What six months in Armenia revealed to this photography duo
In this landlocked country in the South Caucasus, the culinary culture and winemaking traditions are rooted in the land and shaped by a millennia-old history.
Armenia’s dining culture is shaped by its agricultural heritage of high-altitude farming.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Story and photographs byBernd Jungbauer and Jessica Jungbauer
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Armenia’s proud national identity is vividly reflected in its cuisine. Lavash, a thin flatbread included on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is traditionally…
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Top) and Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Bottom)
Gata is another popular bread; it’s sold sweet and decorated outside medieval Geghard Monastery in Kotayk province.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Fresh herbs such as tarragon feature heavily in Armenian dishes, alongside apricots, pomegranates and walnuts.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
The intense flavours of the seasonal produce are shaped by the country’s high-altitude landscape, which bursts into vibrant shades of green during summer.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE, but cross-cultural influences are visible in landmarks such as the 18th-century Blue Mosque in Yerevan.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
The country’s winemaking has ancient roots, too, dating back over 6,000 years, with the world’s oldest winery found in Areni province.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Armenia’s first artisan cheese producer, Mikayelyan Family Farm, wraps cow’s cheese in vine leaves, celebrating the country’s connection to viticulture.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Top) and Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Bottom)
Restaurants also blend tradition with innovation: fettuccine-like arishta noodles are still beaten by hand at Tsaghkunk Restaurant & Glkhatun.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer
Known for their generous hospitality, Armenians typically raise a toast to family, friends and good health when sharing a meal. And, while the country respects traditio…
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Top) and Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Bottom)
A new generation of chefs, producers and winemakers is honouring Armenia’s heritage while bringing it into the future — from modern coffeeshops, like Afrolab in Yerevan, to cultural institutions such as the Wine History Museum of Armenia in Sasunik village.
Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Top) and Jessica & Bernd Jungbauer (Bottom)
