Welcome, fellow gastronomic adventurer, to the crossroads of East and West, where spices dance with fresh herbs and ancient traditions simmer in every pot. Azerbaijan, nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, boasts a cuisine as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through Baku, the heart of Azerbaijan, where flavors explode on your palate and every meal tells a story.
Azerbaijani breakfast is a hearty and delicious meal. Your Azerbaijani adventure begins with breakfast, a leisurely affair meant to be savored. Forget your usual cereal routine; here, crunchy tendir bread takes center stage, accompanied by creamy qaymag and homemade butter served with organic honey, tangy motal cheese, and omlettes (Kükü) stuffed with fresh herbs and greens. Wash it all down with a steaming cup of black tea, the lifeblood of Azerbaijani culture.
Tea is not just a drink, but a solution for everything. Prepare yourselves to be immersed in the rich tea drinking culture of Azerbaijan. Tiny, intricately painted, pear-shaped (armudu stekan) glasses brim with strong, fragrant brew, served throughout the day with cube sugar or jam (murabba) and lively conversation. Whether at a bustling chai khana (teahouse) or in a local home, sharing a cup of tea is an invitation to connect and experience true Azerbaijani hospitality.
Now, let’s delve into the main course! Plov (pilaf) reigns supreme, a fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, lamb, dried fruits, and spices, each region boasting its own unique variation. For a lighter option, dolma – delicate grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with meat, herbs, and rice – is a must-try. Meat lovers can indulge in succulent kebabs grilled to perfection, while qutabs – savory or sweet crescent-shaped pastries filled with ingredients like pumpkin, spinach, or minced meat – offer a handheld explosion of flavor.
Soups to warm your soul: When the wind blows cool from the Caucasian Mountains, dive into a steaming bowl of piti (stew from Sheki – two-course meal), a slow-cooked lamb stew with chickpeas, chestnuts, and herbs, or dushbara – tiny dumplings filled with meat and served in a rich broth. These hearty soups are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
Of course don’t forget the greens: Salads in Azerbaijan are more than just lettuce and cucumber. Vibrant mixes like Choban salati (made with frehsly chopped tomato, cucumber and greens mixed with greens) and mangal salati: (featuring grilled eggplants, tomatoes, and onions) offer a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.
No Azerbaijani feast is complete without dessert as sweet ending. Indulge in pakhlava, layers of flaky pastry drizzled with homemade syrup and studded with nuts, or shakarbura – buttery cookies filled with sweet walnut paste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try badambura – almond cookies flavored with orange blossom water, or savor the vibrant sweetness of local jams made with seasonal fruits.
Wine not? Azerbaijan boasts a long history of winemaking, dating back over 5,000 years. From crisp whites like Bayanshira to robust reds like Madrasa, Azerbaijani wines offer a perfect pairing to your culinary journey. Embark on a wine tour Azerbaijan or an urban wine crawl tour in Baku to discover hidden wineries and sample local vintages.
Ready to embark on your own culinary adventure? Baku awaits with open arms and an even wider table. So pack your appetite, your sense of wonder, and get ready to be swept away by the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Azerbaijani cuisine. . Immerse yourself in food tours in Baku to witness food preparation firsthand, learn about local ingredients, and discover the stories behind each dish. Don’t forget to check out Best Things To Do in Baku to discover even more culinary gems and cultural experiences!
Azerbaijan Traveller 