Must-Try Foods In Vardanants Square (Gyumri) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Vardanants Square, Gyumri, Armenia

Vardanants Square, the heart of Gyumri, is steeped with a vibrant history that is as rich as Armenian cuisine itself. As Armenia's second-largest city, Gyumri has a culinary tradition that is influenced by the various empires and cultures that have passed through the region, including Greek, Persian, Russian, and Ottoman. The devastating earthquake in 1988 profoundly affected the city, but the resilience of Gyumri is evident in the thriving food scene around Vardanants Square today. Traditional recipes have endured and are still celebrated, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and hearty flavors.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Vardanants Square, Gyumri, Armenia

1. Dolma (Non-Veg): Grape leaves stuffed with a spiced mixture of rice and ground meat.
2. Harissa (Non-Veg): A comforting porridge made with wheat and chicken, often served during cold weather.
3. Ghapama (Veg): A festive dish of pumpkin stuffed with boiled rice, dried fruits, and nuts, usually prepared for special occasions.
4. Vegetable Khorovats (Veg): Assorted grilled vegetables, often marinated with herbs and spices before being cooked over an open fire.
5. Lahmacun (Non-Veg): Often termed as Armenian pizza, it is a thin dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
6. Zhingyalov Hats (Veg): Flatbread stuffed with a rich mixture of finely chopped edible herbs and greens.
7. Matsun (Veg): Armenian yogurt that can be enjoyed as a cold soup with cucumbers and herbs, or as a condiment.
8. Spas (Veg): Yogurt-based soup with barley, sometimes seasoned with herbs and served with hot bread on the side.
9. Pasuts Dolma (Veg): Lenten dolma with beans, chickpeas, and grains wrapped in cabbage leaves or grape leaves.
10. Basturma (Non-Veg): Cured beef with a coating of fenugreek and other spices, served thin-sliced as an appetizer or snack.

Top Famous Restaurants in Vardanants Square, Gyumri, Armenia

1. Cherkezi Dzor

   Address: Vardanants Square, Gyumri

   Famous for: Fish Khorovats (Non-Veg) - Grilled fish seasoned with local spices.

2. Gyumri's Kitchen

   Address: 4 Garegin Nzhdeh Avenue, Gyumri

   Famous for: Bozbash (Non-Veg) - Mutton soup with vegetables and greens.

3. Herbs & Honey

   Address: 34 Gorki Street, Gyumri

   Famous for: Vegetarian Thali (Veg) - A platter with a variety of vegetarian dishes served with rice and bread.

4. Alexandrapol Palace

   Address: Mayakovski Street 70/1, Gyumri

   Famous for: Sevan Trout (Non-Veg) - Delicately cooked trout from Lake Sevan, served with traditional accompaniments.

5. Flower's Home

   Address: Shahumyan 182/1, Gyumri

   Famous for: Manty (Non-Veg) - Dumplings filled with meat and served with garlic yogurt.