RESTAURANTS
NATIONAL CUISINE
Must-Try
Harissa
Considered the national dish of Armenia, harissa is a thick porridge made by slowly simmering korkot (dried or roasted cracked wheat) together with fatty pieces of lamb or chicken meat.
When Armenian holy days involved fasting and penance, herbs were substituted for meat in harissa.
Said to have been invented in the Ararat plains, the origins of the dish can be traced back to ancient times. According to the Armenian legend Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, gave a meal of love and charity to the poor.
NATIONAL DRINKS
Must-Try
Armenian brandy: a timeless tradition
Armenian brandy, or cognac as it’s called by locals, is made from selected grapes that are grown in the Ararat Valley. This strong alcoholic beverage is historically famous all over the world for its high quality, incredible flavor, and best traditions.
The story of Armenian brandy dates back to the 19th century when a group of Armenian merchants decided to start producing their own version of brandy, inspired by the French cognac-making process. Using local grapes and traditional distilling methods, they created a spirit that was uniquely Armenian yet of the highest quality.
