Boston is home to a various and diverse culinary scene, and its Armenian food offerings stand out as a hidden gem for food lovers.
Armenian cuisine, rich in history and flavor, brings together a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European influences.
From savory kebabs to hearty stews and delectable pastries like baklava, Boston’s Armenian eateries serve traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes passed down through generations.
Whether you’re seeking the comforting warmth of lentil soup, the rich flavors of grilled meats, or the delicate balance of spices in an Armenian salad, the city’s Armenian restaurants promise an unforgettable experience.
Popular spots often offer dishes like lahmajun (Armenian flatbread with minced meat) and manti (tiny meat-filled dumplings), each capturing the essence of Armenia’s vibrant food culture.
For those looking to explore something new, Boston’s Armenian food scene provides a delicious culinary adventure.
Top 12 Best Armenian Foods in Boston
Boston is home to a rich Armenian community, offering a variety of delicious Armenian foods across the city.
Here are 12 must-try Armenian dishes you can find in Boston:
1. Lahmajoun: Arax Market (Watertown, MA)
Lahmajoun, known as Armenian pizza, is a beloved flatbread topped with a savory mixture of minced lamb or beef, tomatoes, onions, and parsley, all spiced with paprika and cumin.
Thin and crispy, this flatbread is perfect for eating on the go or as a snack. At Arax Market in Watertown, you can find freshly baked lahmajoun, sold in packs for takeaway or individually.
It’s popular among the Armenian community in Boston, and Arax Market offers an authentic experience, with customers able to enjoy a traditional, flavorful dish prepared just like it would be in Armenia.
2. Manti: Sevan Bakery (Watertown, MA)
Manti are small, boat-shaped Armenian dumplings filled with ground lamb or beef, seasoned with onions and spices like cumin and paprika.
They are traditionally baked to a golden brown and then served with garlic yogurt or a tomato-based sauce. Sevan Bakery in Watertown serves freshly made manti, offering locals a chance to enjoy this labor-intensive dish without the hassle of preparation.
These dumplings are a comforting, satisfying meal that showcases the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine. The combination of crispy dough and juicy filling, along with the yogurt sauce, creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
3. Dolma: Eastern Lamejun Bakery (Belmont, MA)
Dolma, a staple of Armenian cuisine, consists of grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground lamb or beef, pine nuts, and aromatic spices.
Vegetarian versions are also available, featuring a medley of herbs and rice. At Eastern Lamejun Bakery in Belmont, fresh dolma is handmade daily, providing a taste of home for many Armenian families.
The balance of the tender grape leaves with the robust, savory filling makes dolma a versatile dish, often served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. Eastern Lamejun’s attention to tradition ensures an authentic and flavorful experience.
4. Khorovats (Armenian BBQ): Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) (Watertown, MA)
Khorovats, or Armenian BBQ, features marinated meat skewers, usually pork or lamb, grilled over an open flame for a smoky, tender finish.
The marinade, made with onions, garlic, vinegar, and paprika, enhances the flavor, making each bite a delicious mix of savory and smoky.
The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown often features khorovats during community events and festivals, where it’s enjoyed alongside lavash and grilled vegetables.
This dish is central to Armenian celebrations, where friends and families gather around to enjoy the simple pleasure of perfectly grilled meat.
5. Basturma: Massis Bakery (Watertown, MA)
Basturma is an air-dried, cured beef delicacy seasoned with a fragrant paste made from fenugreek, garlic, paprika, and other spices.
This intensely flavorful and aromatic dish is thinly sliced and served as part of a meze platter or with cheese and bread.
Massis Bakery in Watertown offers basturma that is freshly prepared and sold by the pound. Known for its robust, bold flavor, basturma is a favorite among those who appreciate cured meats.
Its preparation requires patience, as the meat is cured and air-dried for weeks to achieve the perfect texture and taste that Armenian food lovers seek.
6. Eech (Armenian Bulgur Salad): Sevan Bakery (Watertown, MA)
Eech, a hearty Armenian bulgur salad, is made with fine bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, parsley, and spices like paprika and cumin.
This vegetarian dish is often served as a side or a light meal, offering a refreshing yet hearty option. Sevan Bakery in Watertown prepares eech fresh daily, making it available to accompany many other traditional Armenian dishes.
The combination of bulgur with the tangy, tomato-based dressing makes it a flavorful and satisfying dish, perfect for those seeking a healthy, plant-based option that still packs a punch of flavor.
7. Kufta (Meatballs): Arax Market (Watertown, MA)
Kufta are Armenian meatballs made with finely ground beef or lamb mixed with bulgur or rice, onions, and spices like cumin and cinnamon.
Arax Market in Watertown offers freshly prepared kufta in their hot food section, ready for takeout. Unlike typical meatballs, Armenian kufta has a smoother texture, and the combination of spices gives it a warm, comforting flavor.
Kufta can be grilled, boiled, or fried, and is often served with rice, salads, or yogurt sauce. This dish is a popular comfort food in Armenian households and is a must-try for those seeking a rich, flavorful meal.
8. Chorov Spas (Yogurt Soup): Eastern Lamejun Bakery (Belmont, MA)
Chorov Spas, a traditional Armenian yogurt soup, is made with yogurt, barley or wheat, and herbs like mint and cilantro.
It’s a tangy, refreshing dish, typically served cold in the summer or warm in the winter, depending on the season.
At Eastern Lamejun Bakery in Belmont, this yogurt soup is prepared during the colder months, offering a nourishing and flavorful option.
The creamy texture of the yogurt, combined with the heartiness of the grains and the freshness of the herbs, makes Chorov Spas a beloved dish among Armenians. It’s both comforting and light, ideal for a healthy meal.
9. Lavash: Arax Market (Watertown, MA)
Lavash is a thin, soft flatbread that plays an essential role in Armenian cuisine, often used to wrap meats, cheeses, and vegetables, or simply enjoyed with dips.
Arax Market in Watertown offers freshly baked lavash, available in both soft and dried forms. Lavash is versatile and can be used as a base for wraps or served alongside dishes like khorovats or eech.
When dried, it can be stored for long periods and rehydrated with a sprinkle of water. The simplicity of lavash, combined with its role as a staple in Armenian meals, makes it an integral part of any feast.
10. Börek (Savory Pastry): Massis Bakery (Watertown, MA)
Börek is a flaky Armenian pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, such as feta cheese, spinach, or minced meat.
Massis Bakery in Watertown serves börek freshly baked, with layers of phyllo dough providing a crispy, golden exterior.
The fillings are savory, with the cheese version being particularly popular. Börek is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and pairs well with tea or coffee.
The contrast between the flaky pastry and the rich, savory filling makes börek a satisfying treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a light lunch, and it’s a staple in Armenian households.
11. Imam Bayildi: Sevan Bakery (Watertown, MA)
Imam Bayildi is a stuffed eggplant dish made with a flavorful filling of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs like parsley and dill.
Sevan Bakery in Watertown offers this vegetarian dish, where the eggplants are baked until tender, absorbing the rich flavors of the stuffing.
Served cold or at room temperature, Imam Bayildi is light yet deeply satisfying, making it a perfect summer dish or appetizer.
Its name, which translates to “the imam fainted,” refers to the luxurious taste of the dish. At Sevan Bakery, Imam Bayildi is made with care, offering an authentic taste of Armenian cuisine.
12. Gata: Eastern Lamejun Bakery (Belmont, MA)
Gata is a sweet, buttery Armenian pastry filled with a mixture of sugar, flour, and sometimes walnuts. Eastern Lamejun Bakery in Belmont offers freshly baked gata, perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee.
This pastry is soft yet slightly crumbly, with a mild sweetness that isn’t overpowering. Gata is often prepared for special occasions and celebrations in Armenian households.
The pastry’s delicate layers and rich, sweet filling make it a favorite among those who appreciate traditional Armenian desserts. It’s an ideal treat for anyone looking to enjoy the sweet side of Armenian cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Armenian cuisine known for?
Armenian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and variety, featuring dishes like khorovats (barbecue), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and lavash (flatbread), often highlighting fresh ingredients and spices.
2.Are Armenian dishes typically spicy?
No, Armenian dishes focus on balanced flavors rather than heat. Spices are used to enhance the natural tastes of ingredients, resulting in savory but not overly spicy food.
What are common vegetarian options?
Popular vegetarian options include eech (bulgur salad), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and Imam Bayildi (stuffed eggplant), showcasing flavorful vegetables and grains.
What is the significance of lavash?
Lavash is a traditional flatbread central to Armenian culture, often used to wrap foods and served during meals. It symbolizes hospitality and community.
Is Armenian food healthy?
Armenian cuisine can be healthy, emphasizing fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, but healthiness can vary by recipe and preparation methods.
Where can I find authentic Armenian food in Boston?
You can find authentic Armenian food in Boston at places like Arax Market, Sevan Bakery, Massis Bakery, and Eastern Lamejun Bakery, mainly located in Watertown.
Conclusion
Exploring Armenian cuisine in Boston reveals a vivid culinary landscape filled with unique and flavorful dishes.
From the crispy and savory Lahmajoun at Arax Market to the delicate, labor-intensive Manti at Sevan Bakery, each dish offers a taste of Armenian culture and tradition.
Dolma, with its rich filling of rice and spices, and Khorovats, the smoky and flavorful Armenian BBQ, both bring authentic experiences to the table.
Meanwhile, treats like Basturma and Gata highlight the diverse flavors found within Armenian cuisine, ranging from savory, cured meats to sweet, buttery pastries.
For those looking to dive into this culinary journey, Boston’s Armenian food scene is ready to satisfy, with many spots like Eastern Lamejun Bakery, Massis Bakery, and Arax Market offering traditional dishes prepared with care.
Whether you’re in search of hearty comfort food or a sweet treat, these Armenian dishes promise a rich, flavorful adventure for any food lover.
Timothy Russell Dewart