The Black Fortress (Sev Berd) in Gyumri is not just a historical site but also a location deeply intertwined with the local culture and cuisine. While the fortress itself doesn't have a specific food history, Gyumri, being one of the oldest cities in Armenia, has a rich gastronomic heritage influenced by Western Armenian flavors and the agricultural abundance of the Shirak region. Traditional methods of cooking and recipes have been passed down through generations and are characterized by the use of fresh local ingredients, aromatic spices, and a reliance on both meat and vegetarian dishes, adjusted to the region's high-altitude climate.