delicious dishes amazing flavours

Azerbaijani cuisine is a spectacular fusion of flavours whisked together by the different cultures that once travelled along The Great Silk Road. The country’s unique geography has also given rise to some of the world’s most flavoursome produce: mouth-watering fruits and vegetables, nuts and honey, world-class Caspian caviar and saffron.

Welcome to Azerbaijan, a country whose vibrant culinary scene has something to tickle everyone’s taste buds: from fruity sauces to succulent muttonbased meals and countless types of aromatic plovs. Azerbaijan’s rich cuisine and timeless traditions of warm hospitality are bound to leave a lasting impression. Azerbaijani cuisine is a spectacular fusion of flavours whisked together by the different cultures that once travelled along The Great Silk Road. The country’s unique geography has also given rise to some of the world’s most flavoursome produce: mouth-watering fruits and vegetables, nuts and honey, juices and sweets.

Wine tradition of Azerbaijan

Karabakh kata

Karabakh kata is a famously flavoursome ancient Azerbaijani dessert. According to some views, Karabakh kata, like the Azerbaijani goghal, represents the sun.

goghal

One of the pastries that adorns the Novruz table is goghal. This traditional delicacy comes in both savoury and sweet varieties. Savoury goghal and sweet tea are one of the famous combinations of the Azerbaijani breakfast.

Sheki halva

One of Azerbaijan’s travel gems, Sheki is full of history, culture, natural beauty and culinary secrets. Speaking of which, the city is synonymous with its halva, the local take on baklava which is supersweet and consists of layers of rishta stuffed with sugar, hazelnuts, coriander, cardamom and saffron with a large covering of syrup.

Nakhchivan cuisine

Nakhchivan cuisine combines a wealth of flavours and aromas passed down through generations, reflecting the diversity and depth of the region's culinary traditions. These local dishes are based on fresh and natural ingredients. Meat, especially lamb, holds a special place in the Nakhchivan diet. Fruits and vegetables, grown in the fertile lands of Nakhchivan, are also widely used in the preparation of delicious dishes.

badambura

Badambura is a type of sweet, fragrant pastry that is incredibly popular in Azerbaijan. It is prepared for festivals, like Novruz, wedding ceremonies or just to enjoy as part of an Azerbaijani traditional tea ceremony.

pakhlava

Pakhlava as a highly significant component of Azerbaijani tea tables and a traditional dessert prepared for the Novruz holiday. Azerbaijani pakhlava also holds a special place in celebrations.

shekerbura

Shekerbura, a symbol of spring celebrations in Azerbaijan, is a sweet pastry filled with ground nuts and sugar. In Azerbaijan, making shekerbura usually involves teamwork.

Lankaran tea

Lankaran tea, with its distinct taste and aroma, found its way to popularity not only amoung the local population, but also beyond Azerbaijan's borders.

rosehip

One of the wild species of the Rosa genus is rosehip, of which there are 42 species in Azerbaijan. In ancient beliefs, rosehip was highly valued as talismans among the people.

homemade jams

It is impossible to imagine the traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony without jams. One of the more labour-intensive jams to prepare is from walnuts, for which the walnuts used should not taste bitter.

rose water

Rose water is widely used in Azerbaijani cuisine, both in beverages, including the making of refreshing drinks, and in the preparation of desserts, such as pakhlava from Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city.

saffron

Absheron saffron is famous worldwide for its exquisite taste and fragrance. Saffron syrup is used in the preparation of Azerbaijani national desserts, especially pakhlava.

sherbet

Sherbet is one of the beloved drinks of Azerbaijan that is a mix of sugar, lemon, saffron, mint, basil, fruits and berries. Water is infused with herbs, left to sit for several hours, and then the other ingredients are added. Sherbets are popular at weddings and other large events, served alongside pilaf, dolma and other traditional Azerbaijani dishes.

the authentic taste of Azerbaijani breads

Although there are other bread varieties sold in Azerbaijani bakeries, tandir bread is usually preferred over others on special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties and holiday celebrations. Azerbaijani Tendir with a crispy crust, a unique bread integral to our culinary culture. Served from breakfast to dinner, its name comes from the traditional Tendir, adding a special flavor and crunch. For an authentic taste of the Caucasus Mountains, nowhere beats Gusar in the north-east. With the help of the kharak, a traditional Gusar bread-making oven, the local people make an astonishing variety of breads Lavash – Traditional culture of baking and sharing thin flatbread in Azerbaijan recognized by UNESCO. Baking lavash, yukha is a collective activity; all members of the family, as well as neighbours and friends in some settlements and villages, participate in the process. And whatever you try as Azerbaijani flatbread, it will be sure to be packed with fragrant herbs and berries foraged from the lush forests that carpet the surrounding mountains.