If you’ve never explored Armenian cuisine, you’re in for a treat. This culinary tradition is a perfect mix of hearty, fresh, and flavorful dishes.
That have been passed down through generations. It’s all about bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients—what’s not to love?
In this list, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best Armenian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life.
These dishes aren’t just food; they’re stories, traditions, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Let’s dig in!
1. Armenian Lavash Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon yeast (optional for a softer version)
How to Make It: Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Slowly add warm water while kneading until you get a smooth dough.
Let it rest for 30 minutes. Divide into small balls, roll out paper-thin rounds, and cook on a hot griddle until lightly browned.
Flip and repeat. That’s it—you’ve got fresh lavash!
Why We Selected It: Lavash isn’t just a bread; it’s a versatile staple of Armenian meals.
It pairs with soups, wraps, and dips or stands alone as a snack. Simple, yet so satisfying.
2. Khorovats (Armenian Grilled Meat)
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lamb or chicken
- 2 onions, sliced
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Marinate the meat with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Alternate pieces of meat, onion, and bell pepper on skewers.
Grill over hot coals, turning occasionally until juicy and charred.
Why We Chose It: Khorovats is a national treasure. It’s more than just grilled meat; it’s a centerpiece for gatherings and a true taste of Armenia.
3. Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- ½ pound ground beef or lamb
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 bell peppers, hollowed
- 2 zucchinis, hollowed
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Mix the rice, ground meat, onions, and spices in a bowl. Stuff the mixture into hollowed vegetables.
Place in a pot, add water and simmer until tender.
Why We Picked It: Dolma brings together fresh veggies and savory fillings in a way that’s downright irresistible. It’s comfort food with a twist.
4. Armenian Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Lemon juice to taste
How to Make It: Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil until softened. Add lentils, cumin, and broth.
Simmer until the lentils are tender. Blend half the soup for a creamy texture, then season with salt and lemon juice.
Why We Love It: It’s hearty, healthy, and comforting—a bowl of this soup feels like a warm hug.
5. Armenian Gata (Sweet Pastry)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup sour cream
How to Make It: Mix the flour and butter to form crumbs. Add sugar, vanilla, and sour cream to make a dough.
Roll out, fold, and repeat. Bake at 375°F until golden.
Why We Selected It: Gata is the ultimate sweet treat. With its buttery layers and delicate sweetness, it’s impossible to resist.
6. Armenian Pilaf
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ½ cup vermicelli
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Brown the vermicelli in butter. Add rice and stir for a minute. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
Why We Chose It: It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish that goes with just about everything.
7. Zhingyalov Hats (Herb-Stuffed Flatbread)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups mixed greens (parsley, dill, spinach)
How to Make It: Make a soft dough with the flour, water, and salt. Roll out into thin rounds. Fill with chopped greens, fold, and cook on a griddle.
Why We Picked It: This flatbread is packed with fresh herbs, making it a burst of flavor and health in every bite.
8. Armenian Manti (Baked Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup ground beef
- 1 onion, minced
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It: Make a dough with the flour, egg, and water. Roll out and cut into small squares.
Place a bit of beef filling in each, fold the edges up, and bake at 400°F until golden.
Why We Love It: Manti is bite-sized perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and loaded with flavor.
9. Armenian Eggplant Caviar (Bademjan)
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- Olive oil
How to Make It: Roast the eggplants, then peel and mash them. Sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Combine everything, season, and serve chilled.
Why We Picked It: This smoky, savory spread is a flavor bomb that pairs perfectly with bread.
10. Armenian Harissa (Chicken and Wheat Porridge)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl wheat
- 1 pound chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It: Cook the wheat and chicken in broth until creamy. Stir frequently and season to taste.
Why We Chose It: Harissa is pure comfort in a bowl—simple, nourishing, and oh-so-good.
11. Armenian Apricot Jam
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds apricots, halved
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Make It: Cook apricots, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until thickened. Stir often, then cool and jar.
Why We Selected It: Armenia is famous for its apricots, and this jam is like capturing summer in a jar.
Conclusion
Armenian cuisine is a treasure trove of unique and irresistible dishes that bring people together.
Now that you’ve got this list, why not whip up one of these recipes this weekend? Your taste buds will thank you.
Share your cooking adventures, and let’s keep the love for Armenian food alive!