Lavash: The Traditional Armenian Bread
Lavash, the traditional Armenian bread with 3,000-year-old roots, is now enjoyed worldwide and listed by UNESCO as an expression of Armenian culture.
A trip to Armenia is a unique experience full of surprises. The whole country pulses with a cultural and culinary richness in which the human experience is measured by the simplicity and the grandeur of age-old gestures. Armenian dishes, from mezze to grilled khorovats, as detailed in our look at Armenian cuisine, are often accompanied by a traditional bread: lavash! Are you curious and would you like to know more? Follow us!
What is lavash and what are its origins?
Lavash (in Armenian: լավաշ) is the soft traditional Armenian bread. In 2015, lavash was ranked by the American channel CNN as one of the 50 best breads in the world. Lavash closely resembles the tortilla. It is often in the form of a thin, round flatbread.
Lavash bread was born in the Middle East. It is found in various countries besides Armenia (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey). Although lavash bread is listed by UNESCO as an “expression of Armenian culture” (inscribed in 2014, see our UNESCO intangible heritage guide), its origins remain uncertain.
Lavash bread is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is prepared in the traditional way by groups of women. Its preparation calls for effort, know-how and experience.
Lavash, a 3,000-year-old recipe!
Lavash is made from flour, salt and water. Although its recipe is simple, it is extremely delicious. Lavash bread is baked against the hot walls of artisanal ovens (tonir). This baking technique, more than 3,000 years old, is still used today, not only in Armenia but also in Iran and Turkey.
Lavash is prized for its flavour, its soft or dry texture, its ease of use for making sandwiches, and its long shelf life (up to 6 months).
Lavash, tradition and Armenian culinary culture
With its cultural richness, its exceptional heritage and its impressive landscapes, Armenia is a country you absolutely must visit. The Armenian people are very hospitable, warm and proud of their roots.
Although Armenian cuisine is based on meat dishes (fish, skewers, and so on), lavash bread is an integral part of this country’s culinary culture. Indeed, most dishes are accompanied by this bread or by pita bread, you will find it on the table at nearly every restaurant featured in our guide to dining in Armenia and Yerevan.
Armenians adore lavash and consume a great deal of it! An average Armenian family consumes around 50 kg of lavash per month. Lavash is also served at religious festivals and weddings.
Plan your visit
Nothing beats tearing off a piece of lavash still warm from the tonir. Build your own itinerary or book an all-inclusive tour to taste it at the source, and explore the full sweep of Armenian cuisine before you travel.
