Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Yerevan, Armenia
1. Khorovats (Barbecue)
Grilled meat skewers cooked over an open fire, a staple of Armenian cuisine. Try it at 'Khor Virab' restaurant.
- Authentic Taste: Experience the traditional taste of Armenian barbecue.
- Fresh Ingredients: Savor high-quality, locally-sourced meats and vegetables.
- Friendly Atmosphere: Enjoy friendly service and a cozy dining environment.
2. Lavash (Thin Bread)
A thin flatbread, the national dish of Armenia. Don't miss it at 'Anush' restaurant.
- Cultural Significance: Understand the importance of lavash in Armenian culture.
- Versatile Dish: Discover the various ways lavash can be served with different dishes.
- Homemade Quality: Taste fresh, homemade lavash baked in traditional ovens.
3. Ghapama (Sweet Pumpkin Rice)
A sweet rice dish cooked inside a pumpkin. Enjoy it at 'Dzum' restaurant during special occasions.
- Unique Presentation: Experience the delight of eating from a hollowed-out pumpkin.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Savor the flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Traditional Celebration Food: Participate in a delicious Armenian tradition.
4. Harissa (Spicy Tomato Sauce)
A spicy tomato sauce, often served with kebabs. Give it a try at 'Paprika' restaurant.
- Flavorful Accompaniment: Enhance the flavors of your meal with this tasty sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Experience the unique blend of spices in Armenian cuisine.
- Versatile Condiment: Use harissa in various dishes or as a dip.
5. Souvlaki (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Armenian-style grilled meat skewers wrapped in lavash. Taste them at 'Paprika' restaurant.
- Tasty Twist: Discover the Armenian twist on a classic dish.
- Portable Meal: Enjoy a convenient, easy-to-eat meal on the go.
- Spice Variety: Experience different spices and flavor combinations.
6. Tolma (Stuffed Vegetables)
Vine leaves or grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and minced meat. Try it at 'Anush' restaurant.
- Delicious Starter: Start your meal with a flavorful appetizer.
- Traditional Preparation: Witness the time-honored method of preparing tolma.
- Healthy Option: Choose a lighter, vegetable-based dish.
7. Manti (Steamed Dumplings)
Meat-filled dumplings served with garlic yogurt. Savor them at 'Khor Virab' restaurant.
- Traditional Comfort Food: Indulge in a comforting, flavorful dish.
- Steaming Hot: Enjoy the warmth and aroma of freshly steamed manti.
- Garlic Yogurt Dip: Experience the tangy, garlicky taste of yogurt dip.
8. Charshenger (Meat Pie)
A flaky pastry filled with minced meat and spices. Taste it at 'Paprika' restaurant.
- Flaky Delight: Savor the buttery, flaky texture of the pastry.
- Spiced Filling: Experience the unique blend of spices in the meat filling.
- Handheld Snack: Grab a quick, satisfying snack on the go.
9. Gata (Sweet Pastry)
A traditional Armenian sweet pastry made with milk and butter. Try it at 'Dzum' restaurant.
- Buttery Taste: Savor the rich, buttery taste of gata.
- Crispy Texture: Enjoy the crispy texture of the pastry.
- Sweet Treat: Indulge in a delicious, sweet dessert.
10. Harissa Chicken (Grilled Chicken with Spicy Sauce)
Juicy grilled chicken served with the spicy tomato sauce harissa. Try it at 'Paprika' restaurant.
- Tasty Marinade: Experience the flavors of the marinated chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Enjoy the unique blend of spices in the sauce.
- Grilled Perfection: Savor the juiciness and aroma of perfectly grilled chicken.
11. Lahmajun (Thin-Crust Pizza)
A thin-crust pizza topped with minced meat and spices. Try it at 'Anush' restaurant.
- Delicious Variation: Discover the Armenian take on a well-loved dish.
- Spicy Topping: Experience the unique blend of spices in the topping.
- Handheld Meal: Enjoy a convenient, easy-to-eat meal on the go.
12. Khinkali (Dumplings)
Georgian-style dumplings filled with meat and spices. Try them at 'Paprika' restaurant.
- Tasty Twist: Discover the Georgian twist on a delicious dish.
- Spicy Dumplings: Experience the unique blend of spices in these dumplings.
- Street Food: Enjoy a tasty, portable meal on the go.
13. Matsoon (Cheese Bread)
A soft, chewy bread filled with melted cheese. Try it at 'Dzum' restaurant.
- Cheesy Taste: Savor the rich, cheesy taste of matsoon.
- Soft Texture: Enjoy the soft, doughy texture of the bread.
- Comfort Food: Indulge in a warm, comforting dish.
14. Khachapuri (Cheese-Stuffed Bread)
A bread filled with melted cheese and topped with a runny egg. Try it at 'Anush' restaurant.
- Cheesy Delight: Savor the rich, cheesy taste of khachapuri.
- Runny Egg Topping: Experience the combination of flavors from the egg and cheese.
- Comfort Food: Indulge in a warm, comforting dish.
15. Tonir (Clay Pot Meal)
A slow-cooked meal of meat and vegetables in a clay pot. Try it at 'Khor Virab' restaurant.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: Experience the rich, deep flavors developed over time.
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling, satisfying dish.
- Traditional Preparation: Witness the time-honored method of preparing tonir.