Azerbaijan Famous Food - 10 Exotic And Traditional Dishes To Savor

Suppose you are exploring Azerbaijan famous food, you might be familiar with the famous dish Plov, but that's just the beginning. This dish hides more gems than you can expect, and it is also a good place for vegetarians to visit.

Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan's national dishes boast a unique flavor influenced by a blend of cultures. Join me as we explore this article filled with enlightening information about the country's rich culinary heritage.

10 Must-Try Famous Foods Of Azerbaijan in 2024

For millennia, Azerbaijan served as a major hub of the Silk Road, which linked people and civilizations in the East and the West. As a result, a wide variety of cuisines, ingredients, and flavors have been developed over time and are now rich and diverse. We will examine the top 8 Azerbaijani dishes in this article.

Plov - Azerbaijan national food

Pilau, an ancient rice dish, is the national dish of Azerbaijan and can be found all over the country. Made with saffron rice, grilled meat, vegetables and herbs, each region and restaurant offers its own version, each dish a unique experience.

This beloved dish has a long history, and some legends say that Alexander the Great invented it and fed it to his soldiers. In Azerbaijan, pilaf is considered a staple food and is prepared in different ways. The original recipe combines basmati rice and balthali rice with dry fruits, curry and lamb or beef, resulting in a sweet and savory taste.

An excellent version of Shah Plou is from Ganja, a pilaf wrapped in flat bread that dries out when baked and served at weddings and Nowruz celebrations. Whether you're in Baku or Ganja, trying pilaf is a must for anyone visiting Azerbaijan to experience its cultural and culinary heritage.

Plov, also called Pilaf, stands tall as Azerbaijan national food

Dolma – Stuffed grape leaves

Dolme, a popular Azerbaijani dish, is made by filling grape leaves with a mixture of lamb, rice, vegetables and spices and wrapping them. This dish has many fans not only in Azerbaijan, but in many regions of Eastern Europe. Often enjoyed as a dessert, it's perfect with a hearty, traditional Azeri yogurt and garlic dip, offering a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors.

There are more than 25 types of dolma in Azerbaijan, and the cuisine varies depending on the season and region. Grape leaves are used in winter and spring, eggplant and peppers are best in summer, and cabbage leaves are found in autumn.

Azerbaijan's national version of yarpak dalmasi is a grape leaf stuffed with meat, onions, rice and fresh herbs such as coriander, cumin and mint. It is usually eaten for lunch or dinner. Locals are proud to have a good dolma and believe that their grapes, which come from the mountain valleys of this country, contribute to the flavor of this dish.

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Dushbara – Dumpling soup

Doshbara, a popular Azerbaijani dish, is a small dumpling served in a sweet pinto soup, making it one of Azerbaijan's most popular dishes, especially in the colder months. Filled with minced lamb or pork, onion, garlic and local herbs such as mint, these delicious dumplings are warm and comforting, perfect for winter meals and New Year celebrations. in Azerbaijan.

Doshbara is made of paper-thin dough that is cut squarely into small squares and filled with a savory mixture. The meatballs are grilled and served in a light bone broth, with vinegar, garlic and yogurt added flavor. Making these little dumplings is an art in Azerbaijan, and usually requires more than a dozen soup spoons.

Doshbara originates from Turkish culture and has become a popular dish in Azerbaijan, especially in the capital city of Baku. Be sure to make doshbara because the dumplings are small in size. The natives take pride in their art. This dish is served with fresh mint and saffron soup and offers a unique and delicious experience. This is a must for those who want to explore the food culture of Azerbaijan.

Many people say that Dushbara is the best Azerbaijani food in Baku

Kebabs - Sizzling delights loved by all

When tourists come to Azerbaijan, they often ask: "What food do they eat in Azerbaijan?". The answer maybe is Kebabs. When exploring Azerbaijani cuisine, indulging in their famous kebabs is a must.

Azerbaijan offers many types of delicious kebabs, each with its own taste. You must try the Lola kebab, made with minced beef, as well as the Dana bastrima and entrecote kebab. These kebabs are usually made by grilling meat and vegetables and grilling them whole.

One of the most popular and unique kebabs is the Liolia Kebab, which is simple minced meat grilled on a skewer. Kebab, with its smoky aroma and sweet texture, is one of the most popular Azerbaijani dishes that is loved by locals and visitors alike. Whether you are eating with friends or the locals, kebab is one of the dishes that cannot be missed.

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Lavangi - Baked stuffed meat dish

Lavangi is a beloved and creative dish that showcases Azerbaijan’s culinary artistry. Traditionally made with either chicken or fish, it is stuffed with a flavorful mix of walnuts, raisins, onions, sumac, alcha (green cherry plums), and narsharab (pomegranate molasses), creating a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

This dish is usually reserved for special events such as parties, home gatherings, and especially for Nowruz, the most important day of the Azerbaijan nation. During Nowruz, extended families gather for a feast, and lavani is an important part of this tradition.

This food is usually cooked in a clay oven, giving it a unique taste. The meat is marinated in tamarind or cherry plum sauce for added flavor and garnished with onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and pomegranates. Although mostly found in the south of Azerbaijan, especially in the Lankaran region, Luangi represents the heritage of the country and is a must try for those who want to experience the different flavors of Azerbaijan.

Lavangi on wooden plate, Azerbaijani national food

Shekerbura - Sweet pastry

Shekerbura is another sweet that is associated with the Novruz celebration but can be found all year round. Its origin can be traced back to the 7th century or the Iranians Empire era. This treat is also popular in Afghanistan and Central Asia these days.

The filling of this pastry includes sugar and ground nuts, such as walnut, almond, or hazelnut. It will be formed into a half-moon shape and carved with a flame-like pattern to indicate the Novruz symbolism.

Pakhlava - Layered pastry

Pakhlava, known as baklava in some regions, is a popular dessert in Azerbaijan, especially in the city of Sheki. Filled with a rich mixture of nuts and drenched in sweet syrup, this multi-layered cake is a favorite dessert as a perfect end to an Azerbaijani meal.

Pakhlova has deep roots in the Middle East and the Caucasus, and the preparation method in Azerbaijan has remained unchanged for generations. It is usually consumed during Eid, especially during Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, as part of the spring celebration.

Made with thin layers of dough, filled with finely ground nuts like walnuts or pistachios, and sweetened with syrup or honey, Pakhlava is a symbol of Azerbaijan’s rich culinary tradition. It is not just a dessert, but a piece of culture, often shared with family and friends during holidays or special occasions.

Derived from Ottoman Turkish cuisine, Azerbaijani Pakhlava or Halva has roots in the famous Baklava

Gutabs – Stuffed meat or vegetable pies

Gotabas is the most popular Azerbaijani food and is often served at festivals and events. These sweet, thin, filled cakes are a beloved part of Azerbaijan and offer a unique flavor that reflects the country's diverse culinary heritage.

This dish is made with local ingredients and has a variety of fillings, such as minced meat, pumpkin, beans, dried fruit and seasonal herbs. The fillings are encased in a soft and creamy dough and cooked to perfection, creating a delicious balance of flavors. Whether you are a gourmet or a vegetarian, Gutabs caters for all tastes and tastes on your Azerbaijan food tour.

As a starter and light meal, Gotabas is the perfect example of Azerbaijan's rich food culture. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this great Azerbaijani food during your trip.

Piti - The supreme Azeri soup

Piti is a traditional Azerbaijani soup, which is very popular and is very popular in the northern region of Sheki. This dish is made from slow cooked lamb, peas, potatoes and tomatoes in a glass clay pot called dupo. This soup is cooked with saffron and prunes, resulting in a unique and mild taste. A special ingredient, salty fat, is added to increase the richness of the soup.

The piti preparation is unique, it takes many hours of cooking to develop the flavor. After serving, the soup is eaten in two parts: first the bread is placed on a plate, sprinkled with sumac, and the soup is poured over it. Then eat the rest of the pot as a second course. Pitti, which was originally called a worker's meal, is full of food for the whole day.

Shakey's, Pete's ghost town, has a version of this soup with peanuts instead of potatoes, a special addition. If you are looking for the best taste of Azerbaijani food, piti is a must-have dish that immerses you in the country's culinary traditions.

Buglama - Slow-cooked stew

Boglama is a traditional Azerbaijani pot The word Boglama means steam in Azerbaijani. This dish consists of tender lamb that is slow cooked for two hours, to give it the perfect texture and flavor. Slow cooking allows the lamb to absorb the full flavor of the spices, vegetables and cherry plums used in its preparation.

Buglama, cooked in a special pot, mixes lamb meat with onion, tomato, pepper and many spices such as black pepper and bay leaf. The addition of cherry plums gives it a unique tartness that perfectly balances the richness of the lamb and the flavor of the vegetables. Although lamb is the preferred choice for this dish, fish is often used as a substitute. Boglama is a sweet and savory dish that reflects Azerbaijan's heritage and is a must-try for those exploring the country's culinary heritage.

Understanding Azerbaijan food prices

In Azerbaijan, food prices vary depending on factors such as the type of food used, the place of eating and the popularity of the food.

In general, traditional dishes such as Plov, Dolma, Dushbara and Shekerbura are available and affordable, so they can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Street foods like Kebabs and Qutab are popular options and can be found at affordable prices. Desserts like Pakhlava and Lavangi may be slightly more expensive due to their premium ingredients and preparation.

Generally, Azerbaijan offers a wide variety of cuisine options at various price points to suit a variety of budgets.

For travelers who want to explore this culinary wonderland, the good news is that obtaining an Azerbaijan eVisa is an easy process. The country has implemented a visa system that allows applicants from eligible countries to apply online. Applicants can fill out the application form and submit the required documents and pay the visa fee by visiting the Azerbaijan Immigration Services website. eVisa processing works well, providing visitors with a convenient and efficient way to enter this exciting country.