They say that the writer Paolo Coelho, who undoubtedly knows a lot about pleasures, having dined in an Yerevan restaurant, appealed to the gods and shared with them his joy that he had finally comprehended the soul of Armenia. Perhaps this is just a legend, which Caucasians are eager to compose, but the restaurants of Armenia are indeed one of the indispensable components of any trip to the country of stones and apricots. It is the national cuisine that can complement the stunning impression of old temples erected on mountain cliffs, and local hospitality can brighten up some asceticism and modesty of a poor, but so welcoming country.
Armenian cuisine
Historians believe that the inhabitants of these lands knew how to bake bread already in the 5th century BC. The traditions of cooking the most famous dishes in the restaurants of Armenia have not changed for centuries, and therefore, ordering khash, khorovats or tolma in any of them, and today you can be sure that they will serve exactly the dish from which travelers of the past were delighted.
Mirror of Sevan
One of the symbols of Armenia is the majestic Lake Sevan, in whose waters the unique Sevan trout is found. Local fishermen call it ishkhan and it is she who becomes the highlight of the culinary program of Armenian restaurants located on the coast. These establishments are true temples of food. It is customary to build spacious dining rooms in the 19th century style with exposed ceiling rafters, rough natural stone masonry, open hearth fire and heavy wooden furniture.
Traditions, portions, useful addresses
For those who are in Armenia for the first time, any meal will seem amazing and wonderful. It is not customary to rush for food here, lunches here imperceptibly flow into dinners, and the waiters will never rush the guests and demonstratively rattle the dishes, hinting at the imminent closing. Connoisseurs recommend establishments where the locals themselves sit. This rule is valid in all countries of the world, and Armenia is no exception in this list.
The pricing policy of restaurants in Armenia is very friendly and in every, even the most reputable establishment, you can find dishes on the menu that will delight you with a wise Caucasian combination of price and quality. At the same time, you can safely feed a small but friendly company with a portion of khinkali or one flatbread of khachapuri.
Unnamed street cafes on Yerevan's Proshyan street, called BBQ-street, are not inferior to eminent restaurants in quality of food and are pleasantly pleased with prices, and therefore such fast food is very popular here if you need to have a quick bite. And also, to find a good restaurant in Armenia, you can safely turn to local residents for advice - taxi drivers, street vendors and even police officers. A lot of useful information and a hearty participation in the future fate of the hungry traveler is guaranteed!
