.
Armenian cuisine is not limited to these dishes. A light Tabbouleh salad is perfect for hot dishes, in supermarkets pay attention to "mukhammara" and "mutabbal" sauces, as well as hummus from Armenian companies. Don't forget to drink coffee with real Armenian baklava/pakhlava with walnuts and fragrant honey. If you are planning to travel outside Yerevan, then know that each region of Armenia has its own special dish waiting for you. In Gyumri, you will get acquainted with the legendary kyalla – the head of a cow or sheep baked in a tonir, seasoned with spicy spices. In Syunik, try kurkut, a tender pork dish with wheat groats. In Garni, taste one of the traditional Armenian desserts – the famous fragrant ghata with sugar-cream filling with walnuts.
Enjoy the tastes and aftertaste of the Armenian national cuisine, which has absorbed the traditions of local recipes and cooking culture for centuries.