Armenian food is rich in flavors and reflect the country’s history and geography. From savory stews to sweet pastries, Armenian food has something to offer for everyone. Here are my top 10 favorite foods.
Khorovats
Khorovats is Armenian barbecue. It is juicy meat skewered and cooked over the hot coals. Khorovats is often reserved for festive occasions and typically served with a variety of side dishes.
Khorovats is in my top 10 because I have so many fond memories attached to the dish. I loved standing next to my grandfather while he manned the grill and then at the end sharing a nice piece wrapped in lavash by the fire.
Tolma
Tolma is typically a stuffed vegetable. Most commonly rolled grape leaves with ground meat, rice and spices.
Tolma is in my top 10 because of like my grandmas rolled cabbage and stuffed tomatoes. It was my favorite dish when I was a child and it was the first thing she would make when I would visit.
Lavash
Lavash is Armenian thin flatbread traditionally made in a tonnir (an oven built from clay and stone into the ground). In 2014, Lavash is part of the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Lavash is in my top 10 because I use it to eat everything and anything. It is great fresh and soft and crunchy and dry. A meal isn’t complete without it and it is the base of all my favorite snacks.
Khashlama
Khashlama is Armenian stew. Commonly prepared with beef or lamb with tomatoes, herbs and potatoes
Khashlama is apart of my top 10 because nothing is more delicious than a nice stew in the colder months. The hearty dish warms the soul and fills you up.
Paghpaghak
Paghpaghak is “ice cream” in Armenian. Most commonly it comes in a block like the picture above a a deep soft cone.
Paghpaghak makes itself into the top 10 because in my personal opinion, Armenian ice cream has a nice buttery taste to it that I can never find in American options.
Manti
Manti is a little dumpling consisting of spiced meat in a thick piece of dough either boiled or baked served with a broth and topped with yogurt and sumac
Manti is a top 10 dish although I did not grow up eating it, once I moved to Armenia it immediately jumped to the top of my list and became a staple in dinners.
Lahmajun
Lahmajun is flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat. Also known as “Armenian Pizza”. Often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer or lunch. Served with lemon and washed down with Tan (yogurt drink) or tomato juice
Lahmajun is a top 10 option because I’ve spent countless lunches eating them fresh out of the oven and when I moved to Armenia there was a little restaurant next door to my home that only served Lahmajun and it was the best 40 cent meal around.
Jingyalov Hats
Jingyalov Hats is Armenian flat bread stuffed with herbs and green vegetables. This dish is a traditional dish of Armenians from Artsakh and has traditionally been a staple in times of scarcity, such as famine and war. The herbs often times gathered from the sides of mountains.
Jingylov Hats is a top 10 cuisine because of its historical meaning as well as the unique taste of the herbs. I find it to be one of my favorite lunches to order.
T’tu Lavash
T’tu Lavash (sour lavash) is a traditional Armenian fruit leather made from apricots, plumbs, cherries, etc.
T’tu Lavash is in the top 10 because I think it is one of the best sweet snacks. Unlike candy or chocolate it is significantly healthier and I love the tartness of the fruits and the various flavors.
Kofe
Finally, to wash it all down. Kofe is Armenian coffee.
Kofe made it into the top 10 because although my favorite preparation of coffee isn’t the Armenian style, Kofe signifies familial times and friendship. Kofe is shared with those you love and want to spend time with and for that reason if anyone asks if I want coffee, I can not deny.
Click here to learn more about Armenian coffee.
In Conclusion
Armenian food is an integral part of Armenian culture, with its rich history and diverse collection of dishes. If you have a favorite Armenian dish, please share it in the comments below!