Food In Sheki

Food History of Sheki, Azerbaijan

Sheki, a picturesque town in Azerbaijan, is nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and boasts a rich culinary tradition that is influenced by its location on the historic Silk Road. The town's food history is a tapestry of flavors, blending local agriculture, such as nuts and fruits, with the myriad of spices and cooking techniques brought by traders and travelers over centuries. Sheki is famously associated with sweet dishes, particularly its halva, a traditional confection, which testifies to the region's love for combining sweetness with the depth of nuts and spices. Furthermore, the town is renowned for incorporating fresh, local ingredients into its cuisine, as seen in its array of savory dishes that often showcase fresh herbs and vegetables, dairy products, and meats other than beef.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sheki, Azerbaijan for Tourists

1. Piti - A hearty lamb and chickpea stew, traditionally cooked in a terracotta pot and served with bread. (Non-Veg)
2. Kutabi - Stuffed flatbreads with various fillings such as pumpkin, herbs, or cheese, making for either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal depending on the filling.
3. Dolma - Vine leaves or other vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice and herbs. This dish can be found in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions.
4. Sheki Halva - This sweet confection is made with rice flour, nuts, and syrups, sometimes encased in a thin layer of pastry. (Vegetarian)
5. Baliq Levengisi - A savory fish dish accented with a variety of flavors, reflective of Sheki's culinary innovation. (Non-Veg)
6. Yarpaq Dolmasi - Similar to dolma, but specifically refers to stuffed grape leaves, and is a vegetarian staple in the region.
7. Murabba - Preserved jams made from local fruits like walnuts, white cherries, or strawberries. (Vegetarian)
8. Dovga - A yogurt-based soup with herbs and sometimes rice, which can be served hot or cold. (Vegetarian)
9. Baklava - A rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup. (Vegetarian)
10. Qovurma - A dish that can be prepared with lamb or chicken, simmered with onions and a variety of spices. (Non-Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Sheki, Azerbaijan

Sheki Karvansaray Restaurant

Address: M.F. Akhundov Avenue, Sheki 5500, Azerbaijan

Famous for: Traditional Piti and Sheki Halva (Non-Veg/Vegetarian)

Chalabi Khan Restaurant

Address: Mirza Fatali Akhundov 185, Sheki, Azerbaijan

Famous for: A variety of Kutabi, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Künc Divari Restaurant

Address: Salahli Village Road, Sheki, Azerbaijan

Famous for: Their take on Dolma and savory Yarpaq Dolmasi (Vegetarian)

Yukhari Karvansaray Restaurant

Address: 205 M.F. Akhundov, Sheki, Azerbaijan

Famous for: Aromatic fish dishes, prominently Baliq Levengisi (Non-Veg)

Gagarin Sheki

Address: Sheki, Azerbaijan

Famous for: An assortment of local jams or Murabba (Vegetarian)

These restaurants in Sheki offer a multitude of flavors, serving both traditional Azeri dishes and those specific to the Sheki region, ensuring visitors a rich and authentic culinary experience.