Food

Top 10 Must-try Azerbaijani Cuisines!

February 08, 2023

Azerbaijan is home to incredible natural beauty, culture and history. From lush green tea fields to cobbled city streets, the country has everything from world-class museums, art galleries and monuments to hot springs and thermal lakes with healing water said to have healing powers. On top of that, the food is rife with flavours that reflect its Ottoman, Persian and Russian history; you’ll find plenty of Azeri delicacies to try!

When exploring cuisines, Azerbaijan should be high on your list! An exciting way to experience this culture is through the food: from fresh bread and pastries to savoury kebabs and other local specialities. At a typical Azerbaijani home, you can experience the hospitality of the Azerbaijani people through the traditional dishes served in large banquet-style meals. A stroll through Baku’s streets can also reveal all kinds of exotic dishes that you’ve never heard of, and their fragrant aromas waft through the air as you do.

If you’re looking for a place to explore and eat, look no further than the cultural delights of Azerbaijan. Whether you want to try innovative sandwiches or sizzling grilled meats, Azerbaijan has something for everyone’s palate. So explore Azerbaijani cuisine and see why it’s considered one of the finest dining experiences!

Want to try Azerbaijani Cuisine? Here’s where to go!

If you want to expand your culinary horizons, try some of the beloved dishes from Azerbaijan’s rich and varied cuisines! When finding the best places to sample these delicacies, the capital city Baku is a great starting point, featuring numerous restaurants offering local specialities. Dive into some authentic Azerbaijani cuisine, and you won’t be disappointed!

Plov

One of the most iconic dishes representing Azerbaijani cuisine is Plov. Made of fluffy rice and meat, this dish is packed with flavour and will surely leave a lasting impression!

If you want to get the best out of it, head over to some of the top-rated restaurants in Azerbaijan. At places like Café Gulustan, Fire Pit Grill & Bar and Silk Way Traditional Food, you will be guaranteed great food and a truly memorable experience and the opportunity to be an honorary part of authentic Azerbaijani culture!

2. Kebab

Kebab is a very popular dish in the country, made with lamb and various seasonings, including cumin, paprika and coriander. Many great eateries serve these succulent skewers – from fancy restaurants to hole-in-the-wall cafes in Azerbaijani.

Some of the best places in Azerbaijan for Kebab include restaurant JM in Baku, known for its special recipe that uses spices from the region, and Saffron Gechavi in Sumgayit, where they have perfected their traditional recipe handed down over generations. Club Aromata in Lankaran is also an amazing spot where you can enjoy unique versions with herbs and spices prepared by highly skilled chefs! No matter which place you choose, Kebab is a fantastic food to try while visiting Azerbaijan.

3. Dolma

If you want to try something truly unique and delicious, you should sample Azerbaijani Dolma. It’s a savoury dish made from hollowed vegetables filled with various meats, herbs and spices. It is incredibly flavorful and downright perfect for any special occasion when served fresh.

If you happen to be in Azerbaijan seeking this delectable delicacy, the best restaurants to have Dolma are Tasly Katik Restoran in Baku, Cabaret Cafe & Restaurant in Shamakhi and Halal Bistro Gürzəlişiği in Baku. From traditional flavours to modern interpretations of the classic dish, these restaurants offer scrumptious options that will leave your taste buds begging for more! Bon appétit!

4. Sadj

Sadj is a popular dish found in Azerbaijani cuisine, a kind of flatbread topped with various savoury ingredients, such as minced onion and herbs. If you’re looking for the best places to experience this delightful dish, then be sure to head to Böyük Qaravana Café & Restaurant or go to Sehrli Ev. They are well-known restaurants in Azerbaijani serving some of the greatest dishes.

Sadj is made of mutton, chickpeas and saffron rice and is an Azerbaijani classic that’s been around for centuries. Aruze, Efendi and U Dada are also the best restaurants which feature a modern twist on the classic Sadj recipe – giving you an authentic culinary encounter you won’t forget!

5. Dushbara

Dushbara is one of Azerbaijan’s most popular national dishes, providing you with a unique and delicious experience. It’s a dumpling with ground beef or mutton meat and served with a tangy sour liquid.

Dushbara is delicious, and if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Azerbaijan, the best places to have Dushbara are the Sheki Konditerovinside Bakery or Baku Plaza restaurant in Baku city. Both establishments are renowned for making fresh Dushbara with homegrown ingredients and traditional recipes. Don’t miss out on this amazing comfort food that will tantalize your taste buds!

6. Piti

Piti is a traditional pie-like dish consisting of mutton or beef, garlic, various spices and vegetables, all cooked in a black clay pot. It’s hearty, savoury and just as delicious and served cold as it is hot.

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If you are in Azerbaijan, check out Svan Restaurant for a great version of this classic dish. Located in Baku’s Old Town district overlooking the sea, Svan will make your Piti experience even more special. Or, if you’re looking for something more casual, Surkh Cafe & Restaurant has an excellent selection of Azerbaijani dishes, including an amazing Piti available only on weekends.

7. Lavangi

Lavangi, a traditional Azerbaijani dish, is an absolute must-try for food lovers visiting the country. A decadent pastry filled with walnuts, raisins and spices, Lavangi is both flavour-rich and satisfying.

Head to Baku’s Karvansaray Restaurant or Ganja’s Goy Kuhne to experience Lavani. Both are popularly known as some of the finest restaurants in Azerbaijan and serve mouthwatering dishes like Lavangi with homemade sauces that are sure to delight even picky palates. Whether you’re looking for a special evening out with friends or simply seeking a unique dining experience, don’t miss out on trying delicious Lavangi!

8. Qutab

Trying Azerbaijani cuisine is an amazing way to get acquainted with the distinct flavours of the local culture. Qutab, a savoury pastry stuffed with filling and fried in oil or butter, is a must-try! Many great restaurants in Azerbaijan specialize in applying their own unique twist to traditional Qutab recipes.

Some of the best spots worth checking out include Yoxa Bistro & Wine Bar in Baku, Café Umemirov in Ganja, and My Village Restaurant in Sheki. Whether you like your Qutab sweet with an apple or sour cherry filling or savoury with spinach and cheese – there’s something for everyone!

9. Khangal

Azerbaijani cuisine, particularly Khangal, is a great choice for trying authentic local cuisine. Khanal is a savoury dish that is a delicious combination of potatoes, minced meat and a special sauce that sets it apart.

One of the best restaurants in Azerbaijan to go for Khangal is Kok-Nar Restaurant in Baku, where they make it without fail every day. On a tight budget? Head to Mazal Kafemama in the city centre instead—their portions are generous, and their prices reasonable. Whichever restaurant you choose, make sure your meal includes some Khangal for a truly unforgettable experience!

10. Dovgha

Dovgha is one of the tastiest and most popular dishes in Azerbaijani cuisine. This vegetarian-friendly dish is made with yoghurt, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a delicious creamy mixture.

If you want to try this iconic dish, the best restaurants in Azerbaijan are Ishtar Restaurant, located in Baku, Gamberis Zargarlari near Shamakhi city, and Kabab House in Lankarani. All three of these eateries serve up some truly scrumptious Dovgha. Give each a visit during your next trip to Azerbaijan and decide for yourself which restaurant comes out on top!

Conclusion

Azerbaijani dishes mentioned in the article are only a drop in the ocean of Azerbaijani cuisine. Azerbaijani food is unique and worth trying in the country and worldwide. There’s always something new to explore in Azerbaijan, especially when it comes to food. So, if you find yourself in Azerbaijan, do not forget to try at least some of the top Azerbaijani dishes mentioned here!