Lori Province’s Best Food & Drink: A Tasty Tour

Alright, so, you are thinking about giving your taste buds a little something new? Why not point them in the direction of Lori Province? That is right, I’m talking about Armenia’s hidden treasure with eats and drinks that really, truly do tell the story of the country. This part of Armenia gives you a special kind of experience, you know, like your favorite warm sweater but in edible form, because the place’s cooking shows off the farms around and age-old cooking methods. Forget typical tourist spots; that is, unless, of course you don’t actually want to dig into true Armenian taste, in that case don’t.

1. Khorovadz: The Armenian Barbecue Experience

Very well, the first thing to put on the menu for the adventure, or should I say taste adventure, should almost definitely be Khorovadz. To explain, Khorovadz isn’t simply barbeque. It is more or less a deeply embedded tradition. More to the point, different cuts of juicy meat – like pork, chicken, or even beef – they are grilled over an open fire. In effect this infuses them with this super smokey taste you may have heard about. Basically, they frequently marinate the meat beforehand, using herbs and spices like paprika, coriander, as well as black pepper which really steps up all those natural, delicious tastes. Often, or rather very often, this dish comes with a side of grilled vegetables, just like eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, giving it, if you didn’t notice already, that garden-fresh balance.

Frankly, if you want a super place to actually try this particular dish, “Taşi Tver” restaurant located in Stepanavan may very well just be what you are looking for. The spot, like the whole barbeque experience is great to actually get a real piece of Armenia and some real local life too it’s almost. That is to say you’ll find not just tourists, because it is really common among residents as well. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover Khorovadz Paradise)

2. Harissa: A Hearty and Historical Porridge

So, if it sounds appealing to dive into a meal filled with culture as well as history, then Harissa seems like your dish. As a matter of fact, it’s hardly your regular porridge because it is like Armenia in a bowl. In particular it’s made from slowly cooking wheat along with lamb, typically for quite a lot of hours, if not more, til it creates something sticky and packed with flavor. By the way, it goes back all the way to Armenia’s historical background, often given away to the needy by Gregory the Illuminator according to a rather interesting story. Still, it’s more than just meal around here, it can be almost a reflection of persistence as well as history and heritage all blended in. The way they cook it is quite simple in concept. Despite that, doing it right really emphasizes the whole dish. Like your grandma used to make… arguably, she also came from Armenia.

Oh yeah, here’s a recommendation on the premises! Have a go at “Mikael’s Garden” within Debet village! The Harissa over there, the local people like to tell everyone, is pretty good and really emphasizes that Armenian heart. Read our full review: Mikael’s Garden Armenian Porridge Full Review and Details

3. Spas: A Refreshing Yogurt Soup

Ok so now, on to something more refreshing—Spas comes into view, like some soup meant for rejuvenation! More precisely it’s made of yogurt, wheat berries, as well as herbs to make something cooling, though also quite nourishing. What’s kind of exciting regarding it would be that you’ll find it enjoyed hot or cold! Typically, it fits just the right sort of taste buds no matter when and wherever in Lori you might actually find it. First, you get a light yet at the same time somewhat tangy yogurt taste. This meshes flawlessly together with that earthiness found in those wheat berries plus the refreshing burst right out of various local herbs too it’s almost. Ultimately, Spas turns into sort of culinary highlight and it provides that peek at what simple local food of the region feels as.

Are you seeking to try it out? The “Urus Restaurant” right within Vanadzor can almost always whip some for your tasting enjoyment. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Urus Restaurant Bookings)

4. Gata: A Sweet Armenian Pastry

Naturally, all delicious voyages need something that’s pretty sweet. Next up we have Gata – so that is the answer for those sweet urges found everywhere. Gata, broadly, comes in many regional variations! Yet mostly, or in general it is some pastry stuffed with sort of sugary filling, like nuts or just simply butter along with sugar for instance, that comes off crumbly. Just right if you were seeking the kind that’s sweet although it isn’t too hefty as well. Basically every little bit gives something calming; almost some reflection related to Armenian cooking skill since everybody, that, can apparently, put it together. Also, it appears at every event, almost any party here inside Armenia – so that you understand how much people truly appreciate it.

By the way, “Qари Տուն / Stone House” at Dsegh could offer all you might be searching relating authentic Gata that’s truly some treat through which Armenia becomes visible. Read our full review: Qари Տուն Armenian Gata Details

5. Local Fruit Vodkas and Wines

Ultimately, lets raise some glass to local tastes due Armenian fruit vodkas paired by a cup related to local produced wine from Lori Province wineries! When they distill fruits such as apricot, pear or even grape right through art, an eau-de-vie beverage pops out that totally takes within Armenia from garden through some glass. That being said it isn’t vodka as most can think initially. Moreover that winemaking, getting so bigger nowadays here inside Lori! Basically because those local grape is exclusive as to bring new nuances on older winemaking which has had that long cultural legacy behind – the drinks just are Armenian character. Whether that comes silky flavor through mulberry vodka actually complex aromas into wine of theirs! Frankly, you will discover one that totally matches all likes once discovered.

Have fun investigating it with a number of family owned farms nearby within Lori in ways you can basically uncover this! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Family Farms Locations in Armenia)