What to try in Armenia: top dishes + cuisine guide

Armenia is not only ancient temples and extinct volcanoes, but also unique culinary traditions. Trying national dishes and visiting local restaurants, you will be imbued with the atmosphere of the country and create unforgettable memories of the trip. A gastronomic tour of Armenia combines interesting excursions, exciting master classes, and delicious tastings. We tell you where to start your acquaintance.

What to try in Armenia?

Armenian cuisine is considered one of the oldest in Asia and is known for its bright flavors and aromas, and the traditions of cooking many Armenian dishes have not changed for hundreds of years. We have collected national dishes of Armenia in one list. If you are organizing business trips to this country or planning a vacation here, be sure to try everything.

• Khorovats is an Armenian shashlik made from large pieces of marinated meat (pork or beef). This traditional Armenian food is baked on a grill or in a tandoor.
• Lavash is a traditional Armenian bread that is baked in a tandoor. It is flat, thin and often used to wrap meat and vegetables.
• Kyufta is a large meatball made from minced meat (usually lamb) with spices. Kyufta is one of the first dishes in the list of the best dishes of Armenian cuisine.
• Matsun is a fermented milk product that is used to make other dishes: cottage cheese, chortan (kurut), spas (soup). It is very similar to kefir.
• Cheese - Armenians are very fond of white brine cheeses, chechil is also popular.
• Aylazan is a vegetable stew made from eggplant, potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, tomatoes and spices.
• Gata is a sweet pastry often served with tea. Inside is a filling of sugar and butter.
• Bagarj is another type of dessert pastry, but without filling. It stands out due to its recognizable shape.
• Armenian cognac - this strong drink is famous all over the world. It is made from local grape varieties and has a unique taste.
• Dolma is stuffed grape leaves, usually with meat and rice, but sometimes with beans, seasoned with spices. If you don’t know what to try from Armenian cuisine, take dolma.

What can you try on a culinary tour?

Culinary tours to Armenia from TravelHub will help you try many dishes. The holiday begins with a walking tour of Yerevan. You will visit Republic Square, the Cascade architectural complex, the Vernissage market and local restaurants. Then you will go to the Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries, and along the way you will taste wines at a family winery. The program also includes a visit to the Noy-Ararat brandy factory and barbecue cooking on the shore of Lake Sevan.

Where to eat in Armenia?

It is easy to find establishments in Armenia that offer national cuisine. We have compiled a selection of the best options in Yerevan. Be sure to visit them both during your vacation and in case of a business trip to Armenia .

Restaurants

Lavash Restaurant and Tavern Yerevan serve traditional breakfasts, lunches and dinners made from the freshest farm produce. You will find national flavor in Kamancha, and for recipes of Armenian housewives of the last century, go to Zepyur. For a quick and hearty snack, go to Jijil Tavern. Choose the best hotels in Armenia near these establishments.

Cafe

Children will love the sweet donuts at Grand Candy, and adults will appreciate the pastries at Louis Charden. You will also find interesting desserts at the Granatus pastry shop.

Wineries

Many Armenian wineries offer tastings of local wines and cognacs. The most famous are Voskeni, Momik, Van Ardi and Armenia Wine Company.

Traveling is a unique opportunity to try new dishes and learn more about the culture of the country. To enjoy the variety of tastes, you need to buy a ticket to Armenia or book one of the tours from TravelHub.