The capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, offers a wide variety of amazing food and an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Azerbaijani cuisine is known for its unique flavors, which are influenced by various cultural and historical influences. Azerbaijan's unique location at the interpoint of Persia, Turkey and Russia, means vibrant flavours, unique cooking styles and a homemade passion for food has been integrated into the food culture stemming from these surrounding nations. It is characterized by the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, as well as a variety of aromatic spices, herbs, and flavours. In this blog article, we'll explore some traditional food and drink, as well as share some of the places central to Baku, in which you can find them.
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Salty food
Plov
It wouldn't be a blog post about Azerbaijani food without mentioning the country's national dish! Plov, a classic Azerbaijani dish composed with rice, meat (often lamb or beef), and flavourful spices, is also known as pilaf. It is a tasty and satiating dish that is frequently given at special occasions and gatherings. It is sometimes topped with sautéed veggies, dried fruits, and nuts.
Qutab
Qutab is a type of Azerbaijani stuffed pancake often filled with minced meat, herbs, and spices. Usually prepared on a griddle, it is eaten hot usually accompanied by yoghurt or sour cream on the side.
Dolma
Dolma is a meal comprised of rice and spices mixed with minced meat (often lamb or beef), which is wrapped in grape leaves or cabbage leaves and cooked. It may be served hot or cold, and yoghurt or sour cream are frequently added. Dolma comes in a variety of forms, such as stuffed bell peppers, grape leaves, and cabbage rolls.
Kebab
Popular all around the world, but originally stemming from Persia and Turkey, Kebabs, or grilled meat on skewers, are a mainstay of Azerbaijani cuisine. You haven't tasted kebabs like these until you have eaten the real thing. They are marinated in spices and grilled to perfection using a variety of meats, including lamb, beef, chicken, and fish. In addition to bread, vegetables, and yoghurt sauce, kebabs are frequently served.
Lavangi
Lavangi or levengi is a typical Azerbaijani meal made with chicken or fish that is baked or grilled after being marinated in a tart pomegranate sauce. It is famous for its unique combination of sweet and sour flavours and is typically served over saffron rice.
Sweet food
Baklava
A traditional dessert in Azerbaijan, baklava is comprised of phyllo pastry layers filled with nuts (such walnuts or pistachios) and sweetened with honey or syrup. It is popular for its rich, sweet flavour and delicate, flaky texture and is usually offered on special occasions and celebrations.
Shekerbura
The traditional Azerbaijani pastry known as shekerbura is created with a sweet, crumbly dough that is filled with a mixture of ground nuts (often walnuts or almonds), sugar, and spices. The pastry is normally baked till golden brown and formed into a half-moon or triangle. Shekerbura is frequently consumed during the Novruz holiday, which in Azerbaijan symbolises the arrival of spring.
Drinks
Ayran
A popular traditional yogurt-based beverage called ayran is produced by combining yoghurt with water and salt. It is popular for being tart and refreshing and is normally served chilled. Ayran is a popular choice during hot summer days in Baku to quench your thirst and cool down.
Sherbet
Sherbet is a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage that is made with water, sugar, and fruit syrups or extracts. It is a common beverage in Azerbaijan, especially during festive events. Flavours include pomegranate, cherry, rose, and more. Sherbet is frequently served cold and is a good option in summer times.
Where to find these delicacies?
Mugam Club
Mugam Club, situated in the Old City of Baku, provides a cultural experience and not just a meal. The restaurant is named for its fusion of Azerbaijani cuisine and classical music, featuring live mugham performances. The mugham song is played while diners enjoy specialties like plov (pilaf), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and delectable lamb kebabs.
Hidden in the narrow streets of Icherisheher, Sehrli Tandir serves up authentic Azerbaijani tandoor-baked bread and mouth-watering kebabs. Tadic kabab, the signature meat dish, is prepared in an old-fashioned clay oven and perfectly cooked. A delicious dish that pairs well with freshly baked lavash bread and fragrant saffron rice.
Art Garden Restaurant
Located in the picturesque Philharmonic Park of Baku, Art Garden Restaurant offers traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a charming environment. Snack on tasty meals such as qutab, bozbash, and shah pilaf in the park's peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to reserve space for dessert, as the restaurant offers both baklava and shekerbura (sweet pastries with nuts or poppy seeds) on the menu.
Firuze Restaurant
The Fountain Square district in Baku is home to Firuze Restaurant, a popular spot for those seeking Azerbaijani cuisine. Firuze is a versatile cuisine that offers everything from mouth-watering soups like piti to succulent barbecued meats and seafood. It's essential to taste their famous desserts, such as pakhlava (layered pastry with nuts and honey) or shakarburo (sweet pastries filled with sugar and nuts).
Nargiz Restaurant
For authentic Azerbaijani hospitality and home-style cooking, head here. The cozy eatery situated in the Nasimi district of Baku is known for its fresh, locally sourced Azerbaijani cuisine. Some of what can be found here are savoury stews, fiery kebabs and fragrant rice pilaf.
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