The restaurant culture in Armenia is thriving. The recent spotlight on female Armenian chefs by the authoritative Vogue magazine is a testament to this growth.
The latest article focused on four talented female chefs working in local restaurants. The author mentions that as neighboring Georgia’s cuisine has captivated the world, Armenia is now emerging as a culinary destination. The article highlights heritage and vibrant local flavors drawing the attention of gourmets worldwide. The chefs mentioned in the article are leading the change in redefining traditional “Armenian cuisine with a modern twist.”
Vogue says these Armenian chefs are gaining international acclaim for their creative contributions to the world of gastronomy.
Who Are Heroes of Vogue Article?
Photo: Tsaghkunk Facebook
Five heroes are mentioned in the Vogue article. One of them is Arevik Martirosyan, a chef of Tsaghkunk Restaurant & Glkhatun. This restaurant is surprisingly located not in Yerevan. It takes an hour’s drive from Yerevan to the small village of Tsaghkunk, not far from Lake Sevan. This venue offers a unique experience with breathtaking mountain views and a menu deeply rooted in Armenian tradition. The chef reinterprets classic dishes using locally sourced ingredients, like wild sorrel with fruit lavash, and sig fish with sea buckthorn from nearby Lake Sevan.
By the way, this restaurant made headlines in Armenia when it made it to the Forbes list of 10 favorite restaurants of 2021. It was also visited by famous Danish chef Mads Refslund back in 2021.
The next chef is Varda Avetisyan, the chef of Dilijan-based “Kchuch and Tava”. This restaurant is the jewel of Dilijan, a resort town considered by some people a gastronomic capital of Armenia. She revives the traditional cooking methods of northern Armenia, using brick ovens to prepare seasonal dishes like wild mushrooms and the ancient dish khashil.
Ani Haroutiunian, the founder of Arm Food Lab and co-owner of Ootelie Bakery in Dilijan, also experiments with local ingredients. She is also a pioneer of the sourdough movement in Armenia, making bread from heirloom grains and exploring Armenia’s rich biodiversity
Co-owner of In Vino, the first wine bar on famous Saryan Street, Mariam Saghatelyan also made it onto this list. Nowadays Saryan Street is called “a wine street” of Yerevan and even hosts a wine festival. However, in 2012 it was the first bar that opened here and has grown to offer over 600 varieties of wine.
The article also features Marina Shaqaryan-Mikayelyan, head cheesemaker at Mikayelyan Family Farm. This small cheese production is located in the village of Artsvakar near Lake Sevan. A former biochemist, Shaqaryan-Mikayelyan applies her scientific knowledge to create innovative cheeses, including varieties brined in pomegranate syrup and aged with cognac.
What Restaurants to Visit in Armenia?
Armenia’s gastro scene offers a delightful mix of international flavors and traditional Armenian cuisine. In Yerevan you can find everything from Chinese and Japanese to Italian and Greek restaurants, catering to every palate. However, for those seeking to discover new and unique flavors, Armenian restaurants are a must-visit.
Armenian cuisine is a celebration of the country’s rich history and diverse landscapes. Moreover, each region offers its own must-try dishes. However, there are some “universal dishes” typical for any province and household. It’s khorovats, the famous Armenian barbecue or tolma, meat wrapped either in grapes or cabbage leaves. Heading to the regions, you’ll find specialties like chanakh, a stew made of beef, vegetables, and beans, which is typical for Gyumri.
Armenians have a deep connection to the land, and this is evident in their use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Many dishes feature many herbs, vegetables, and fruits, making Armenian cuisine particularly appealing to vegetarians. You will always find greens and vegetables on any table during a family dinner or in a restaurant.
So, if you think about what restaurants to choose look for some traditional Armenian eateries or new places that try to give a new touch to traditional dishes. Here you can try some dishes or a mix of flavors that are not typical for other countries. For example, a salad or soup from wild sorrel (aveluk).
The restaurants mentioned by Vogue have one thing in common. The chefs aim to preserve and reinvent Armenian culinary traditions and use the best local ingredients.
Gastro Tours with Levon Travel
Gastro and wine tours are very popular among Armenian tourists. Among other tours, Levon Travel offers spectacular tours focused on authentic flavors of Armenian cuisine.
Such tours often include activities like lavash-making masterclasss and visits to fine restaurants in picturesque places. A great thing about Levon Travel is that the agency can also organize a custom-made tour. So, if you are interested in a particular area, the professional staff will try to find the best. Besides, such tours may include visits to wineries or cheese farms to taste fresh and delicious food. If you consider yourself a foodie, Levon Travel will help you discover new gastronomic attractions in Armenia.
