Armenia 101 - The hidden gem of Caucasus (part 1)

By arpitravel | Sep 12, 2019
Caucasus > Armenia

Have you ever heard of Armenia? Probably from interviews of the great Charles Aznavour? William Saroyan? Cher? Or maybe from a nice lady in LA, Glendale or a man who proudly bumps Armenian songs in his car and wears the flag on his T-shirt? Well then either way, let’s get acquainted with this beautiful country which is a must-visit place.
Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world and Armenians being the indigenous people of Armenia are one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
For decades Armenia has been a hidden destination for travelers all over the world. However, the country has a lot to offer to everyone from experienced travelers to newbies. The food, breathtaking landscapes, the hospitable people make the best and unforgettable experience one could ever have.

The breathtaking sight of Khor Virap and the biblical Ararat

The breathtaking sight of Khor Virap and the biblical Ararat

WHY ARMENIA?


Hidden in the highlands of the Caucasus region, Armenia is a newly discovered destination for tourists. Well… why do so many people end up falling in love with this beautiful country? Let’s review it and this will make your decision final to finally buy the ticket and take that trip of a lifetime to Armenia. Visit with your friends, family, co-workers, alone. The best time ever is guaranteed no matter what.

The well-preserved nature and the ancient history monuments create the best combination for the visitors to fall in love with the country’s beauty. We’ll get to every aspect of why to choose Armenia later.

Photo Credits to @mmsmi

THE FOOD


Let’s talk about the food… oh the FOOD…

The gastronomy of Armenia is something for every taste bud. Every traveler picking the destination will undoubtly think to themselves: “Man I hope I like the food there…”. Armenian cuisine has got you on this matter!

Not only professional chefs but also gourmand travelers have returned several times to Armenia to have the taste just once more. One of the main reasons why the food is so delicious is that everything is organic, taken from the farmers’ that way supporting the local communities and making good food. The other one is… the LOVE. The love and the dedication that is put into culinary.

Credits to @tmbphotography06

Let’s start with lavash. The famous flatbread one of the simplest things but also one of the stars of Armenian cuisine. ​In 2014, "Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia" was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Bread? Lavash. Low-calorie bread? Lavash. A wrap? Lavash.

You can witness the making of this cultural phenomenon in the hands of just kind grandmas making a humble living in every village but also in one of the most iconic Armenian historic monuments. Near the ancient Garni temple.

Lavash making process

Lavash making process

Lavash

Lavash

For meat lovers

As previously mentioned, you can find food for every taste in Armenia. For meat lovers Armenia is paradise. The famous Armenian BBQ is something everyone should try at least once. The famous dolma: deliciousness wrapped in grape leaves or cabbage leaves with beef and rice perfectly seasoned and a treat to you. Visiting during summertime? Same dolma in addition with eggplant, peppers and tomatoes.

Steaks, soups, salads… anything.

No sea but good seafood. That is all about Armenia. Visit Sevan for the chance to try the best prince trout there is and other kinds of fish. Freshly from the lake Sevan and enjoy it in a place with a beautiful view.

dolma

dolma

Vegetarian?

Not convinced yet?

Maybe vegetarian food that is all organic? Got you covered.

Ghapama: something traditionally extraordinary for you . Rice with dried fruit and honey in a pumpkin made with love and songs in the meantime (singing “Ghapama” is a tradition that Armenians solemnly follow while making and while eating the dish) in a tonir: an underground oven made with clay.

Ghapama

Ghapama

Zhingyalov hats is a traditional dish of Armenians from Artsakh and Syunik.

It is a type of flatbread stuffed with finely diced herbs.

photo credits to @minasyan_photos

Every region you visit during your gastronomic adventures will offer something extraordinary and for sure delicious.

Haghartzin

Haghartzin

Nature Vegetarian Armenia Highlands Ethnic Adventure Caucasus Food

Share this tip:

Written by arpitravel
Arpi Travel is an incoming tour operator and travel company offering qualified tour services in Armenia․ We organize our tours in a manner which allows the travelers to have a direct, hands-on engagement in every activity while shaping a unique travel experience during their visit to Armenia․ We have a fantastic range of hotels in Armenia, with everything from cheap hotels to luxurious five-star accommodation available, that comply with all international standards. Our experienced tour guides provide an interesting rest in any languages․ We develop our products, skills, and abilities in collaboration with different stakeholders, o... Read more

Thoughts? Questions?

See also

Accommodations

Tours and activities

A Journey to Armenia

What do we mean by saying “a journey to Armenia”? Walking in Yerevan? Or seeing Ararat? Or exploring Khachkars? Trying national food? Communicating with local people? Spending the night in a village house? Climbing mountains? Feeling the nature? The answer is very simple: all the above mentioned and even more.

Classic Tour in Armenia

Want to travel to Armenia, get acquainted with its rich cultural heritage, historic and natural attractions, taste the most authentic Armenian food,  then it is the right time to visit the first Christian country in the world.