Traditional Armenian breakfast can be really diverse in its flavors. We have so many options for having delicious breakfasts in the morning. I would say that most of our breakfasts include healthy food options. Especially in what’s considered a modern Armenian breakfast you will see the diversity and abundance of our cuisine.
Typically people start their day with jams, cheese, bread, vegetables, and eggs. We never forget about having a coffee or tea which usually makes the traditional Armenian breakfast complete. This healthy breakfast gives enough energy for the rest of the day.
In this post, you will learn more about the traditional Armenian breakfast both in historical and modern Armenia. You will then learn an easy recipe for a very common and personal favorite Armenian breakfast. Of course, in the end, I will give you some recommendations of restaurants where you can try the best Armenian breakfasts. In case you visit any of those restaurants don’t forget to share your thoughts with me on Instagram or Twitter with #ArmeniaTravelTips. I can’t wait to hear from you!
What is a traditional Armenian breakfast?
The most famous traditional Armenian breakfasts that came from the medieval eras are Khash and Kalagyosh. Khash is an Armenian dish of boiled cow or sheep parts that are seasoned with garlic. You are likely to see some variations of Khash in other cuisines as well. And, Kalagyosh is a lentil yogurt soup that happens to be very energizing. In case you want to get a taste of it, follow this recipe by Heghineh.
Khash is still relevant to this day, however, nowadays you can hardly see people casually having it for breakfast. Eating Khash has become more of a ceremony for us because it takes a lot of time to prepare it. Also, because usually, we prefer to gather together with close relatives when eating it. You can check out this blog about must-try Armenian food where you will find more about Khash.
Modern Armenians and their breakfast
For a very typical contemporary Armenian breakfast, you will probably see jam, cheese, bread, honey and butter (for a better memory :-)) eggs, and tea/coffee on the table. You might see us making a salad with fresh vegetables or even a healthy smoothie in the morning to keep the energy levels high. Or, people might end up eating chocolate butter with bread and just grab some fruits if they are on the go. Either way, our breakfasts tend to be healthier than the meals 🙂
Like anywhere in the world, morning for Armenians can be quite busy these days. So, a typical breakfast might also look like something that you’re very used to. For a quick and healthy breakfast when you’re running late for work, young Armenians prefer eating granola, oatmeal, yogurt, and cereal.
My favorite Armenian breakfast
One of the most common breakfasts for Armenians would be “Lolikov Dzvatsegh” or else called “Pomidorov Dzvatsegh” which is my personal favorite. It’s a form of scrambled eggs with tomatoes. I like enjoying it with fresh “Matnaqash” bread. It is so special because our locally grown tomatoes are the best and juiciest in the world. I kid you not! Just make that dish and I guarantee it will beat all the other breakfasts you’ve had before 🙂 We love this traditional breakfast so much that we even have a special song dedicated to it. 🙂 Have fun listening to it!
Easy Armenian breakfast recipe
It was not a coincidence that I mentioned “Lolikov Dzvatsegh” as that’s the recipe I want to give you. There are many variations of it depending on your preferences but it is basically tomato with scrambled eggs. You can add some herbs, bell pepper, or onions as you wish. Either way, the taste is guaranteed 😋
Of course, there are more breakfast options you can find, but this one is the easiest to make. It is really a healthy option and gives enough energy for a stressful workday. Also, it does not take long to cook which makes it a great option for a quick breakfast in the morning before you run late for work.
Places to have the best Armenian breakfast
You can find many cafes and restaurants in Armenia where breakfast options are available. I believe all would offer healthy options for you. Even though I only selected some of my favorite places, there are many more that can add to the list. You can find my favorite traditional Armenian breakfasts at Lavash Restaurant, Mayrig Restaurant, Crumbs Bread Factory, Aperitivo Yerevan, and Malocco Cafe Cascade.
If you prefer vegan or vegetarian food options, you might want to find breakfast options from those places. Check out the other posts I wrote about 6 cafes and restaurants with delicious vegetarian food and 4 vegan restaurants you don’t want to miss. You can visit those places anytime during the day. They have a lot more to offer in addition to a great breakfast. If you’re looking for perfect lunch places then check out that post as well.
Final thoughts on the traditional Armenian breakfast
The traditional Armenian breakfast can be different for every family. But, there are certain food and drinks that every family enjoys at their houses. We do like eating eggs, jams, jellies, vegetables, and bread with a cup of coffee in the mornings. These are the foods that every Armenian would associate their typical breakfast with.
When you visit Armenia and try any traditional breakfast here, remember me. Make sure to take good pictures of the food and share your experiences with me on Instagram or Twitter with #ArmeniaTravelTips. I am looking forward to your pictures!
Featured image credits: August de Richelieu on Pexels
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