Top 5 Armenian Summer Dishes: Discover the Fresh Flavors of the Mountain Country

Armenia is a country located in the Caucasus region with majestic nature, fresh climate and unique cuisine. In the summer, people here often choose light, cool dishes but still rich in flavor and nutrition. Armenian summer dishes not only help cool down effectively but also clearly reflect the traditional culinary culture of this country. Let's explore the top 5 most prominent Armenian summer dishes that you should try when coming to this country.

1. Khorovats

Khorovats is one of the most popular and favorite Armenian summer dishes (Photo source: Collected)

Khorovats is one of the most popular and beloved Armenian summer dishes. It is a traditional kebab made from pork, beef or lamb marinated with spices such as onions, black pepper, salt and local herbs. After marinating, the meat is skewered and grilled directly over hot coals, creating a fragrant charred crust and a tender, juicy interior.

Summer is the perfect time for Armenians to have picnics, and Khorovats is a must-have on the menu. Unlike Western barbecues that are often served with sauce, Khorovats is served with raw vegetables, grilled tomatoes and traditional Lavash. This simplicity highlights the original flavor of the meat, providing an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors.

Besides satisfying the taste buds, this Armenian summer dish is also a symbol of family bonding. Armenians often gather around the grill, chatting while waiting for the meat to cook. Khorovats is therefore not just a dish, but also an indispensable part of the summer culture of the people here.

2. Matsun and Okroshka

Matsun or traditional fermented yogurt (Image source: Collected)

A light and refreshing Armenian summer dish that cannot be missed is Matsun, or traditional fermented yogurt. Matsun has a naturally mild sour taste and is often served alone or as a main ingredient in many summer dishes such as Okroshka cold soup.

The Armenian version of Okroshka is typically made from Matsun yogurt diluted with cold or mineral water, then topped with ingredients such as chopped cucumbers, dill, green onions and sometimes boiled eggs or cooked potatoes. All of this makes for a refreshing, light and extremely nutritious cold soup.

Matsun is not only loved for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits. Traditional Armenian yogurt contains many beneficial bacteria, which help support the digestive system, strengthen the immune system and effectively cool the body on hot summer days. Therefore, this Armenian summer dish often appears in the lunch or snack of the local people.

3. Cold Dolma

Dolma is a famous roll in Armenian cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

Dolma is a popular dish in Armenian cuisine, usually made from rolled grape leaves filled with minced meat, rice and spices. However, in the summer, Armenians often transform this dish into cold dolma, a lighter version that is more suitable for hot weather.

Cold dolmas are different in that the filling does not use meat, but instead rice, carrots, onions, herbs and nuts such as peanuts or pine nuts. The ingredients are stir-fried and rolled in young grape leaves, then steamed and allowed to cool completely before serving. This Armenian summer dish is often served with yogurt sauce or Matsun for a refreshing taste.

Not only easy to eat, cold Dolma is also very good for health thanks to its rich fiber, vitamin and low fat content. This is the perfect choice for those who want to keep fit in the summer without giving up their attractive taste. This Armenian summer dish often appears in light parties, picnics or as an appetizer at family gatherings.

4. Off-season ghapama

Ghapama also has a special version for summer (Image source: Collected)

Although traditionally considered a fall and winter dish, Ghapama – pumpkin stuffed with rice and dried fruits – also has a special summer version. During the hot summer days, Armenians choose small, soft, sweet pumpkins to prepare cold Ghapama, creating a delicious and nutritious Armenian summer dish.

The rice used for stuffing is usually pre-cooked with raisins, walnuts, dried apricots, cinnamon and a little honey. After being stuffed into the gutted squash, the dish is lightly baked or steamed, then cooled completely. The result is a naturally sweet, soft and chewy dish with a seductive aroma from the dried fruits and spices.

Summer ghapama can be served as a main course for light meals, or as an exotic dessert. This Armenian summer dish is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy and herbal flavors, creating a pleasant feeling and cooling the sultry summer heat.

5. Armenian Summer Salad

Armenian Summer Salad is a simple yet colorful salad (Photo source: Collected)

No summer meal in Armenia would be complete without a traditional salad made with fresh ingredients from the garden. Armenian Summer Salad is a simple yet colorful mix of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions and fresh coriander.

The special thing about this Armenian summer dish is that the dressing is extremely light, usually consisting of just olive oil, lemon juice, salt and sometimes a little apple cider vinegar or minced garlic. This salad not only helps to replenish the body with water and vitamins on hot days, but also stimulates the taste buds before the main dishes.

With its refreshing taste and quick preparation, Armenian Summer Salad is an ideal choice for everyday meals in the summer. Visitors to Armenia during this season will easily find this salad in family meals or traditional restaurants. This is not only a side dish but also shows the sophistication and love of nature in Armenian cuisine.

Summer in Armenia not only brings pleasant climate and majestic landscapes but also an opportunity to explore a unique part of the country's cuisine. Armenian cuisine is not sophisticated but full of emotions. Each Armenian summer dish not only helps to relieve the heat but also carries within it the story of the people, land and cultural traditions of a thousand-year-old country. If you have the opportunity to set foot in Armenia in the summer, do not forget to enjoy these special dishes to understand and love more a beautiful country located between Asia and Europe.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-he-armenia-v17582.aspx