In this landlocked country in the South Caucasus, the culinary culture and winemaking traditions are rooted in the land and shaped by a millennia-old history.
Armenia’s dining culture is shaped by its agricultural heritage of high-altitude farming.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Story and photographs byBernd Jungbauer and Jessica Jungbauer
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Armenia’s proud national identity is vividly reflected in its cuisine. Lavash, a thin flatbread included on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is traditionally…
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Top) and Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Bottom)
Gata is another popular bread; it’s sold sweet and decorated outside medieval Geghard Monastery in Kotayk province.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Fresh herbs such as tarragon feature heavily in Armenian dishes, alongside apricots, pomegranates and walnuts.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
The intense flavours of the seasonal produce are shaped by the country’s high-altitude landscape, which bursts into vibrant shades of green during summer.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE, but cross-cultural influences are visible in landmarks such as the 18th-century Blue Mosque in Yerevan.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
The country’s winemaking has ancient roots, too, dating back over 6,000 years, with the world’s oldest winery found in Areni province.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Armenia’s first artisan cheese producer, Mikayelyan Family Farm, wraps cow’s cheese in vine leaves, celebrating the country’s connection to viticulture.
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Restaurants also blend tradition with innovation: fettuccine-like arishta noodles are still beaten by hand at Tsaghkunk Restaurant & Glkhatun.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Known for their generous hospitality, Armenians typically raise a toast to family, friends and good health when sharing a meal. And, while the country respects traditio…
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A new generation of chefs, producers and winemakers is honouring Armenia’s heritage while bringing it into the future — from modern coffeeshops, like Afrolab in Yerevan, to cultural institutions such as the Wine History Museum of Armenia in Sasunik village.
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