5 Cooking Masterclasses Not To Miss in Armenia

Armenian cooking masterclasses offer a unique, hands-on opportunity to experience the depth of Armenian culinary traditions. These workshops not only teach cooking techniques but also emphasize the cultural and historical significance behind each dish. You can interact with local chefs and artisans, learning directly from the people who have preserved these culinary practices for generations. The communal aspect of preparing and sharing food enhances the experience, creating connections with Armenia’s rich food culture and the warmth of its people.

1.    Lavash Baking in the Tonir Oven

Lavash, a traditional Armenian flatbread baked in a clay oven called a tonir, is an essential part of Armenian cuisine and even holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. You can participate in lavash-making workshops, learning how to knead, roll, and stretch the dough before slapping it against the hot tonir walls. This method of baking produces soft, chewy bread that embodies the spirit of Armenian hospitality and daily life.

 2. Tolma Preparation

Tolma, made with grape or cabbage leaves or vegetables stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, is a beloved Armenian dish often served during family gatherings and celebrations. For those with dietary preferences, there is also a vegetarian option known as pasuts tolma, made with a flavorful mixture of lentils, beans, and grains. Cooking classes introduce the process of preparing and rolling tolma, sharing techniques passed down through generations. Learning to make tolma offers insight into Armenia’s communal dining traditions, as the dish is usually prepared together and enjoyed as a symbol of warmth and hospitality.

3. Ghapama – The Festive Pumpkin Dish

Ghapama, a unique Armenian dish traditionally prepared for New Year and Christmas, involves stuffing a pumpkin with rice, dried fruits, nuts, and honey. Masterclasses will guide you through the process of making this festive dish, which is both sweet and savory.

4. Gata Pastry Baking

Gata, a layered pastry with a sweet filling, is a staple Armenian dessert that varies slightly by region. Cooking classes teach you to prepare the dough, add the buttery filling, and decorate this symbolic treat. Gata is often served with tea, and is definitely not a dish to be missed through your travels in Armenia. 

5. Sweet Sujukh – A Nutty Delight

Sweet sujukh, a beloved Armenian confection, is made by dipping walnuts on a string into a thickened grape juice molasses, creating a chewy and sweet treat. This delightful snack can be found in local markets throughout Armenia, available year-round. During sujukh-making workshops, you will learn the delicate process of coating the walnuts layer by layer, using grape molasses to enhance the flavor and preserve the walnuts’ texture. This hands-on experience offers insight into Armenia’s unique preservation techniques, as well as a chance to connect with local traditions.

Connecting with Armenian Heritage Through Cooking

Through these cooking masterclasses you can get the chance to connect with Armenian culture by learning from local chefs and artisans. Through hands-on experiences, you will be able to master traditional dishes like tonir-baked lavash and sweet sujukh but also gain insight into the stories and values behind each recipe. These classes provide a meaningful cultural exchange, leaving you with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Armenia's culinary heritage.