10 Most Popular Azerbaijan Food & Cuisine

Everything about Azerbaijan is extraordinary, including its culinary heritage. Azerbaijan cuisine seamlessly blends regional influences from Turkey, the Mediterranean, and Iran. Most of the food in Azerbaijan is meat-based, prepared with recipes that are used over generations to add distinct flavors.

Azerbaijan’s unique culture and traditions can readily seen in its gastronomic heritage. Azerbaijan’s streets, cafes, and restaurants offer some of its best food, which is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From soups to Kebabs to plov to desserts, Azerbaijan has everything on its platter. If you are in Azerbaijan and wondering what to eat, this post has found you. We have curated a list of traditional Azerbaijan food and drinks that you can have any time. Keep reading until you find your favorite food.

Top 10 Incredible Azerbaijan Food & Cuisine

Azerbaijan is a hidden gem of culinary delights. To know all the mouthwatering dishes, you need to skim through the list below:

1. Plov

Plov or Pilaf is the most delicious Azerbaijan cuisine that you will find at every street food corner, cafe, and restaurant. It is a rice-based dish that is made with different ingredients and flavors. The most common ingredients of Plov are chopped meat, dried fruits, rice, vegetables, roasted nuts, etc. Plov is even the most famous food of every household in Azerbaijan. During special occasions, celebrations, or festivals, Plov always remains the main dish on the table. It is a go-to dish for every Azerbaijani. If you are in Azerbaijan wondering what you should eat, look for plov without a doubt.

2. Dolma

Dolma is the best traditional Azerbaijan food that is a classic in taste and infused with flavors. The dish includes numerous ingredients like grape leaves, herds, rice, beef, and spices. The elements of this dish change with the season. During summer, people use bell peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, etc. The incredible fusion of crispy grape leaves, the tasty fillings, and the delicious broth make this dish an authentic explosion of flavors. To get a more genuine taste, Azerbaijani has it with yogurt sauce. It is a must-try for everyone vacationing in Azerbaijan. Dolma has over 25 varieties, depending on the region you are visiting.

3. Piti

Piti is a hearty soup that is famous for its rich and aromatic. It is particularly popular as Baku food. The main ingredients in this soup are potatoes, tomatoes, mutton, chickpeas, etc. This rich-textured soup is served with hot flatbread known as Lavash. It is a national soup of Azerbaijan and can be easily found in almost every restaurant and cafe in the country. Piti is even famous in every household in Azerbaijan as a special occasion soup. If you are in Azerbaijan, we would recommend you try Piti.
 
4. Lavangi

Lavangi is a mouthwatering Azerbaijan food that is famous for its rich taste and flavors. It is a classic Azerbaijan dish. This dish can be prepared with chicken or fish stuffed with raisins, walnuts, sumac, onions, alcha, and narsharab. These ingredients are combined together to create a sweet-sour flavor and medley of textures. You will find this dish mostly in Lankaran, the southern region of Azerbaijan. If you are holidaying around Lankaran, you can try Lavangi. If you eat vegetarian food, you can have a vegetarian version of Lavangi prepared using eggplant.

5. Bozbash

Bozbash is a stewed meatball dish that can win the hearts of any food enthusiast. Bozbash is an incredible traditional Azerbaijan food that delights every person who eats it. The significant ingredients of Bozbash are potatoes, spices, meatballs, herbs, and others. These ingredients are cooked in a rich, aromatic broth until the dish gets succulent and flavorful. It gets served with crusty bread, lemon wedges, yogurt, and sprinkled with herbs. As you take a bite of this hearty dish, it will take you to a tapestry of rich flavors of Azerbaijan. If you are a non-vegetarian eater, you must try this dish at least once.

6. Pomidor Yumurta

Pomidor Yumurta is the most delectable Azerbaijan cuisine. This famous Azerbaijan dish is made from eggs and tomatoes. It is more of a breakfast dish. To make this delicious delicacy, tomatoes are chopped and cooked until they leave their juice. Then, the eggs are added to the pan with a pinch of different spices and flavors. Lastly, it is cooked till the eggs are settled with mashed tomatoes. There you go. It is ready to eat. With its delicious taste and flavors, Pomidor Yumurta tends to win the hearts of food lovers. If you are in Azerbaijan, you must try it out and experience the rich flavors of this dish.

7. Buglama

Buglama is another luscious Azerbaijan cuisine that fills your heart with joy and belly with tasty food. It is a flavorful stew made with tender lamb, juicy tomatoes, aromatic herbs & spices, and fragrant onions. This dish is served along with lavash bread, pickled vegetables, peppers, and salad. Buglama is the comfort food of the people of Azerbaijan that is mostly enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. You can have Buglama on almost every restaurant’s menu or street-side food stall.

8. Gavurma

Gavurma is a crispy fried meat dish that makes every belly happy. It is a traditional Azerbaijan food prepared during the spring, summer, and autumn. The most common ingredients of this dish consist of beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and other flavorful spices. Often served with salads, Gavurma is a perfect snack for every meat lover. This crispy meat dish adds delight to every bite. If you are holidaying in Azerbaijan and wondering what to eat, Gavurma is your answer. It is a perfect snack for satisfying your cravings. Azerbaijani even prepares more dishes with the help of Gavurma, which you can also try.

9. Goghal

Goghal is a sweet and delightful delicacy that enchants every tourists and locals alike. It is the best Baku food you can taste while exploring the city. You can find this sweet delight anywhere- be it street vendors, cafes, restaurants, or bakeries. This sweet pudding is made from semolina, milk, sugar, and butter, flavored with saffron and cardamom. Goghal has a sweet and delicate aroma that makes it comforting to dessert lovers. Often served as a dessert, garnished with dried fruits like almonds, pistachios, and raisins, Goghal is the most-loved food in Azerbaijan.

10. Baliq Shashlik

Baliq Shashlik is the most famous food in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is a fish kebab that ranks the best among tourists and locals alike. The literal meaning of the term Baliq is Fish in Azerbaijan, which clearly suggests the name of this dish. This dish is particularly famous in Baku. Due to the country’s proximity to the Caspian Sea, it provides a vast supply of fresh fish. You can easily find this delicious delicacy on a street-side food stall, cafe, or restaurant. Baliq Shashlik is the most loved food in Azerbaijan.

Try Famous Azerbaijan Food!

We hope that this listicle has helped you find delicious food in Azerbaijan. This post has listed some of the best Azerbaijan cuisines you should try while vacationing here. If you are in Azerbaijan, you can try all the dishes mentioned above. Moreover, if you plan to visit Azerbaijan, you can check out Dook International’s tour packages. Dook has thrilling holiday packages that offer an amazing time in Azerbaijan. Our Azerbaijan tour packages can be easily customized based on your travel preferences. If you want to visit Azerbaijan, contact Dook today and get exciting deals.

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