7 Armenian Recipes That You Need to Try - Kalejunkie (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous Armenian dish? ›

One of the most popular Armenian dishes is the famous “Tolma” or “Dolma”.

Harissa (Armenian հարիսա harisa, also known as ճիտապուր) is a thick porridge made of wheat and meat cooked together for a long time, originally in the tonir but nowadays over a stove. Ardashes Hagop Keoleian called it the "national dish" of Armenians. Traditionally, harissa was prepared on feast days in communal pots.

Harissa—also known as herisseh, harisa, or keshkeg—is a wheat berry and meat porridge. The meat in question is usually chicken or lamb (occasionally beef), and the wheat is usually korkot, or “shelled” wheat, meaning wheat berries that have had their tough hulls removed, making them (somewhat) quicker to cook.

According to hospitality traditions in Armenia, when invited to partake in food or visit someone's home, a person should only accept the invitation after the third offer. At the gathering, the host should always make a toast in honor of the guest and serve food in heaping, generous portions.

Kourtney crafted perfect beeshee (or bishi), a pancake-like treat served with sugar or syrup that her grandmother Helen Kardashian (also known as Nana) taught everyone how to make.

There would always be a bowl dedicated to the dried apricots alone. Prunus armeniaca – the apricot – is Armenia's national fruit.

The symbol of fertility, prosperity and good luck, possessing the unique taste of pomegranate is used as a sign of Armenian culture everywhere - from handicrafts to works of art. The colour of the pomegranate resembles blood and vitality, and the grains are a symbol of procreation.

The most popular national alcohol drink is cognac made from selected grape varieties, grown in the Ararat Valley. In addition, the traditional alcohol armenian drinks are represented by mulberry vodka “Artsakh” and Armenian wine.

Family background

Robert Kardashian Sr. was the son of Helen and Arthur Kardashian. All four of his grandparents were Armenian who emigrated from the Ottoman Empire to the United States of America in the early 20th century, originating from the towns of Karakale and Ardahan in modern-day Turkey.

Armenians use a wide variety of dried spices in their cooking, including cumin, black pepper, dried garlic, paprika, cayenne, fenugreek, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Hot red pepper flakes like Aleppo pepper are regularly used for their heat and fruity fragrance.

Is Armenian food spicy? ›

First and foremost, Armenian food has quite juicy and spicy taste. One of the features of Armenian cuisine is a great number of greengrocery and spices in preparation of dishes. Armenian cooks use 300 kinds of wild-growing grasses and flowers which are used as seasonings or even as basic dishes.

Do's and don'ts

Men greet other men with a handshake but women greet each other with hugs and a kiss on the cheek, even on a first meeting. Western style clothing is common but neither women nor men should wear shorts. If you try to learn some basic Armenian words if will be greatly appreciated.

Local shish kebab, called khorovats, is the most popular traditional Armenian food and a must-try for visiting tourists. Khorovats can be found on the menu of almost any restaurant and on the table at any family celebration.

Lavash is a flat bread and perhaps the most iconic of Armenian breads, known for its thin, elastic texture and versatility in the kitchen. Marnakash, Hrazdan and many other breads with traditional recipes are also popular in Armenian cuisine.