RESTAURANTS
NATIONAL CUISINE
Must-Try
Delightful Charm of Gata
Gata is one of the most beloved national desserts of Armenian cuisine, which has adorned Armenian tables with its unique taste for centuries. This delicate pastry is usually served with tea or coffee. It is made from very simple ingredients: flour, sugar, butter and milk. The dough is gently rolled out, then filled with a fragrant mixture of sugar, butter, ground cinnamon or cardamom. Then the dough is rolled out and divided into pieces, which are baked until golden brown.
Every tourist visiting Armenia must definitely taste gata, because this delicious and unique dessert is unlikely to be found in any other country.
NATIONAL DRINKS
Must-Try
Armenian brandy: a timeless tradition
Armenian brandy or cognac, as it’s called by locals, is made from selected grapes grown in the Ararat Valley. This strong and noble drink is known worldwide for its exceptional quality, delicate taste and centuries-old traditions. The history of Armenian brandy begins at the end of the 19th century, when Armenian entrepreneurs decided to create their own version, inspired by the experience of French brandy production. Using local grape varieties and preserving traditional distillation methods, they formed the unique style of Armenian spirits, which later gained worldwide recognition.
In Armenia, local, endemic grape varieties are mainly used for brandy production. Depending on the age and type of brandy, Armenian brandy is divided into three groups: ordinary, varietal and collection. The latter are the most expensive and luxurious. They are additionally aged for at least three years in oak barrels, thanks to which they acquire an expressive taste and aroma.