Along with unique historical and cultural monuments Armenia is also famous throughout the world for its amazing cuisine. In this regard, gastronomic tours are an important part of the journey for many tourists, because during them they have an opportunity to enjoy the delicious masterpieces of local national cuisine.
It’s difficult to decide what to try first in a large variety of colorful and fragrant dishes. This article will tell you about the most popular and favorite culinary creations of Armenian chefs.
Dolma can rightly be called the Queen of Armenian cuisine. Armenian housewives wrap a mixture of beef meat and rice in grape leaves for its preparation. Matsun with garlic is usually served with dolma. Meat can be replaced with legumes and cereals for vegetarians and people who keep fasting.
Trip to Armenia can’t be complete if you haven’t try khash soup which is cooked from beef legs. Khash is not a simple meal, but a whole ritual that brings together family, friends and loved ones at the same table. The dish is usually eaten early in the morning with garlic and dried lavash. Another amazingly delicious Armenian soup is spas which is made from matsun and wheat groats. Spas has healing qualities and it’s perfect for vegetarians.
Speaking of Armenian cuisine it’s necessary to mention meat dishes. Kufta is very popular. It looks like balls from a specially chopped meat with onions. It is impossible to imagine a traditional Armenian feast without khorovats or simply speaking barbecue. Local chefs know countless ways to cook barbecue which is the main dish of weddings, birthdays and other festive ceremonies.
Connoisseurs of healthful herbs are advised to try jingyalov hats. These are flour tortillas filled with various types of greenery.
Flour products are another reason to be proud of the local cuisine. The legendary Armenian lavash is a large, but very thin bread. This Armenian product is recognized as the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. Along with lavash at Armenian feasts you can also see matnakash – soft round bread made from wheat flour. Another product loved by tourists is gata. This is a sweet cake stuffed with butter, flour and sugar.
Armenian alcoholic beverages are considered to be a separate attraction of the country. So don’t miss the chance to taste local wines and cognac.
Listed culinary delights are only a small part of the rich Armenian cuisine. Just visit any inexpensive restaurant in the capital and other cities of Armenia to try them. It is advisable to stay in the center of Yerevan in order to easily orient and not spend a lot of time every day searching for a restaurant.
One of the most convenient and popular options for accommodation is Umba Hostel located in the vicinity of the city’s best restaurants. If you’re traveling with a family and want to be provided with all necessary facilities, it is recommended to stay in Umba Apartment N1 or Umba Apartment N2, which are situated within walking distance of places where you can taste the dishes of Armenian cuisine.
