Traditional Armenian Meal in Yerevan with a Local Family

What your day looks like

Bio: Manya wears many hats from an environmentalist, to a designer of kitchen furniture, a chef and a tour guide! She is constantly learning and trying new things and loves sharing her passion with others. Manya learned to cook family recipes from her mother and both her grandmothers. And she has been cooking since she was 10 years old! Manya has also worked as a chef for 2 years and is very passionate about cooking traditional Armenian dishes. Meal: Manya lives with her husband, Eduard, their infant son, Vazgen, and her parents, Saharuni and Larisa – who will be part of the experience whenever they are available. Manya and her family are currently building their home in the outskirts of Yerevan, with a stunning view of Mount Ararat. The construction of the home is complete however they are still adding finishing touches to the house, so it may look a bit rustic from the outside. They also plan to have a beautiful garden in the backyard, and have grown young apricot, peach, plum, apple, and sour cherry trees. Manya will welcome you with Armenian coffee or a chilled tea made with lemon and purple basil, and brduj (home-made cheese and fresh herbs rolled into lavash). Later join her and her family at the dining table for your meal. Your menu might include dishes such as khashlama (lamb stew) or khorovats (a barbequed Armenian meat kebab) or harissa (wheat mixed with meat and seasoned) served with butter and pickles, fried eggs with tomatoes and pepper or barbecued vegetables (egg-plant, peppers, tomatoes) and you will end your meal with a dessert such as, fresh or dried fruits, home-made jam and gata (local puff pastry). Cooking Class: In your one-hour, hands-on cooking class join Manya in her kitchen to learn to make traditional Armenian dishes using family recipes. You will learn to make a salad or side dish, a main dish, and a dessert. You then join the family to share the meal you helped prepare. Market Tour: Meet Manya at the Nor Nork Farmers market for your market tour. Walk through this lovely local market with Manya and learn about fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices used in Armenian cooking. Buy a few ingredients from the market, before driving for 5-7 mins to Manya's home for the rest of your experience.