Azerbaijani cuisine is a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern, Caucasian, and Central Asian influences. It offers a diverse array of flavours and textures that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Azerbaijan has inherited a rich culinary heritage at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. It incorporates a wide range of ingredients and cooking techniques. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through 40 exotic and traditional Azerbaijani dishes.
The 40 Best Dishes in Azerbaijan
1. Plov (Pilaf)
Plov is a staple of Azerbaijani cuisine. It is a mouthwatering dish of saffron-infused rice cooked with succulent lamb, chicken, or beef. The aromatic blend of spices, dried fruits, and nuts gives this hearty rice dish its distinct taste.
2. Dolma
Dolma is a beloved dish across the Caucasus region. It features grape leaves or vegetables like eggplants, bell peppers, or tomatoes. It has a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, resulting in a tantalizing balance of flavours.
3. Dushbara
Dushbara, tiny meat-filled dumplings, are served in a flavorful broth and garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of yoghurt. This traditional Azerbaijani food is perfect for colder days.
4. Qutab
Qutab is a delicate, crispy pastry with meat, spinach, or pumpkin. It is a favourite street food enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The combination of flavours in each bite will leave you craving for more.
5. Lavangi
Lavangi is a delightful dish consisting of chicken or fish seasoned. This Azerbaijani dish has a unique blend of herbs and spices, wrapped in thin lavash bread, and then baked to perfection.
6. Shekerbura
During the festive occasion of Novruz, Azerbaijani New Year, Shekerbura takes centre stage. These sweet pastries have ground almonds and hazelnuts and are flavoured with cardamom and rosewater.
7. Dovga
Dovga is a refreshing yoghurt soup with herbs and spinach. It is a traditional Azerbaijani dish often enjoyed during the hot summer months. Its tangy taste and cooling properties make it a popular choice.
8. Lyulya Kebab
Lyulya kebab, seasoned ground meat skewered and grilled, is a favourite street food known for its juicy and aromatic taste. Served with freshly baked flatbread, it's a delight for meat enthusiasts.
9. Balig Kebab
Balig kebab, a succulent fish kebab. It is a delightful blend of spices and offers a delicious alternative for seafood lovers.
10. Gutab
Gutab, similar to Qutab, is a crispy pastry filled with various ingredients such as ground meat, pumpkin, or herbs. Its versatility allows for endless variations of this delectable treat.
11. Gara Sushi
Gara Sushi is a dish exclusive to Azerbaijan's Guba region. It features sweet and sour flavours with fish or meat. It has dried fruits and nuts, creating a truly unique culinary experience.
12. Saj
Saj is a hearty dish with tender lamb or chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It is a favourite choice for special occasions and gatherings.
13. Badimjan Dolmasi
Badimjan dolmas consist of eggplants with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices. This comforting dish is often enjoyed with a side of yoghurt.
14. Khashil
Khashil is a rich and hearty soup with mutton, rice, and various vegetables. It warms the soul and satisfies the appetite during the colder months.
15. Goyerti Plov
Goyerti plov, a regional variation of plov, incorporates cherries, apricots, or quinces. It lends a subtle sweetness to the savoury rice dish.
16. Pakhlava
Pakhlava is a delectable pastry with layers of nuts, honey, and fragrant spices. It is a beloved dessert often served during festive occasions.
17. Sutli Kebab
Sutli kebab, or "thread kebab," features marinated meat grilled on skewers, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
18. Govurma
Govurma, thinly sliced and marinated lamb, beef, or chicken. It gets grilled to perfection, delivering a delightful smoky taste.
19. Bulbul Yuvasi
Bulbul Yuvasi, meaning "nightingale's nest." is a sweet confection made with shredded dough, honey, and nuts. It is a perfect Azerbaijani treat for those with a sweet tooth.
20. Nar Govur
The Nar Gover is a unique dish from the Nakhchivan region. It features grilled meat served with pomegranate seeds and juice. Nar creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
21. Qovurma Plov
Qovurma plov, a hearty rice dish cooked with succulent lamb, is a flavorful and satisfying main course.
22. Gugara
Gugara is a traditional pastry with rice, dried fruits, and nuts. It is a symbol of abundance and prosperity during Novruz celebrations.
23. Mochu
Mochu, a savoury pie filled with ground meat and vegetables, is a delectable comfort food that warms the heart.
24. Manty
Manty, steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions are typically served with a side of yoghurt and a sprinkling of sumac.
25. Tendir Choreyi
Tendir Choreyi is a delightful flatbread baked in traditional clay ovens. It complements many Azerbaijani dishes and is a staple of daily meals.
26. Turya Chorba
Turya Chorba, a flavorful soup made with sour plums, lamb, and herbs, offers a tangy twist to traditional soups.
27. Sulu Quru
Sulu guru is a delightful dish with dried fruits and vegetables stewed in a savoury broth. It showcases the unique flavours of Azerbaijani cuisine.
28. Khingal
Khingal, a hearty noodle dish with tender lamb, is a popular comfort food that will warm your soul.
29. Lyavangi
Lyavangi, similar to leaving, features fish or chicken marinated with herbs and spices. It is wrapped in lavash bread and grilled to perfection.
30. Ash Erishte
Ash erishte is a nourishing soup with homemade noodles. It is a beloved dish often enjoyed during special family gatherings.
31. Balish
Balish is a flavorful fish dish marinated with pomegranate juice. It is served with a side of saffron rice and offers a taste of Azerbaijan's coastal cuisine.
32. Pilaf with Chestnuts
Pilaf with chestnuts is a festive dish served during special occasions and celebrations. It adds a nutty and wholesome flavour to the traditional plov.
33. Tarkhana Soup
Tarkhana soup is made with fermented grain, yoghurt, and vegetables. It is a unique dish that reflects the diverse culinary heritage of Azerbaijan.
34. Piti
Piti is a delectable lamb stew cooked in individual clay pots. It is slow-cooked to perfection and often enjoyed during the winter months.
35. Boyuk Sheher Salad
Boyuk Sheher salad is named after the historic core of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. It features a colourful mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and pomegranate seeds. People toss it with a zesty dressing.
36. Dovgha Soup
Dovgha soup is a refreshing cold yogurt-based soup with cucumbers and herbs. It offers a soothing respite from the summer heat.
37. Sabzi Qovurma
Sabzi qorma, a vegetarian delight, features stewed greens with herbs and spices. It delivers a burst of flavour with every bite.
38. Gututu
Gututu, a flavorful chicken dish marinated with a blend of herbs and spices, is a culinary delight locals and visitors enjoy.
39. Agdash Piti
Agdash pit is a regional variation of the traditional pit. It features lamb cooked with chickpeas and aromatic herbs. Piti creates a wholesome and flavoursome stew.
40. Nagharin Kebab
Nagharin kebab is a unique dish from the Lankaran region. They combine fish, rice, and flavorful herbs, resulting in a delightful culinary experience.
Azerbaijani cuisine, with its diverse and exotic dishes. It truly reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and centuries of culinary evolution. From the hearty plov to the delicate shekerbura, each dish is a testament to the love and passion that Azerbaijani people have for their food. Azerbaijani cuisine promises a gastronomic adventure that will leave you yearning for more. So, embrace the flavours, immerse yourself in the culture, and savour the delights of Azerbaijani cuisine.
