RESTAURANTS
NATIONAL CUISINE
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Harissa
Harissa is a ritual and festive dish with deep national roots, which is prepared on solemn days as a symbol of unity, abundance and prosperity. The dish is prepared with wheat groats and meat (chicken, lamb or beef), which are cooked for a long time in water, constantly stirring with a wooden paddle, until it becomes a viscous mass. When serving, melted butter is poured over harissa. This composition is associated with the worship of wheat as a symbol of life and the longevity of the nation. According to tradition, when Gregory the Illuminator leaves Khor Virap and comes to Vagharshapat, he decides to organize a feast, that is, to invite and entertain the people gathered around the church. To prepare the dish, he slaughters sheep and calls on the young people to knead the food: “Knead this.” From this expression, the name “harissa” originated.
NATIONAL DRINKS
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Armenian wines: a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts
Armenia is one of the oldest winemaking centers in the world, with a history spanning thousands of years. Winemaking in Armenia is not just a craft, but a part of culture.
In 2007, an archaeological expedition discovered the world’s oldest winemaking complex in the Areni-1 (Birds) cave near the village of Areni. The vessels found here, with wine residues, grape seeds and winemaking tools, jugs and a wine press, testify that wine was produced in Armenia as early as 6000 BC. On that occasion, Armenia was recognized as the oldest country of wine production in 2011.
According to biblical tradition, Noah, descending from Mount Ararat, planted the first vine, laying the foundation for the tradition of winemaking in the territory of Armenia. Greek historians Herodotus, Xenophon and Strabo mention that Armenian wines and spirits have been exported to neighboring countries since ancient times due to their high quality.
