Food In Hirkan National Park

Food History of Hirkan National Park, Lankaran, Azerbaijan

The history of food in the Lankaran region, home to Hirkan National Park, is rich and deeply intertwined with the diverse cultures and abundant natural resources of the Talysh Mountains and the Caspian Sea. Being a crossroads between Europe and Asia, the cuisine reflects Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences. Lankaran is famous for its fertile soil and favorable climate, which allows a variety of fruits, vegetables, and tea to thrive, influencing the local food culture. The Talysh people, indigenous to the region, have traditionally harnessed the lush landscapes of Hirkan National Park to gather wild herbs and plants which are used in their distinctive and flavorful dishes.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hirkan National Park, Lankaran, Azerbaijan

Visitors to Hirkan National Park and Lankaran should not miss trying these top regional dishes, each offering a unique taste of the local cuisine:

1. Lenkeran Chayi (Lankaran Tea) – Veg: The Lankaran region is renowned for its tea plantations. Enjoying a cup of the locally grown black tea is a must for visitors.
2. Lavangi – Non-Veg, typically poultry or fish: A dish often made with chicken or fish stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, herbs, and onions, then slow-cooked to perfection.
3. Kutum – Non-Veg: A Caspian white fish typically grilled or baked with aromatic herbs.
4. Piti – Non-Veg: A hearty stew made with mutton, chickpeas, and vegetables, traditionally cooked in a clay pot called "dopu".
5. Tike Kebab – Non-Veg, usually poultry or fish: Kebab made with marinated chunks of fish or chicken cooked over a grill.
6. Nar Govurma – Non-Veg: A savory dish of lamb stewed with chestnuts and pomegranate sauce, exemplifying the sweet and tart flavors of Lankaran cooking.
7. Balig Levengisi – Non-Veg: A spiced fish dish often made with white fish from the Caspian Sea, accompanied by a rich tomato and onion sauce.
8. Saj Ichi – Non-Veg: A mix of vegetables and meat typically cooked in a saj, a type of flat metal griddle, creating a dish full of flavor.
9. Turshu – Veg: A variety of pickled vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and green beans, often served as a side dish or appetizer.
10. Halva – Veg: A sweet confectionery made with rice flour, butter, and sugar, sometimes enriched with nuts or spices, and famous throughout Azerbaijan.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hirkan National Park, Lankaran, Azerbaijan

When visiting Hirkan National Park, these restaurants are well-known for offering an authentic taste of local Azerbaijana cuisine:

• Khanbulan Restaurant
  Address: Lankaran City, Azerbaijan
  Famous for: Lavangi (Non-Veg) and a variety of Azerbaijani soups
• Salyan Restaurant
  Address: M.Gashgai St., Lankaran, Azerbaijan
  Famous for: Kutum (Non-Veg) and Lankaran Chayi (Veg)
• Mirvari Restaurant
  Address: S. Akhundov street, Lankaran, Azerbaijan
  Famous for: Piti (Non-Veg) and Azerbaijani kebabs
• Lankaran Springs Wellness Resort
  Address: Hasan bey Zardabi Ave 40A, Lankaran, Azerbaijan
  Famous for: A luxurious dining experience with a variety of traditional dishes, offering both Veg and Non-Veg options
• Chay Bagi 145
  Address: Lankaran-Lerik highway, Lankaran, Azerbaijan
  Famous for: Tike Kebab (Non-Veg) and a vast selection of teas