Cuisine in Nakhchivan

The abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs such as tomatoes, eggplant, onions, garlic, and parsley give the dishes a special taste and aroma.


Nakhchivan is famous for its delicious and colorful cuisine. The main ingredient of Nakhchivan cuisine is lamb, especially the meat of Balbash sheep. Many dishes, including kebabs, stuffed animals, pilaf and soups, are prepared from lamb.

Dairy products such as cheese, sour cream, and yogurt are widely used in Nakhchivan cuisine.

The abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs such as tomatoes, eggplant, onions, garlic, and parsley give the dishes a special taste and aroma.

Various spices such as cumin, coriander, red pepper, and saffron are added to Nakhchivan dishes.

Some famous dishes of Nakhchivan cuisine:

  • Plov: Rice cooked in a special way with meat, vegetables, dried fruits, and spices. Plov is considered the “king’s dish” in Nakhchivan.
  • Kebabs: Various types of meat kebabs cooked on a barbecue.
  • Bozbash: A rich lamb soup with vegetables and chickpeas (peas).
  • Govurma shorba: A thick lamb soup with beans, potatoes, and eggs. This dish is prepared and stored in clay pots according to ancient tradition.
  • Qutab: Made from thin unleavened dough with various fillings such as meat, greens, and pumpkin.

Nakhchivan cuisine is not only delicious food, but also a cultural experience. By tasting local dishes, you can learn more about the traditions and history of the region