What are some of the historical influences on Armenian cuisine, and how do these influences relate to Armenia's history and geography?

Answer 1

Legend is that following the flood, Noah's Ark first found land in Armenia and that the nation was founded by his descendants. One of the first countries to adopt Christianity, Armenia has been ruled by a succession of conquerors, from Rome to Russia, and today is surrounded by Muslim nations. Its fare reflects this unique past. Bread is so important there that the Armenian word for it is also used colloquially for meal or food in general. Lamb is a staple, though chicken and beef are also popular. Pork is rarely consumed, dating back to pre-Christian biblical prohibitions.

Armenia's temperate climate and proximity to the Arabs, Turks, and Greeks have resulted in a cuisine similar to Middle Eastern fare. Armenian cuisine has been significantly influenced by neighboring Greeks, Turks, Persians, Syrians, and other Arabs. Shared dishes include the chickpea puree called hummus, tabouli bulgur salad, grilled kebabs, kufta (meatballs), meat turnovers known as boereg, meat- or grain-stuffed vegetables called dolma, and paklava (baklava).