Looking at the map of Armenia, you may think that culture, traditions, language and cuisine are quite similar, if not the same, throughout this small country. However, the local polyculture, culinary traditions and recipes differ from region to region, which makes Armenia one of the best destinations for gastronomic tours. As you plan your group tours to Armenia, get ready to experience popular dishes in restaurants and traditional meals cooked at homes.
For the locals it is important to maintain the real flavor of the food without distracting the taste with spices or other ingredients. One of the most popular dishes nowadays, which can be found in every corner of Armenia, is the Armenian barbeque, khorovats, served with barbecued vegetables. The most known regional dish is tolma – minced meat wrapped in grape or cabbage leaves. During spring, Armenians consume various herbs, including wild sorrel, spinach, asparagus, beet greens and many more. And one of the most common desserts Armenians make is the sweet bread called gata, with a filling of butter, sugar and walnuts, which you can taste in different villages.
Gastronomic tours in Armenia include various cooking master-classes by local chefs who will teach you how to prepare famous traditional Armenian dishes or bake lavash, the Armenian flatbread listed in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Wine tours are a big part of Armenian gastronomic experience. Learn about Armenia’s wine making traditions by visiting one of the oldest wineries of the world, dating back to the 5th millennium BC, located inside the Areni-1 cave, or traveling the wine route in the Vayots Dzor region, often compared to the Napa valley. The red wine from the local grape variety called Areni Noir goes well with sun-dried fruits, local cheese and marinated olives. And if you prefer stronger drinks, ask locals for some homemade fruit vodka. And don’t forget to taste the legendary Ararat brandy.
