Food · Yerevan · Armenia
What to eat in Yerevan
The dishes, drinks and food experiences that define Yerevan, and where locals actually eat them.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Start with Khorovats, Lavash and Tolma. Taste Areni reds and local whites by the glass in small wine bars, with cheese and cold cuts. Some restaurants add a service charge of about 10%; check the bill before tipping.
Key facts
- Signature dish
- Khorovats
- Vegetarian-friendly picks
- 6
- Tipping
- Some restaurants add a service charge of about 10%; otherwise, leaving about 10% is…
- Food experiences
- 4
11 foods to try
Dish
1.Khorovats
Armenian barbecue of pork, lamb or chicken grilled on skewers over charcoal, served with grilled vegetables and lavash. It is the centrepiece of family gatherings.
Where: Grill restaurants across the city and roadside places on day trips.
Bakery · Vegetarian
2.Lavash
Thin flatbread baked against the walls of a clay tonir oven; its making is recognised by UNESCO. It is served with almost every meal.
Where: Every restaurant; watch it being baked at Garni and village bakeries.
Dish
3.Tolma
Vine leaves or cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, served with garlic yoghurt. Lenten tolma uses beans and lentils instead of meat.
Where: Most Armenian restaurants.
Dish
4.Khash
A winter breakfast of slow-cooked beef or cow's feet broth, eaten with garlic, dried lavash and often a shot of vodka. It is a social ritual for early mornings in cold months.
Where: Specialist restaurants in winter; it is rarely served in summer.
Dish
5.Harissa
A porridge of wheat and chicken or lamb, cooked slowly until smooth and served with butter. It has historic associations with the Musa Dagh resistance.
Where: Traditional restaurants, especially in winter.
Dish · Vegetarian
6.Ghapama
A pumpkin stuffed with rice, dried fruit, nuts and honey, then baked. It is a festive autumn and winter dish.
Where: Traditional restaurants in autumn and around the New Year holidays.
Bakery · Vegetarian
7.Zhingyalov hats
Flatbread stuffed with a mix of many finely chopped wild greens and herbs, from the Artsakh region. It is light, fresh and vegetarian.
Where: Street stalls and cafés; some specialise in it.
Dessert · Vegetarian
8.Gata
A sweet bread or pastry with a buttery, sugary filling, often decorated. Gata from Geghard and Garni is popular with visitors.
Where: Bakeries in Yerevan, and stalls near Garni and Geghard.
Snack
9.Basturma
Air-dried beef coated with a spicy fenugreek paste, sliced thinly and served as a starter or in sandwiches.
Where: Restaurants and markets, including the GUM Market.
Drink · Vegetarian
10.Armenian brandy
Brandy (often called konyak locally) aged in oak, made in Yerevan since the 19th century. Older vintages are smooth and aromatic.
Where: The Yerevan Brandy Company tour, wine and brandy shops, and restaurants.
Drink · Vegetarian
11.Armenian wine
Armenia's winemaking history goes back thousands of years, and the Areni grape makes distinctive reds. Pomegranate and apricot fruit wines are also common.
Where: Wine bars on Saryan Street and wineries in the Areni region.
Food experiences
Wine bars on Saryan Street
Taste Areni reds and local whites by the glass in small wine bars, with cheese and cold cuts.
Lavash baking at Garni
Watch lavash baked in a tonir oven at a village home or restaurant on a day trip to Garni.
Brandy tasting
Tour the cellars of the Yerevan Brandy Company and taste aged brandies.
Market tasting at GUM
Sample dried fruits, sujukh, cheeses and pickles at the GUM Market.
Quick bites and street food
- Lavash — Every restaurant; watch it being baked at Garni and village bakeries.
- Zhingyalov hats — Street stalls and cafés; some specialise in it.
- Basturma — Restaurants and markets, including the GUM Market.
Vegetarian options
Of the 11 foods in this guide, 6 are usually vegetarian: Lavash, Ghapama, Zhingyalov hats, Gata, Armenian brandy and Armenian wine. Check preparation with staff, as stocks and fats vary.
Eating out: tips and etiquette
- Some restaurants add a service charge of about 10%; check the bill before tipping.
- Portions are generous; order a few dishes to share.
- Lavash and herbs are served with almost every meal, often without being ordered.
- Dinner is usually from 7pm; restaurants and cafés stay open late in summer.
- Vegetarian options are good during Lent, when many restaurants offer meat-free dishes.
Tipping
Some restaurants add a service charge of about 10%; otherwise, leaving about 10% is customary. Round up taxi fares and tip guides on day tours.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Barev dzez | Hello (polite) |
| Shnorhakalutyun | Thank you |
| Khndrem | Please / you're welcome |
| Ayo / Voch | Yes / No |
| Inch arzhe? | How much does it cost? |
| Kenats! | Cheers! |
| Hajogh | Goodbye |
Questions travellers ask
+What food is Yerevan famous for?
Khorovats, Lavash, Tolma and Khash. Armenian barbecue of pork, lamb or chicken grilled on skewers over charcoal, served with grilled vegetables and lavash.
+Is Yerevan good for vegetarians?
Several local staples are meat-free, including Lavash, Ghapama and Zhingyalov hats.
+Do you tip in restaurants in Yerevan?
Some restaurants add a service charge of about 10%; otherwise, leaving about 10% is customary. Round up taxi fares and tip guides on day tours.