At the crossroads of southeastern Europe and southwest Asia lies a dazzling country called Azerbaijan. Be it its rich cultural heritage, natural wonders or culinary scenes, everything about this place is extraordinary. Bordered by the Caspian Sea on one side and the Caucasus Mountains on the other, this unspoiled country boasts of diverse landscapes. No matter which way you turn, its stunning natural beauty will leave one intrigued. Today, we are here not to describe Azerbaijan’s geographical diversity but to explore the unique gastronomic treats this country has to offer. Read on to know what makes Azerbaijan food so finger liking good.
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A Little About Azerbaijan Food
The food of Azerbaijan has an influence of Turkish, Iranian, Persian, and Central Asian cuisine. The use of fresh herbs and saffron, also called “red gold” is what makes the food very flavorful. Each dish here is different; it comprises a lot of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Bread and rice always forms the foundation of most of the signature dishes. Azerbaijan’s cuisine uses simple ingredients in their cooking, however the results are a treat to the taste buds.
Discover Azerbaijan in 4 Days 3 Nights
Must Try Azerbaijan Food
If you are in Azerbaijan and don’t know where to start from, this Azerbaijan food guide will help you understand the local and traditional dishes better. Our list below has a mix of all, just sit back and enjoy this culinary journey to its fullest.
Plov – National Dish
Plov, the most famous Azerbaijan food, is a rice dish that resembles the Indian pulao. It is generally served with rich curry-like dishes made of meat. The long-grained rice is stuffed into a flaky lavash with dry fruits, chestnuts, and caramelized onions. The sweet-and-sour combination of flavors makes it a perfect treat. Make sure to taste this staple food before leaving Azerbaijan.
Qutab – Stuffed Pancake
Qutub is a savory pancake stuffed with a variety of fillings such as minced meat, fresh greens, herbs and cheese. A thick dough made of flour, water and eggs are rolled out into a thin circular layer and filled with various stuffings. It’s then folded and spread out into a crescent shape. After attaining the desired shape, it is then either fried or baked until crispy. Qutub is so popular that you can find it in every nook and corner of Azerbaijan. It is a must have Azerbaijan street food.
Dolma – Traditional Food
Dolma is an Azerbaijan traditional food that makes for a perfect starter. Meat, rice, onions and vegetables blended with spices are wrapped in grape leaves and served with an authentic Azeri dip. This dip is made with simple ingredients like yogurt and garlic. The Azerbaijan Dolma comes in different shapes and sizes. The cooking technique of Dolma is so unique that it has been added to the UNESCO representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Shashlyk – Kebabs And Grills
In simple words, Azerbaijani’s shashlyk is the replica of our own kebabs and grills. Meat used in the preparation are lamb, beef and chicken. The meat is marinated with a mixture of spices, herbs and yogurt. The marinated meat is then skewed and barbecued over open flames until it achieves a rich aroma and incredible tenderness. The smoky, charred taste from the heat of the coal is what gives shashlyk an edge from the other dishes. It’s best had with flatbread, grilled vegetables and fresh salads.
Piti – Brothy Soup
Piti is a slow-cooked brothy soup made of lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs. Unlike other soups, the piti is cooked in small portions in clay pots on special wall stoves. The soup is so rich and heavy that it can be served as a complete meal on its own but many prefer to have it as a side dish. Sipping the piping hot flavorful piti is quite comforting and satisfying in the cold winters. It tastes best when served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs.
Baklava – Beloved Dessert
The classic baklava is a beloved dessert of the Middle East since it is a symbol of celebrations. There are many variations to the Baklava, however the Baklava made in Azerbaijan during festive occasions and religious holidays makes it a paradise for sweet lovers. Preparation of Baklava is an art, layers of dough is topped with chopped nuts and honey. The crunchy and flaky texture offers both sweetness and crunch to the dessert. No trip to Azerbaijani is complete without tasting this beloved dessert.
Tea – A Cultural Tradition
Tea in Azerbaijan is not just a drink, it is a symbol of the country’s hospitality and social culture. Generally black tea is served in traditional pear-shaped glasses (armudu) with jams, fruits and slices of lemon. From cinnamon to cardamom leaves, from pieces of lemon to ginger, there are many flavors to choose from. The tea here plays a very important role in the matchmaking process too. When the groom’s family visits the bride, if sweet tea is served, it is a yes, and if unsweetened tea is served, it is a no.
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The best way to understand a country is through its food. The same goes with this fascinating nation too. Azerbaijani food represents the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. Azerbaijan is developing into a top tourism destination and it is not wrong to say that its unique cuisine is one of the main reasons. The delightful mix of the east and the west is sure to salivate your taste buds. Do let us know of your views in the comments below.
FAQs
A typical Azerbaijani breakfast is generally light with fresh and simple ingredients. A typical Azerbaijani breakfast includes items like tandir bread, cheese, butter, fresh herbs, eggs, honey, sausages, jams and black tea.
The cost of food in Baku Azerbaijan is generally quite affordable. Meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost anywhere between $8-15 USD per person. Food from street and local cafes can be as cheap as $3-6 USD. Groceries are also reasonably priced. A loaf of bread will cost about $0.30 USD and a pound of meat around $5-7 USD.
The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani. It is a Turkic language from the Oghuz sub-branch. As per records, it was originally referred to as “Turkic” but in the 1930s, its name was officially changed to “Azerbaijani”.
Plov is the most famous Azerbaijan Food. It is so popular that Plov has been named the national dish of the country.
