5 Best Traditional Armenian Dishes and Where to Try Them in Yerevan: Part Two

In part one of Best Traditional Armenian Dishes to Try in Yerevan we offered you dishes, names of some of which you might not have heard yet. In this article, we want to suggest a few more for there are so many unique flavors in the Armenian cuisine that you can try each and every day you are here. Check them out.

1. KHASH

Khash season begins with the arrival of colds, generally mid-autumn. The family or a group of friends gather on a non-working day specifically to enjoy this meal. Why? Because after khash you don’t work, you sleep. This happens not only because khash is super nutritious and takes long to digest, but also because it is accompanied by plenty of vodka and kenats (toasts), and because the hosts are probably exhausted after long hours of cleaning the cow legs, cooking, and drying the lavash (Armenian flatbread) to get the perfect crust.

They bring your plate hot with or without meat. The thick soupy liquid you see is a result of the cow legs and head boiling for over 12 hours without any spices added to get to the right consistency. You add garlic, salt and pepper to taste, crush dried lavash, and if you’re a khash pro like me, you eat it with hands (you don’t have to though, no judging).

You couple it with winter radish, spice it up with toasts, get full, go home and sleep. What a marvelous way of being unproductive for a day! I’m in, are you? Try it at Pandok Yerevan on 5 Amiryan St. (Phone: (+374 10) 600-006.)

2. DOLMA

How much should you love a dish to create over 7 dozens of its varieties? At the Dolma Festival in 2016, this unique dish was presented in over 70 variations. We Armenians love our traditional dolma, irrespective of whether it is dressed up in cabbage or grape leaves. Usually, rice, minced meat and various seasonings will go in the traditional dolma, and of course each Armenian considers the special variety of dolma made by their own mom or grandmother the best and they will usually tell you that.

Another most widespread variety is Pasuts Dolma, which is a Lent/vegetarian version excluding meat but adding various types of beans, lentils, and other grains. It is no less fulfilling and is usually the queen of the table during New Year celebrations in the country. Check out Ararat Hall Restaurant, where you can find at least 3-4 types of this marvelous dish. It is located on 30 Yeznik Koghbatsi St (PhoneL (+374-10) 538-588).

3. HARISSA

Harissa has a few emotional stories tied to it. It was a dish distributed to the poor by St. Gregory the Illuminator in older times. It is also said that during Musa Ler resistance in 1915 (year of the Armenian Genocide) this porridge helped the people to survive. It is usually served during Easter, but is also cooked any time of the year, since it is a national dish.

Extremely filling and delicious, it is made only with two ingredients - chicken and cracked dry wheat. In some variations mushrooms are also added in the mix. It is topped with a piece of butter before serving. You can try it at Dalan Restaurant on 12 Abovyan St. (Phone: (+374 99) 580-658.).

4. GHAPAMA

Ghapama is a colorful performance, which pleases the tastebuds AND the eyes. This is not a dish that Armenians eat every day, but is usually reserved for once or twice a year. Prepared in a pumpkin is a mixture of rice, various nuts, raisins and dried fruits. It is a great authentically Armenian dish to try during your visit and one of few not involving meat. Try it at Tospia Restaurant on 30/3 Tumanyan St. (Phone: (+374-10) 600-007.)

5. GATA

And finally, to top whichever dish you chose to try this time is traditional Armenian gata. it usually comes in two specific shapes, either in the form of a round sweetbread or rolled puff pastry. There are a few ways to make gata, either plain or filled with khoriz (a mixture of sugar, flour and butter) or walnuts. The puff pastry version is frequently sold at supermarkets and offered in restaurants. You can see the round bread version, usually decorated like a pie, being sold at or near tourist attractions. Definitely give it a try. It is delicious and authentically Armenian. Try it at Pandok Yerevan on 5 Amiryan St. (Phone: (+374 10) 600-006.)

Of course, there are hundreds of uniquely delicious dishes that you can try in Yerevan now. In this list we specifically focused on traditional Armenian dishes that are a must-try. Stay tuned for the best non-traditional dishes offered by Armenian restaurants coming soon!

Read more:

New Year in Armenia: A Festive Dinner

Tips for Vegetarians Traveling in Armenia