Well, I just got back from my trip to Armenia and Georgia, and let me tell you, the food there is something else! I was super excited to dig into the local eats, and here’s how it all went down.
Armenian Food Adventure
I landed in Armenia first. As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I was on a mission to find some local grub. The first thing I tried was lavash. It’s like a super thin flatbread, and it’s everywhere. I walked into this little street – side joint, and the guy behind the counter was slapping this dough on a hot stone thing. He handed me a piece fresh off the heat, and I tell you, it was warm, a bit chewy, and just amazing. I stuffed it with some cheese they call matsun, which is like a tangy yogurt – cheese. Man, that combo was out of this world!
Then I went for khorovats, which is basically Armenian barbecue. I found a local market where they had these grills set up. The smell was just pulling me in. I got a skewer of lamb, and it was so tender. The spices they used gave it this really unique flavor, not too spicy but full of taste. I ate it with some more lavash and a side of pickled vegetables. It was a feast!
Off to Georgia
Next stop, Georgia. I was already drooling thinking about the food I’d heard so much about. The first dish I had to try was khachapuri. It’s like a cheesy bread. I walked into a small restaurant, and the waiter brought this big, boat – shaped khachapuri to my table. The cheese was all melted and stringy, and there was an egg cracked right in the middle. I mixed it all up and took a bite. Oh my god, it was so rich and delicious. I couldn’t stop eating it.
After that, I went for khinkali, which are Georgian dumplings. I saw a place where they were making them right in front of me. They stuffed these little dough pockets with meat, mostly beef and pork, and some spices. I ordered a plate, and when they came, they were huge! I picked one up by the ‘handle’ they leave on top and took a big bite. The juice inside was so flavorful, and the meat was cooked just right. I ate like ten of them, I think. I was so full but still wanted more.
As I was leaving Georgia, I had one last treat – churchkhela. It’s like a sweet candy made from grape juice and nuts. I bought a bunch from a local vendor at the market. It was chewy and sweet, the perfect snack for the journey home.
So, that’s my food adventure in Armenia and Georgia. If you ever get the chance to go, don’t miss out on these local dishes. They’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!