RESTAURANTS
NATIONAL CUISINE
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Khash
Khash is an ancient Armenian dish, hot, filling, and symbolic. The name “Khash” comes from the Armenian word “khashel,” which describes the main method of cooking the dish. Other similar names have also come from this word: khashlama, khashu, khashil. Khash was mentioned as early as the 11th century, in Grigor Magistros’s work “The Comfort of Warmth.”
Making khash is a whole ritual, when men gather in the evening and cook the soup made from beef legs all night long, over low heat. It is traditionally served early in the morning, mainly in autumn, winter, and early spring. Khash lovers eagerly await the months that contain the letter “r” in their names: from September to April.
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.
