Dolma –Stuffed Grape Leaves
Dolma is a popular dish in Eastern Europe and Mediterranean region. The meaning of Dolma in Azerbaijani means stuffed. Dolma consists of meat, onion, rice ,peas and spices. The size of Each Dolma is similar to a dumpling and it is wrapped around grape leaves. Dolma is usually served with yogurt. You basically take a piece of Dolma and dip into the yogurt for some added flavour. Dolma is very unique and I really loved the flavour of grape leaves. It is a must try dish if you are visiting Azerbaijan.
Saj Ichi – Azerbaijan Barbecue
Saj Ichi is a traditional Azerbaijan Barbecue. You can order chicken, lamb, beef or a mix barbecue. Saj Ichi is usually served in a copper clay pot. I will strongly recommend to go to a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant in order to try Saj Ichi. The barbecue is usually cooked over hot coals. I will strongly recommend to order mixed barbecue because you can try flavours from different meat with the barbecue. The barbecue is also served with potatoes. Eggplants, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. It is usually eaten with thin lavash.
Borsch –Azerbaijan Soup
Borsch is a popular hot soup in Azerbaijan. The soup has a traditional red color and it is popular in Baku. The soup consists of Beef, cabbage, carrot, beetroot, bell pepper, onion, potatoes, parsley, tomatoes and it is consumed with fresh bread and cream. Borsch is a great food to eat during cold winter days.
Pakhlava- Azerbaijani Sweets
Pakhlava is a popular sweet in Azerbaijan. The Pakhlava is made from rice flour and it is filled with nuts. You can get different varieties of Pakhlava in Azerbaijan. I tried both traditional and milk Pakhlava during my trip in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan sweets is usually consumed with tea. The feeling of the layered texture of the sweet is amazing.
Gutab – Azerbaijani Pie
Gutab is a Azerbaijani Pie filled with vegetables, cheese or meat. The semi-circular pie is cooked over large metal. People usually eat Gutab during breakfast and it is a popular street food in Azerbaijan. Vegetable Gutab was my favourite during my Azerbaijan trip and it is stuffed inside a fluffy lavash. I loved the thin texture of the flour bread and the freshness of the vegetables.
Kebab/Kebab – Azerbaijani Kebab
Azerbaijani Kebab is a must try if you are visiting Baku. I tried lamb and lule kebab during my trip. Lamb kebab is usually roasted with tomato & large green chilli and it is served with rice. Azerbaijani kebabs are roasted over open fire so you get a roasted flavour from the kebab. Lule kebab was my favourite dish during my trip to Azerbaijan. The kebab is prepared with minced lamb mint and it is mixed with lemon, salt, spices and herbs. The kebab is served with Tomatoes, Onions, Green chillies and rice. The combination of texture of the kebab and the flavour of the spices were perfect.
Dushbara – Dumplings
Dushbara is a type of soup dumpling very popular in Azerbaijan. The size of the dumpling is very small and it was the smallest dumpling I have ever tried in my entire life. The dumpling is usually filled with minced meat and seasoning and the dumplings are dipped inside a soup.
Azerbaijani Doner kebab
It is very easy to find an Azerbaijani Doner shop during your trip to Baku. Doner is a staple food in Azerbaijan. Turkish food has a huge influence over Azerbaijan. The doner is usually served with Lavash or bread. You have the option to choose lamb or beef doner. Generally the doner is filled with vegetables and it is served with choice of your sauce and spiciness.
I visited ARAZ TERRACE restaurant during my trip to BAKU. The restaurant serves authentic Azerbaijan food and it is located near the NIZAMI street which is the famous shopping street in BAKU.
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