Introduction: Armenian Cuisine
Armenian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, with influences from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines. Armenian food is also characterized by the use of fresh and local ingredients such as meat, vegetables, grains, herbs, and spices. The cuisine is known for its meat dishes, including lamb, beef, and chicken, as well as its vegetarian options such as stuffed vegetables, salads, and dips.
Traditional Armenian Snacks
Armenian cuisine has a variety of traditional snacks that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. One of the most popular traditional snacks is called “jajik,” which is a dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. Another traditional snack is “khachapuri,” which is a pastry filled with cheese and eggs. The pastry is baked until crispy and golden brown, and is often served for breakfast or as a snack.
Lavash: The Armenian Bread
Lavash is a traditional Armenian bread that is thin and delicate. It is made from flour, water, and salt, and is often baked in a clay oven called a “tonir.” Lavash is used in various ways in Armenian cuisine, including as a wrap for meats and vegetables, a base for pizza-like dishes, and as a snack on its own.
The Famous Armenian Basterma
Basterma is a popular Armenian snack that is made from cured beef that is rubbed with a mixture of spices, including paprika, garlic, and fenugreek. The beef is then hung to dry and age for several weeks before being sliced and served. Basterma is often served as a snack on its own, or as an ingredient in sandwiches and omelets.
Sweet Snacks: Gata and Pakhlava
Armenian cuisine also has a variety of sweet snacks, including “gata” and “pakhlava.” Gata is a sweet bread that is filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and nuts, while pakhlava is a pastry made from layers of phyllo dough and filled with a mixture of nuts and honey. Both gata and pakhlava are often served with tea or coffee.
Cheese and Yogurt-based Snacks
Cheese and yogurt-based snacks are also popular in Armenian cuisine. One of the most popular cheese snacks is “string cheese,” which is a type of cheese that is stretched and pulled into long, thin strings. Another popular cheese snack is “lori,” which is a creamy cheese that is often mixed with herbs and served as a spread. Yogurt-based snacks include “tan,” which is a thick and creamy yogurt that is often served with honey and nuts.
Street Food Delights
Armenian street food is also a popular snack option, especially in the markets and bazaars. Some of the most popular street food snacks include “lahmajoun,” which is a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, herbs, and spices, and “khorovats,” which is a grilled meat kebab that is often served with vegetables and lavash.
Modern Armenian Snacks and Their Popularity
In recent years, modern Armenian snacks have gained popularity, both in Armenia and abroad. Some of the most popular modern Armenian snacks include “vegetable chips,” which are made from thinly sliced vegetables that are baked until crispy, and “sujuk,” which is a spicy sausage made from beef or lamb that is often served as a snack or ingredient in sandwiches and salads. These modern snacks often combine traditional Armenian flavors and ingredients with new techniques and trends.
