Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Baku, Azerbaijan

1. Lovely Lavangi

Flaky pastries filled with sweet walnut and honey, a perfect blend of crunchy and gooey.

Unique Flavor Combo: The combination of walnut and honey is exclusive to Azerbaijani cuisine.
Traditional Snack: Lavangi has been a popular snack in Azerbaijan for centuries.
Widely Available: Can be found in local bakeries and markets throughout Baku.

A hearty lamb or chicken stew cooked for hours in a clay pot called 'piti'. A must-try for meat lovers.

Slow-Cooked Tradition: The long cooking process gives the dish a unique, rich flavor.
Local Ingredients: Ingredients are sourced locally and combined with traditional spices.
Community Oven Experience: Shared clay ovens, called 'tangals', are a social gathering spot in Azerbaijan.

Vine leaves wrapped around rice, meat, and herbs, a delicious vegetarian or non-vegetarian option.

Middle Eastern Influence: Dolma is popular across Middle Eastern countries but has its unique twist in Azerbaijan.
Healthy Option: A light, balanced meal with the combination of vegetables, rice, and herbs.
Versatile Ingredients: Dolma can be made with a variety of fillings such as meat, rice, or even cabbage.

Creamy wheat porridge topped with butter and sugar, a popular breakfast or snack.

Traditional Breakfast: Kezhaberek is a common breakfast dish in Azerbaijan.
Hearty and Filling: The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a satisfying meal.
Easy to Find: Can be found in local cafes and homes across Baku.

Tender meatballs made with a mix of ground beef, onions, and spices served with a tomato-based sauce.

Middle Eastern Connection: Kufte is a popular dish in Middle Eastern countries but has its unique twist in Azerbaijan.
Versatile Dish: Can be served as a main course, side dish, or appetizer.
Spicy Option: Hot peppers can be added for an extra kick.

A royal dish made with saffron-infused rice, tender lamb, raisins, and pistachios.

Special Occasion Dish: Shakh Pilaf is often served at weddings and other special events.
Exotic Ingredients: The use of saffron, raisins, and pistachios gives it a unique flavor profile.
Luxurious Dining Experience: Enjoy this royal dish at upscale restaurants in Baku.

A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.

Middle Eastern Influence: Baklava is popular across Middle Eastern countries but has its unique twist in Azerbaijan.
Traditional Dessert: A classic dessert enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Decadent Delight: The perfect balance of sweetness, flakiness, and crunch makes it a treat to indulge in.

A salty yogurt drink made from cow's milk, often flavored with mint.

Local Beverage: Govsa is a popular beverage in Azerbaijan.
Refreshing Drink: The mint flavor makes it a refreshing drink, perfect for the warm climate.
Easy to Find: Can be found in local cafes and restaurants throughout Baku.

A thin, unleavened flatbread filled with a savory filling such as meat, cheese, or potatoes.

Versatile Ingredients: Qutab can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes.
Street Food Option: Easily found as street food or in local cafes.
Traditional Snack: Qutab has been a popular snack in Azerbaijan for centuries.

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fresh herbs, topped with yogurt.

Fresh Ingredients: The salad is made using the freshest local produce.
Traditional Dish: Ichari Choban Salatasi is a common dish in Azerbaijani cuisine.
Light and Refreshing: The perfect dish for hot summer days in Baku.

Tender, grilled meat served on a flatbread with onions, tomatoes, and herbs.

Middle Eastern Connection: Kebab is popular across Middle Eastern countries but has its unique twist in Azerbaijan.
Street Food Option: Easily found as street food or in local cafes.
Versatile Ingredients: Kebab can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, lamb, and chicken.

Strong black tea brewed with sugar and a slice of lemon.

Local Beverage: Azerbaijani Tea is a popular beverage in Azerbaijan.
Strengthening Drink: The high caffeine content gives it an energizing effect.
Social Activity: Tea is often enjoyed in social gatherings and as a way to show hospitality.

A sour milk drink made from cow's or sheep's milk.

Local Beverage: Bozhe is a popular beverage in Azerbaijan.
Fermented Drink: The drink undergoes a fermentation process, giving it a unique flavor.
Health Benefits: Bozhe is believed to have health benefits due to its probiotic content.

A classic potato salad with a twist, featuring cubed potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and mayonnaise.

Russian Influence: The salad is traditionally Russian but has become popular in Azerbaijan.
Cold Salad Option: Ideal for hot summer days or as a side dish.
Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.

Tender grilled meat wrapped in thin pasta and served with a yogurt sauce.

Middle Eastern Connection: Kebab Dushbara is popular across Middle Eastern countries but has its unique twist in Azerbaijan.
Versatile Ingredients: The filling can be adjusted to suit individual tastes.
Street Food Option: Easily found as street food or in local cafes.