Armenia is often overlooked when it comes to food, but the country offers a unique and flavorful cuisine. Influenced by regional neighbors like Georgia, Russia, and the Middle East, Armenian food combines hearty flavors with fresh ingredients. If you’re visiting, be ready to eat your way through delicious meals that range from grilled meats to fresh bread, cheeses, and sweet desserts.
Must-Try Dishes in Armenia
Khorovats
The heart of Armenian cuisine has to be khorovats, or Armenian barbecue. Khorovats comes in many forms but typically consists of skewered meat like pork, lamb, or chicken, which is grilled over an open fire. It’s served with vegetables cooked on the same grill and lavash (Armenian flatbread). It’s simple but so flavorful. Don’t be surprised if this is the subject of many family gatherings or weekend hangouts.
Lavash
Lavash is a key part of Armenian meals. This flatbread is baked in traditional clay ovens called ‘tonir’. It’s used to wrap meats, cheeses, or even vegetables. Fresh lavash is soft, thin, and delicious. It’s often rolled around byorek or served alongside khorovats. You’ll find it everywhere in Armenia, and it’s always worth trying fresh from the oven.
Byorek
Byorek are savory pastries stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, usually wrapped in layers of thin dough, similar to phyllo pastry. These are a perfect snack to grab on the go or pair with tea or coffee. The cheese byorek is especially popular, made with a mix of local Armenian cheeses stuffed inside crisp layers of dough.
Harissa
Harissa is a traditional Armenian dish made from wheat and slow-cooked chicken or lamb. It’s very hearty and often served during special celebrations. It’s similar to porridge but with much more flavor due to the meat. You won’t find it everywhere, but it’s worth seeking out when you do.
Khash
If you’re ready for something a bit more adventurous, try khash. It’s a soup made from boiled cow parts like feet and served with garlic, herbs, and lavash. This is considered a hangover cure, traditionally eaten early in the morning and washed down with vodka. Beware: it’s an acquired taste! But, in Armenia, it’s a delicacy.
Dolma
Dolma consists of grape leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat, and herbs. It’s served cold or warm but is always full of flavor. Sometimes, instead of grape leaves, you might find cabbage or zucchini used as the wrapping. Dolma is a must-try if you love flavorful, stuffed dishes.
Ishkhan (Sevan Trout)
Lake Sevan is famous for its trout or ‘ishkhan’. This fish comes fresh and grilled or baked with herbs, lemon, and local spices. If you love seafood, a visit to Lake Sevan should include a trout dish. It’s fresh, tender, and simply delightful by the lake.
Street Food and Snack Essentials
Lahmacun
Known as Armenian pizza, lahmacun is a thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, spices, and herbs, then quickly cooked in a hot oven. It’s a popular street food snack when you want something light but filling. You can fold it like a wrap and offer a squeeze of lemon on top for a burst of freshness.
Mshosh
Mshosh is a lentil dish commonly found in markets or small eateries. It’s served cold and mixed with dried fruits like apricots and nuts. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect if you want something healthy and light while exploring the city or countryside.
Gata
For something sweet, gata is a flaky pastry that you’ll stumble upon in many bakeries. It’s typically prepared for special occasions, often with different regions having their own take on the pastry. The classic version is filled with a mixture of sugar, butter, and flour, giving it a sweet, delicate flavor that melts in your mouth.
Matzoon
If you’re looking for something to cool you down while walking around, grab a bottle of matzoon. It’s a fermented dairy product similar to yogurt, often consumed in summer. You’ll find it served with meals, sometimes mixed with cucumbers or garlic, or as a standalone drink. It’s tangy, refreshing, and great for digestion.
Where to Eat in Armenia
Yerevan
Most visitors will land in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. It’s packed with restaurants offering both traditional and modern takes on Armenian dishes. Try “Tavern Yerevan” for a deeply Armenian dining experience that includes everything from khorovats to live traditional music. For a more casual dining experience, “Sherep Restaurant” offers a modern twist on traditional cuisine, great for local flavors with a cool atmosphere. Markets like “GUM Market” in Yerevan are excellent places to try a little bit of everything, from dried fruits to local cheeses.
Gyumri
Known for its arts and culture, Gyumri also has a growing food scene. Check out “Cherkezi Dzor” for fresh fish, particularly the famous Sevan trout. For traditional dishes, try places like “Poloz Mukuch.” Gyumri’s markets offer an authentic look at how locals eat, so don’t forget to stop by and check out the different herbs, cheeses, and breads.
Dilijan
Dilijan, a town surrounded by beautiful nature, is perfect for grabbing some fresh food after hiking. Try the local homemade stews, kebabs, and khorovats. Cafes here serve great tea and sweets, making it a perfect stop if you want something lighter. “Haykanoush Restaurant” is a cozy spot where you can taste traditional homemade Armenian dinners.
Vegetarian Options in Armenia
Armenian cuisine, while heavy on meats like khorovats and dolma, offers plenty for vegetarians. Lentils, beans, and eggplants are central to many dishes. Vegetarian dolma, mshosh, and eggplant-based dips like “Mutabal” are commonly found. Cheese byorek is usually vegetarian, and fresh, seasonal salads are a staple. Taverns and local markets will offer these options, just ask if you can’t find something explicitly listed as vegetarian.
Sweet Treats to Try
Sujukh
Don’t leave Armenia without trying sujukh. It’s a walnut-stuffed, grape juice candy that might remind you of a string of sausages, but it’s sweet and chewy. It’s particularly great with coffee or as a snack while wandering through Armenian villages.
Churchkhela
Very similar to sujukh but made in different shapes and sizes, churchkhela is another dried fruit snack commonly sold in markets. It consists of nuts like walnuts or almonds coated in thickened grape juice and then dried. It’s chewy, slightly sweet, and a popular souvenir.
Baklava
Baklava is a Middle Eastern favorite, and Armenia does it well. Layers of flaky dough are filled with honey and chopped nuts, making for a rich and decadent dessert. Try “Grand Candy” in Yerevan if you want to pick up traditional sweets or enjoy them with Armenian coffee.
Tips for Dining in Armenia
Tipping and Etiquette
Tipping is expected in Armenia, usually about 10% of the bill. If you enjoyed your meal and want to show appreciation, a little extra goes a long way. Lavash is often placed on the table like a utensil, and it’s common to use it to pick up food, wrap meats, or dip into sauces. Don’t be afraid to use your hands.
Markets & Local Flavors
Local markets are a must when in Armenia. GUM Market in Yerevan and Vernissage are great places to buy cheeses, herbs, homemade lavash, and snacks like dried fruits. Armenia is known for its fruit, so if you’re visiting in the summer, expect to gorge on apricots, plums, and pomegranates.
Final Thoughts
Armenia’s food is deeply rooted in tradition, full of flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re eating in a fancy restaurant or grabbing something from a street vendor, you’re in for a treat. Don’t shy away from trying new things – the combinations of spices, meats, bread, and cheeses are a genuine reflection of this country’s history and culture.
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