BLOG

Armenia Featured in the Renowned Italian Gambero Rosso!

The article highlights Armenia’s top gastronomic spots, as well as the unique and delicious dishes found on every corner.

Traveling through Armenia is like stepping into a living museum of flavor. Nestled between the Caucasus and Anatolia, this ancient land is not only rich in history and breathtaking landscapes but also a treasure trove of culinary traditions dating back millennia.

From the Garden of Eden to Modern Markets

Some scholars believe the biblical Garden of Eden was located in historic Armenia—thanks to the fertile lands around Mount Ararat. Today, the country’s vibrant markets, like Yerevan’s Gum Market, overflow with dried fruits, brined cheeses, and fermented vegetables that tell the story of a deeply preserved peasant culture.

A Cheese Lover’s Paradise

Armenian cheeses are as unique as the landscape. From Yeghegnadzor, aged in terracotta amphorae, to Chechil, a smoky, stringy cheese loved in Russian bars, each bite carries centuries of heritage. Don’t miss Chanakh, a brine-curd cheese with bold flavor, or basturma, a spice-crusted cured beef.

Lavash: A UNESCO Treasure

No Armenian table is complete without lavash, the country’s traditional flatbread recognized by UNESCO. Baked in underground clay ovens (tonir), this thin bread isn’t just food—it's a symbol of community, often made by women in a collaborative ritual passed down through generations.

Culinary Roots and Influences

Armenian cuisine is a flavorful blend of its history—Persian spices, Byzantine and Ottoman techniques, and Soviet-era staples like borsch, khinkali, and zakuska. Modern chefs, like Yurik Sargsyan in Tsaghkunk, are reviving traditional recipes with local ingredients and fresh creativity.

Where Art Meets the Table

In Yerevan, Abovyan 12 fuses food and art, serving dishes like khashlama, tolma, and bozbash alongside contemporary artworks. Meanwhile, chefs like Rafik Sinanyan and Vahan Arakelyan are reimagining Soviet classics with flair and finesse.

Brandy Fit for Churchill

No visit to Armenia is complete without a sip of ArArAt brandy—a favorite of Winston Churchill himself. Distilled since 1887, this spirit has become a national symbol and an international success, now produced by Pernod Ricard.

The Cradle of Wine

With over 400 native grape varieties, Armenia is one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions. Wineries like Voskevaz and Armenia Wine Company are blending ancient methods—like fermentation in karasi (clay amphorae)—with sustainable practices to craft award-winning wines, from robust reds to crisp whites and even pomegranate wine.

A Journey Worth Savoring

Armenia offers more than food—it offers a feast for the soul. From ancestral breads to mountain-aged cheeses, and from millennia-old vineyards to art-filled dining rooms, it’s a destination where heritage and hospitality shine on every plate.

 Full article here: https://www.gamberorosso.it/attualita/viaggio-armenia/