Leo, let's discuss the food cultures of Armenia and Azerbaijan. I'm eager to explore them vicariously through our listeners.
Vicariously? Sounds like a recipe for a bland podcast episode. But let's see if we can spice things up.
Food reflects a country's history and people. Armenia and Azerbaijan – where do we begin? Perhaps with staples?
In Armenia, Lavash is unavoidable. It's their bread and butter, literally.
Lavash is ubiquitous in Armenia. What about Azerbaijan? Do they have a similarly essential bread?
Azerbaijan has Tandir bread, baked in a clay oven. It's crusty and flavorful, though less fashionably adaptable than Lavash.
Substantial, you say? A challenge I accept! But Tandir bread sounds amazing. What about main dishes? Something meaty?
For Armenia, Khorovadz—Armenian-style barbeque—often pork, which might raise eyebrows in Azerbaijan.
Pork barbeque sounds deliciously rebellious! What's Azerbaijan's equivalent?
In Azerbaijan, Plov reigns supreme. Rice pilaf with countless variations: meat, dried fruit, herbs, saffron—a feast in a pot.
Plov with a million variations? Dried fruit in savory dishes? I'm in! Is it everyday fare or reserved for special occasions?
Both. Fancy Plov for special occasions, everyday Plov, still delicious. It's the chameleon of Azerbaijani cuisine.
Chameleon Plov! I love it. What about vegetables? Are both countries all about meat?
Armenians enjoy herbs and fresh greens, salads with dill, parsley, cilantro. Stuffed grape leaves, Dolma, are also popular.
Sneaky meat in the Dolma! What about Azerbaijani greens?
Azerbaijan also uses fresh herbs and has its own Dolma, with variations including fruit and vegetable fillings.
A Dolmapalooza! What's uniquely Armenian or Azerbaijani?
Armenia has Harissa, a wheat porridge with meat, cooked for hours. It's comfort food on steroids.
"Comfort food on steroids"? Harissa sounds intense! What's Azerbaijan's equivalent?
Qutab—savory pancakes filled with meat, greens, cheese, pumpkin—street food, snack food, anytime food.
Savory pancakes! Perfect for a busy joke-teller! What about drinks? Vodka shots all around?
Armenia is known for its brandy and wine, a history of winemaking going back millennia.
Armenia sounds sophisticated! What about Azerbaijan?
Tea is huge in Azerbaijan, usually black, served in pear-shaped glasses. They also have wine, vodka, and local spirits.
Pear-shaped tea glasses! Adorable! Any nutritional alternatives to mention? Are they veggie-friendly?
Both countries are becoming more veggie-aware. In Armenia, vegetarian versions of traditional dishes exist, especially during Lent.
Veggieaware and Lent-friendly! Good for Armenia. Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is still meat-centric, but bigger cities have restaurants catering to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Not the default veggie option… noted. Overall, both countries have delicious and diverse food cultures.
The Caucasus is a crossroads of cultures and cuisines, influenced by Persia, Turkey, Russia, the Mediterranean.
A culinary melting pot, or a Plov pot! Both Armenia and Azerbaijan get a big thumbs up from us.
Thumbs up! Maybe leave the Lavash scarf at home unless you want to attract pigeons.
Pigeons with a taste for high fashion? Podcast over, let's order some Dolma!
Dolma it is! Maybe Harissa too? For research purposes.
Research purposes! Listeners, if you crave Armenian or Azerbaijani food, don’t blame us! Tell us in the comments!
If you have an ‘inescapable bread situation’ in your country, share that too! Like and subscribe! Check out jetoff.ai for more country comparisons!
Big thanks to jetoff.ai! And thanks to you, listeners! Until next time, happy eating!