{"id":18516,"date":"2020-03-25T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-25T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=18516"},"modified":"2024-04-30T17:51:22","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T16:51:22","slug":"beginners-guide-armenian-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/beginners-guide-armenian-food\/","title":{"rendered":"A beginner’s guide to Armenian food and local dishes to try"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Armenian food is at the very heart of life in Armenia, one of the oldest countries in the world. Bordering Europe and Asia, this little-known destination’s geographic location, history, neighbours and cultural heritage all influence its deep flavours and traditional dishes. Visiting Armenia? Here’s the perfect beginner’s guide to Armenian dishes. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1<\/strong>. Armenian food sizzles straight off the barbecue<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Barbecue<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Armenia is world-famous for its Armenian barbecue. Sizzling khorovats<\/em>, or skewers of meat, are seasoned and marinated before being barbecued over a gentle flame. These are then placed in a clay oven or cooked on a revolving vertical spit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Khorovats<\/em> are commonly made with pork, lamb or chicken and a simple mix of fresh herbs and spices. Deceptively simple, barbecued khorovats<\/em> pack a lot of flavour and can be enjoyed on the hop as a tasty fast food option. Or, of course, over a long, leisurely lunch with salads, dips and baskets of lavash<\/em> (see below).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. \u00a0Huge variety of fresh fruit and vegetables<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Apricots\"<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Armenia’s climate, geography and rich, volcanic soil lends itself to agriculture. Think mountain pastures, orchards and vineyards \u2013 and the freshest produce this side of the Caucasus Mountains.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A visit to an Armenian shuka<\/em> (market) will reveal stalls crammed with an astonishing variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables. Make sure to sample some traditional preserves and local honey, while a glass of fresh pomegranate juice is an absolute must!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Although Armenia produces a range of delicious fruit (for example, cherries, apples, grapes, figs, pomegranates and pears), it is most famous for the humble apricot. \u00a0It is said that Armenia’s golden apricot captures the soft rays of the Armenian sun, so it bursts with flavour, aroma and a history harking back to biblical times.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In winter, one of the most popular Armenian dishes is Ghapama<\/em>. The word ‘ghapama<\/em>‘ literally means ‘cooked in a covered pot’. But the name refers to a slow-roasted pumpkin that has been scooped out and stuffed to the brim with rice and dried fruit. The result is an aromatic, sweet and moreish seasonal dish of epic proportions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Bread baked the same way for centuries<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"Lavash<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Armenian cuisine is one of the oldest in Europe and certainly the oldest in the South Caucasus. This means the locals can trace their recipes back for centuries, and nowhere is this truer than with Armenian bread. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

These are just three of our favourites:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n