Top Traditional Dishes to Try in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is a country as diverse as its history. If you're planning a visit, be sure to indulge in the mouthwatering traditional dishes that define Azerbaijani cuisine. From aromatic flavors featured in Azerbaijan tour packages to the tempting variety of local street food, there's something to delight every food enthusiast. Don’t forget to apply for your Azerbaijan visa and enjoy a hassle-free journey filled with delicious experiences, all made easier with tailored Azerbaijan holiday packages.

Azerbaijani cuisine will be an unforgettable culinary experience either when exploring the cities or countryside. The top traditional dishes you have to try when in Azerbaijan are as follows:

Here are the Top Traditional Dishes to Try in Azerbaijan

1. Plov (Azerbaijani Pilaf)

Azerbaijan’s most famous dish is plov, and is sometimes considered the national dish. The rice is cooked with saffron, served with lamb, chicken or fish. It is often mixed with fruits, nuts, and herbs and has a wonderful blend of sweet and savory. This is a popular dish that is eaten during festivals and celebrations and which brings friends and families together around a table of fragrant, flavorful rice.

2. Dolma

Traditionally, Azerbaijani dolma is made of grape leaves stuffed with a minced meat, rice and herbs mixture. They are carefully wrapped, cooked slowly to permit the flavors to marry. Usually dolma is served with yogurt and a little sprinkling of herbs, giving the dish a creamy and refreshing touch. Locals and visitors alike love it as a savory and satisfying option.

3. Kebab

When in the country, Azerbaijani kebabs are a must try. Marinated lamb, beef, or chicken meat is skewered and grilled to perfection and the result is smoky and delicious. The kebabs in Azerbaijan are often served with fresh vegetables, flatbread and aromatic herbs. The spices and tender and juicy meat make for a nice, satisfying, and flavorful meal.

4. Dushbara (Azerbaijani Dumplings)

Dushbara are little dumplings, substantially smaller in size than the food that their name connotes, which are filled with seasoned meat and herbs, and serve those dumplings in a savory broth. It has a light broth but a very depth of flavor, and the dumplings are delicate, soft little dumplings. Garnished with a dash of vinegar or garlic, it enhances the taste and gives a slight tanginess to the Dushbara. This dish is a perfect comfort food worthy of a try on your visit.

5. Piti

Piti is a traditional lamb stew of chickpeas, vegetables and spices cooked in a clay pot. The dish is slow cooked over hours, so the flavors really sink themselves in to make a rich, comforting type of meal. Piti is a great dish because the tender meat is accompanied by the earthy chickpeas and aromatic saffron. It’s hearty and a satisfying meal, served with bread, so it’s an ideal meal for those who want to try authentic Azerbaijani flavors.

6. Kuurdak

Kuurdak is a traditional Azerbaijani dish that is sautéed with lamb or beef, onions, garlic and spices. It is cooked to tender and slightly crispy and adds a great texture to the meat. Kuurdak is flavorful and filling and often served with potatoes and fresh herbs. Fresh local ingredients are used to make this savory dish and it is a hearty meal for meat lovers.

7. Shekerbura

Azerbaijani sweet pastry, Shekerbura is usually eaten during festivals, especially during Novruz celebrations. The filling of the pastry is a mixture of ground nuts, sugar, and cardamom, which gives it a nice sweetness and smell. It is folded carefully and baked to golden brown. Served with tea, Shekerbura is usually enjoyed, and it makes for a great dessert to end your meal on its flaky, nutty, and sweet taste.

Conclusion 

Azerbaijan’s traditional dishes are a reflection of the country’s rich culture, history and diversity of regional influences. Each meal, from savory kebabs to sweet shekerbura, offers a delicious glimpse into Azerbaijani culinary traditions. Appreciating these dishes will show you the zest of the vibrant food scene of the country.

If you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, you should take into account Azerbaijan tour packages. The packages are designed to be full cultural experiences with delicious culinary adventures. Additionally, you can also arrange Azerbaijan visa for a hassle free travel and enjoy the flavors of Azerbaijan without any hassle.