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$23.99 (as of April 5, 2025 11:31 GMT +00:00 - More info)Are you curious about the best places to try authentic Armenian food in California, and what a renowned chef like Geoffrey Zakarian has to say about it? You’re not alone, as many people are eager to learn more about this lesser-known cuisine. Armenian food is a fascinating blend of Eurasian flavors, and California, particularly the city of Glendale, is home to a large Armenian population and a plethora of excellent restaurants serving traditional dishes. With its rich history and cultural heritage, Armenian cuisine is definitely worth exploring, and Geoffrey Zakarian’s insights will guide you through the best places to experience it.
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Introduction to Armenian Food
Armenian food is often described as a peasant cuisine, with a focus on simple, hearty dishes made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. You’ll find a lot of similarities with Middle Eastern food, which is no surprise given the geographical proximity of the two regions. Armenian cuisine is characterized by the use of ingredients like lamb, beef, vegetables, and herbs, which are often combined in creative ways to create delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Armenian cuisine is definitely worth exploring, and California is the perfect place to do so.
The Armenian Community in California
The city of Glendale in California is home to the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia, and as a result, it’s a hub for Armenian cuisine. You’ll find a wide range of restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops serving traditional Armenian dishes, from hearty stews and soups to delicious pastries and desserts. The community is vibrant and welcoming, and you’ll feel right at home as you explore the different eateries and shops. With its rich cultural heritage, the Armenian community in California is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to trying authentic Armenian food.
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Geoffrey Zakarian’s Recommendations
Geoffrey Zakarian, a celebrated Iron Chef and restaurateur, has a personal connection to Armenian food, having grown up in an Armenian American family. He’s passionate about promoting the cuisine, which he believes is underrated, and he’s happy to share his recommendations for the best places to try Armenian food in California. According to Zakarian, Glendale is the place to go for authentic Armenian cuisine, with its many excellent restaurants and bakeries. He also recommends exploring the Little Armenia neighborhood in Hollywood, which offers a unique blend of Armenian and Middle Eastern flavors.
Top Restaurants in Glendale
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Glendale, you’ll want to check out some of the top-rated restaurants in the area. Elysee House Restaurant, formerly known as Old Gyumri, is a great place to start, with its high-end Armenian and Mediterranean cuisine. Carousel Restaurant is another popular spot, with its unique blend of Lebanese and Armenian dishes, including delicious soujouk sausages and belly dancing. For traditional air-dried meat sandwiches, head to Sahag’s Basturma, and for fresh grilled meats, try Mini Kabob or the Original Kabob Factory. These restaurants offer a wide range of options, from casual to upscale, and are sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Armenian food.
| Restaurant | Description |
|---|---|
| Elysee House Restaurant | High-end Armenian and Mediterranean cuisine |
| Carousel Restaurant | Lebanese and Armenian dishes, including soujouk sausages and belly dancing |
| Sahag’s Basturma | Traditional air-dried meat sandwiches |
| Mini Kabob | Fresh grilled meats |
| Original Kabob Factory | Fresh grilled meats |
Armenian Bakeries
Armenian bakeries are a must-visit when exploring the culinary scene in Glendale and Little Armenia. Sasoun Bakery has multiple locations and is famous for its cheesy stuffed beoregs and lahmajunes, which are essentially Armenian flatbread pizzas. Papillon Bakery specializes in ponchik doughnuts, which are similar to Polish Mardi Gras paczki, and Georgian Khachapuri, which is baked dough stuffed with cheese and other delicious fillings. Monta Factory is another great spot, with its handmade dumplings and comforting garlic yogurt soup. These bakeries offer a wide range of sweet and savory treats, and are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Understanding Armenian Cuisine
Armenian cuisine is a unique blend of Eurasian flavors, with a focus on simple, hearty dishes made with fresh ingredients. You’ll find a lot of similarities with Middle Eastern food, which is no surprise given the geographical proximity of the two regions. Armenian cuisine is characterized by the use of ingredients like lamb, beef, vegetables, and herbs, which are often combined in creative ways to create delicious and satisfying meals. Some popular dishes include kebabs, soujouk sausages, and dolma, which are stuffed vegetables or fruits. With its rich cultural heritage, Armenian cuisine is a fascinating topic to explore, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try new and exciting dishes in California.
Comparison with Middle Eastern Food
Armenian food has a lot in common with Middle Eastern food, which is no surprise given the geographical proximity of the two regions. Both cuisines feature a wide range of ingredients, including lamb, beef, vegetables, and herbs, which are often combined in creative ways to create delicious and satisfying meals. Some popular dishes, like kebabs and dolma, are similar in both cuisines, although they may be prepared slightly differently. Geoffrey Zakarian notes that Armenian food is “from the same basket of stuff” as Middle Eastern food, and that it’s “basically the same cuisine, just a different name.” This comparison is evident in the many restaurants and bakeries in Glendale and Little Armenia, which offer a unique blend of Armenian and Middle Eastern flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Armenian food is a fascinating and delicious cuisine that’s worth exploring, and California is the perfect place to do so. With its rich cultural heritage and unique blend of Eurasian flavors, Armenian cuisine is a must-try for any foodie or adventurous eater. Geoffrey Zakarian’s recommendations are a great place to start, with top-rated restaurants like Elysee House Restaurant and Carousel Restaurant, and bakeries like Sasoun Bakery and Papillon Bakery. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty stews and soups, delicious pastries and desserts, or fresh grilled meats and kebabs, you’ll find plenty of options in Glendale and Little Armenia. So why not start your culinary journey today, and discover the delicious flavors and rich cultural heritage of Armenian cuisine? You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll likely find yourself returning again and again to try new and exciting dishes. With its warm and welcoming community, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage, Armenian cuisine is a true treasure, and one that’s waiting to be discovered by you.
