What Food To Try in Yerevan and Food Prices

Lavash - Armenian flatbread - Soft, thin bread baked in a tandoor-like oven, often served warm. Locals typically break it with their hands, wrapping meats and veggies, making it a staple at any meal.

Ajapsandali - Vegetable stew - A hearty mix of eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, slowly stewed with flavorful herbs. It's commonly enjoyed during lunch with a dollop of yogurt, showcasing the local preference for fresh, seasonal vegetables.

Khorovats - Armenian barbecue - Grilled marinated meats, usually pork or lamb, seasoned with spices and cooked over an open flame. Often shared among friends at picnics, it’s a social affair enjoyed during the warmer months.

Basturma - Cured beef - Air-dried spiced meat, typically served thinly sliced. Locals like to pair it with fresh herbs and lavash for brunch, though it sometimes catches tourists off guard because it’s so flavorful and rich.

Dolma - Stuffed grape leaves - Tender grape leaves filled with a mix of rice, minced meat, and herbs, then simmered until flavorful. It's a classic family dish often served at gatherings, and many locals have their unique variations.

Khachapuri - Cheese-filled bread - A warm, boat-shaped bread stuffed with molten cheese, often topped with a raw egg. This indulgent option is often enjoyed for breakfast, making it a decadent way to start the day.

Manti - Armenian dumplings - Soft dumplings filled with spiced meat, then baked and served with tangy yogurt on top. It’s popular in colder months, perfect for sharing with family during cozy dinners.

Ghapama - Stuffed pumpkin (seasonal) - A whole pumpkin filled with rice, dried fruits, and spices, then baked to perfection. It's a festive dish often enjoyed during harvest time, symbolizing abundance and community.

Chai - Չայ (spiced tea) - A comforting blend of black tea brewed with milk and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Locals enjoy it in the afternoon while chatting at small cafés, often accompanied by some sweets like gata.

Tarragon Soda - Տառաղարայի սոդա (herb soda) - This refreshing drink combines carbonated water with tarragon syrup, giving it a unique herbal flavor. You’ll often see it served cold at family gatherings during summer, making it a perfect thirst quencher on warm days.

Kotay - Կոտայ (sweet pastry) - A flaky pastry filled with sweet cheese and grounded walnuts, drizzled with syrup. Popular during celebrations and family events, it’s best enjoyed warm, straight from the bakery; you'll definitely want to have it with a strong cup of coffee.

Gata - Գաթա (sweet bread) - This rich, buttery bread is filled with a mixture of sugar, vanilla, and ground nuts, forming a delightful sweetness in each bite. Typically served during festive occasions like New Year and, by the way, it’s fantastic with a glass of milk!

Bulgarian Ice Cream - Բուլղարական իսկրիմ (creamy cold treat) - This soft, locally-made ice cream is famous for its unique flavors such as poppy seed and rose. Best enjoyed on a hot summer day, locals often indulge in this treat at street stalls in Yerevan’s parks after a fun afternoon stroll.