What Food To Try in Baku and Food Prices

Qutab - Stuffed Flatbread - Thin, flaky dough filled with minced meat or greens, grilled until crispy. Many locals enjoy it as a quick lunch on the go, often paired with a tart yogurt sauce.

Oshi - Traditional Pilaf - A fragrant mix of rice, saffron, and tender lamb, sometimes enriched with dried fruits. It's commonly served during family gatherings, with everyone diving into a communal dish.

Piti - Lamb Stew - A rich, slow-cooked lamb stew layered with chickpeas and potatoes, traditionally baked in a clay pot. Typically enjoyed during lunch, it's a warming dish perfect for cold days.

Breakfast Plov - Breakfast Rice Dish - A sweet twist on typical pilaf, made with rice, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of nuts. Served often on special occasions for breakfast, it’s linked to festive traditions.

Damak - Grilled Fish - Freshly caught fish marinated in herbs and spices before being grilled to perfection. Locals love it in the summer, enjoyed by the seaside with a drizzle of lemon.

Balig - Fish Kebab - Grilled fish skewers seasoned with local spices, typically served with fresh bread and salad. This street food favorite is best enjoyed during evening strolls along the Caspian Sea.

Qovurma - Fried Eggplant Stew - A hearty stew made from fried eggplant, tomatoes, and spices, often enjoyed with rice. It’s especially popular during summer when the ingredients are at their freshest.

By the way... - Don't make the mistake of assuming all kebabs are spicy; many local variations are subtle and highlight the meat’s natural flavors instead.

Chai - Çay (strong black tea) - Bold black tea served in small tulip-shaped glasses, often with sugar on the side. It's a daily ritual in Baku, consumed at any time of the day, especially during conversations with friends at local teahouses.

Clarity - Nar (pomegranate juice) - Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice that's both tart and sweet, served chilled with ice. Perfect for warm summer days, you’ll find locals sipping it in parks or during family gatherings, especially when pomegranates are in season.

Raki - Rakı (anise-flavored spirit) - An aromatic anise-flavored drink usually diluted with water, turning milky white when mixed. Commonly enjoyed during festive gatherings or meals, a glass of rakı is always accompanied by a toast and shared appetizers.

Baklava - Bakıla (sweet pastry) - Layers of flaky pastry filled with finely chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It's a popular dessert during celebrations like Novruz, often served alongside tea or at family gatherings, where you can enjoy it warm and gooey.

Shekerbura - Şekerbura (sweet stuffed pastry) - A delicate pastry stuffed with a mixture of ground nuts, sugar, and spices, typically adorned with intricate patterns. Traditionally made for special occasions like weddings and the Novruz holiday, it's often enjoyed with friends and family during festive meals.

By the way, the pomegranate juice is a summer highlight - don't miss it!