15 Must-Try Armenian Food & Dishes

Armenia is known for many things, and food is one of them. Every Armenian cuisine is unique and reflects a certain history and tradition of Armenia. Each dish depicts how skilled Armenians are in making kebabs, bread, and other delicious recipes. The choice of food is different in every region and among every local. This variation leads to countless recipes and cuisines that make everyone drool.

If you want to know all the dishes you can try in Armenia, go through this post. We have mentioned the best cuisines that Armenia has to offer. You can pick your favorite and make your taste buds dance.

Most-loved Armenian Cuisine to Try

If you are in Armenia, you must try the local cuisine to taste the essence of its traditions. Armenia’s cuisines depict the culture and traditions of the country with rich flavors. Let us give you a thorough detail of each of the dishes you should try:

1. Khorovats

Khorovats is the most unique Armenian food you will ever have anywhere else. It is different from your regular barbeque. It tastes different and delicious. Khorovats can be prepared from beef, chicken, or pork. It is not just a dish for the Armenian people. But it is a ritual for them to cook Khorovats. Earlier, the Khorovats is prepared by men only. Khorovats is an Armenian version of Shashlik. It has a variety of recipes that totally depend on everyone’s taste. Besides the meat, the other ingredients are garlic, onion, pepper, herbs, etc. It is Armenian national cuisine that every Armenian loves.

2. Dolma

Dolma is the most favorite Armenian cuisine. It has a wide popularity in Armenia and other countries in the Balkans. It comes in many forms and names, depending on the region. The ingredients of Dolma include ground meat, spices, herbs, and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves. Served with creamy yogurt and garlic sauce with pita bread, Dolma is rich in flavors and spices. Dolma can also have stuffed vegetables instead of meat. These vegetables include bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, etc. Dolma is so famous in Armenia that locals celebrate the dolma festival named Uduli.
 
3. Yershig

Yershig is one of the well-accepted Armenian dishes. Made with ground meat and a host of different spices, Yershig is filled with a burst of flavors. Yershig has many recipes available as preferred according to the tastes and flavors of people. Moreover, Yershig can be pan-fried with eggs and vegetables. Yershig is a spicy and salty sausage that can open your taste buds. If you are in Armenia, you shouldn’t miss out on trying Yershig.

4. Manti

Manti is one of the Armenian traditional dishes that is a type of dumpling. This dish is famous throughout Central Asia, South Caucasus, the Balkans, and beyond. Manti has many forms and shapes, but Armenian manti are cooked with a spicy meat mixture wrapped in a thin dough. Armenian manti are smaller and have a canoe shape. You can get it served with either matsun sauce, taser & garlic, or an Armenian soup named sulu manti. Different kinds of manti are famous in different regions of Armenia.
 
5. Basturma

Basturma is a delicious Armenian cuisine that has Turkish origin. It is typically prepared with beef. However, it can also be made with other types of meats. This popular delicacy is among the Armenian diaspora. The main items of this dish are beef filet, allspice, turmeric, fenugreek powder, red pepper, and cumin. Basturma is a must-try when you are holidaying in Armenia. With a burst of flavors, Basturma tends to remain on the top of things to try for every non-vegetarian.

6. Kololik

Kololik is considered the best Armenian national food that is a major part of Armenia’s gastronomy. Kololik is a hot soup, which is a winter delicacy in winter. It is a type of meatball soup that is comforting for locals and tourists visiting during the cold winter. The meatballs include meat, onions, parsley, rice, and seasonings. The Kololik soup’s broth is prepared with onion, tarragon, basil, beef stock, and potatoes. Kololik is best if you are in Armenia during winter.

7. Lavash

Lavash is a flatbread that is among the best Armenian traditional dishes. It is one of the most widely known bread in Armenia consumed throughout the country. This traditional flatbread gets baked in a tonir. Lavash can be served with a variety of dishes. There’s always a debate about this bread’s originality. Irrespective of debates, Lavash is among the best things to try in Armenia. Lavash can be made in different types and flavors to add an extra touch of deliciousness to it. You can have Lavash while exploring the streets of Armenia.

8. Gata

Gata is a famous Armenian pastry that lives in the hearts of the Armenian people. It is the most incredible Armenian food that tourists try. Gata has different versions and flavors that people love. This sweet cuisine of Armenia resembles the croissant. Gata can come with a pattern or decoration. They are baked in conventional ovens and come in different shapes and sizes. Gata has a sweet filling consisting of flour, sugar, butter, walnuts, and vanilla. This popular dish is often served during festive events. Gata is crispy and flaky that you can have with tea or coffee. If you are on vacation in Armenia and wondering what to eat as a snack, Gata is the best thing to eat.

9. Pilaf

Pilaf is the mouthwatering Armenian national dish that refers to a family of rice cuisines. Pilaf is also popular in Central Asia, Iran, Turkey, and the Caribbean. This cuisine consists of cooked rice in stock, broth with vegetables or meat, fried onions, and fragrant spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Pilaf has so many variations around the world. It depicts the popularity of this dish. Some Armenian pilaf recipes include bulgur or orzo instead of rice, along with vermicelli noodles. Pilaf may sound like a simple dish, but it is most loved among Armenians.
 
10. Lule Kebab

Lule Kebab is one of the best Armenian traditional dishes. It is a skewered minced meat kebab. Different kinds of meat can be used in Lule Kebab, like mutton, beef, or lamb. It is cooked along with onions, spices, herbs, and other seasonings. The Armenians eat lule kebab wrapped inside the lavash with roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers, and parsley. If you are a non-vegetarian, Lule kebab is the best food you should try in Armenia.

11. Pakhlava

Pakhlava is one of the delectable Armenian traditional dishes that is hugely consumed in Armenia. It is the Armenian version of Baklava. It is popular throughout the South Caucasus, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans. Pakhlava is a delicious dessert that is filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. There are many different variations available of Pakhlava that come in different flavors and shapes. This sweet dessert is prominently popular during the holiday season. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try Pakhlava in Armenia.

12. Mikado Cake

Mikado Cake is another famous sweet dessert of Armenia. It is one of the most loved Armenian dishes among tourists. It is one of the oldest classic cakes in Armenia. Mikado cake has different layers, filled with chocolate custard or caramel buttercream. As you take a bite of Mikado cake, a burst of sweet flavors will fill your mouth. Mikado Cake is best for all the dessert lovers. Armenia has several desserts, but Mikado Cake is the most delicious of all.
 
13. Armenian Egg Plant

Armenian Eggplant is the best Armenian traditional food that is simple yet delicious. This flavorsome dish is considered a salad or side dish. It is simple to prepare. The eggplant dish consists of onion, bell pepper, tomato, and other vegetables. It has various recipes, and one of them is stuffed eggplant, which is also known as Imam Bayildi. No matter what you prefer, Armenian eggplant is the mouthwatering dish you must try in Armenia.

14. Armenian Lentil Kofte

Armenian Lentil Kofte, also known as Vospov Kofte, is the tastiest Armenian traditional food. It is the best vegetarian dish to try in Armenia. It is a nutritious and simple food to have. Vospov Kofte is made from red lentils, sauteed onion, bulgur, and other seasonings. Once properly cooked, Armenian Lentil Kofte induces flavors and tastes when you have a bite. If you are vegan, Vospov Kofte is the best thing to eat in Armenia. You can find it in every restaurant.
 
15. Lahmahjoon

Lahmahjoon is an Armenian pizza. It is an incredibly delicious Armenian national dish that is cooked using flatbread, minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients. It is Armenia’s comfort food and everyone’s favorite. If you are in Armenia and craving good food, Lahmahjoon is the best thing to eat. Lahmahjoon is a tasteful dish that you can find anywhere.

Try Amazing Armenia Traditional Food with Dook!

All these dishes are some of the must-haves in Armenia. If you plan to go to Armenia, you must skim through this post and pick out the best dishes you want to try. From starters to main courses to desserts, Armenia has a wide variety of cuisines that win every foodie’s heart. To plan a fulfilling and joyful experience, take the help of Dook International. We have exciting Armenia travel packages that you must check out. Dook ensures that every traveler has the best time. So, what else are you waiting for? Get your best deal with Dook!

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