The cuisine of Nakhchivan stands out with its variety and flavor, deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region. Influenced by the Silk Road, the food showcases a blend of Turkish, Persian, and Central Asian cuisines, with a generous use of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients. While meat plays a significant role in Nakhchivani dishes, there are also many options for vegetarians, with recipes featuring local fruits, vegetables, and grains. The region's isolation due to its exclave status has helped preserve traditional cooking methods and recipes, making its cuisine distinctive within Azerbaijan.
A type of omelette enriched with greens such as spinach or herbs, resembling a frittata.
A rich soup made with lentils and a variety of vegetables, seasoned with regional spices.
A traditional dish made from layers of chicken, vegetables, and sometimes fruit, steamed together to create a flavorful stew.
Stuffed aubergines with a mix of lentils, nuts, and aromatic herbs.
Grape leaves wrapped around a filling typically made with minced lamb, rice, and fresh herbs.
Traditional bread baked in a clay oven called "tendir," a staple at every Nakhchivani table.
A sweet dessert made from syrup, eggs, and flour, often flavored with saffron, nuts, or rose water.
Sweet pastries filled with ground nuts and sugar, typically served during the Novruz holiday.
A yogurt soup with a variety of herbs and sometimes chickpeas, generally served cold and is especially refreshing during the summer.
A thin dough stuffed with a variety of fillings, including greens, pumpkin, or minced meat, and then grilled or fried.
Address: Heydar Aliyev Ave, Nakhchivan
Famous for: Yarpag Dolmasi (Non-Veg)
Address: Duzdag Qonaq Evi, Nakhchivan
Famous for: Basma (Non-Veg)
Address: Genclik Street, Nakhchivan
Famous for: Badimjan Dolmasi (Veg)
Address: Nursu Qesebesi, Nakhchivan
Famous for: Fresh Tendir Lavash (Veg)
Address: Nehram yolu, Nakhchivan
Famous for: Qutab with a variety of fillings (Non-Veg/Veg)