Traditional Armenian Recipes

Appetizer Medium

Topik (Chickpea and Tahini Appetizer)

Topik is a traditional Armenian Lenten dish made from chickpeas and tahini, filled with a sweet caramelized onion and currant mixture, and shaped into balls or patties. It is rich, flavorful, and completely vegan, representing the sophisticated meatless cooking of Armenian cuisine.

105 min 8 servings

Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-Free

Appetizer Hard

Basturma (Cured Spiced Beef)

Basturma is air-dried cured beef coated in a paste of fenugreek, garlic, and spices called chaman. This ancient preservation method creates intensely flavored meat that is sliced paper-thin and enjoyed as an appetizer or in eggs for breakfast.

60 min 20 servings

Gluten-Free

Main Course Hard

Manti (Armenian Dumplings)

Manti are tiny boat-shaped dumplings filled with spiced lamb or beef, baked until crispy, and served with garlic yogurt and tomato sauce. This labor-intensive dish is a symbol of Armenian hospitality, with the saying that a skilled cook should fit 40 manti on a single spoon.

135 min 6 servings

Dessert Medium

Ghapama (Stuffed Pumpkin)

Ghapama is a traditional Armenian holiday dish made from a pumpkin stuffed with rice, dried fruits, nuts, and honey. It is a sweet main dish often served at celebrations, especially during Christmas and New Year. The dish is so beloved that there is a famous folk song sung when serving it.

120 min 8 servings

Vegetarian

Beverage Easy

Tan (Traditional Armenian Yogurt Drink)

Tan is a traditional Armenian savory yogurt drink, prized for its refreshing and hydrating qualities. It is a simple, probiotic-rich beverage made by diluting yogurt with water and seasoning it with salt and dried mint.

5 min 2 servings

Vegetarian Gluten-Free

Dessert Medium

Sujukh (Armenian Walnut Sausage Dessert)

Sujukh, also known as sharots, is a traditional Armenian walnut candy made by dipping strings of walnuts into a thickened grape molasses mixture. This sweet, spiced dessert is often called the Armenian Snickers and is traditionally enjoyed during holidays like Christmas and New Year.

105 min 20 servings

Vegetarian Vegan

Dessert Medium

Gata (Traditional Armenian Sweet Pastry)

Gata is a beloved Armenian flaky pastry with a sweet, vanilla-scented filling. Crisp on the outside and tender within, it features beautiful spiral layers and is traditionally enjoyed with coffee or tea.

115 min 24 servings

Vegetarian

Main Course Medium

Lahmajoun (Armenian Flatbread)

Lahmajoun is a traditional Armenian thin flatbread topped with a spiced mixture of finely minced meat, vegetables, and herbs. Often called 'Armenian pizza,' it's baked until crisp and typically served with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for wrapping.

50 min 8 servings

Dessert Hard

Traditional Armenian Pakhlava

A classic Armenian layered pastry featuring paper-thin dough, a spiced walnut filling, and a fragrant honey syrup. This diamond-shaped dessert is a centerpiece of festive occasions, known for its crisp texture and balanced sweetness.

135 min 24 servings

Vegetarian

Soup Medium

Spas (Armenian Yogurt and Wheat Soup)

A traditional Armenian comfort soup made with yogurt and wheat berries, known for its tangy, creamy base and soothing qualities. This ancient dish is often served warm and is believed to aid digestion.

110 min 6 servings

Vegetarian

Main Course Medium

Armenian Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Traditional Armenian dolma features tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground lamb, rice, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, simmered in a lemony broth. This cherished dish is a centerpiece of Armenian family gatherings and celebrations.

150 min 8 servings

Gluten-Free

Bread Medium

Lavash (Traditional Armenian Flatbread)

Lavash is a traditional Armenian unleavened flatbread, baked in a tonir (clay oven). It is characterized by its thin, large, oblong shape, chewy yet pliable texture, and distinctive browned spots. This bread is a staple used for wrapping kebabs, cheeses, and herbs, or served alongside meals.

93 min 8 servings

Vegetarian Vegan