Natalie's Armenian Kitchen

23/01/2025

22/05/2022

This Lebanese dessert simply blew me away! The base is Knafeh (or Kunefe), a Middle-Eastern pastry soaked in syrup with layers of cheese and this was topped with date ice cream and chopped pistachios. It was simply divine, must go back to and try more of their incredible pastries and ice cream !!

10/02/2022

It’s been a while but wanted to share some insights into my latest culinary ventures… I’ve not been able to travel far but I have in my kitchen! From Vietnam - gorgeously sumptuous tray baked chicken (on bone!) with ginger, lemon, chilli and red onion. From Sri Lanka - a comforting turmeric dhal and India - a chickpea classic, chana masala. And the highlight has to be from Southern Iran - a very popular dish called Ghalieh Meygoo, prawns in a deeply rich sauce made from dried fenugreek, fresh coriander, a ton of garlic and the star of the show - tamarind. I can’t wait to explore some more…

25/01/2020

My recent trip to Marrakesh did not disappoint and hands down my favourite place to hang out were were the Souks. I just loved getting lost in the narrow streets that twist and turn, full of exotic smells, vibrant colours and noises. I enjoyed putting my bartering skills into action and picked up some gorgeous spices, leather goods, argan oil but wanted so much more! The cuisine also blew me away - fragrant and slow cooked tagines of course but a particular highlight was a breakfast dish of preserved meat with eggs called ‘khlii’ with an obligatory pot of mint tea. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of this beautiful land... @ Souk Medina Marrakech

16/09/2019

Feeling inspired by my trip to Lebanon, I’ve rustled up this super tasty and simple dish called ful medames, originally from Egypt and eaten throughout the Middle East, often for breakfast. There are variations but I kept mine simple with onion and garlic fried in cumin then adding ful (fava) beans, chopped tomatoes and fresh coriander. It’s served with olive oil and lemon juice on top and often with a boiled or fried egg, seriously moreish stuff! @ London, United Kingdom

12/09/2019

Some more highlights from the Taste Lebanon Beirut Bites walking tour ... Our first stop was at Ishkhanian bakery run by an Armenian family for decades. Azad, pictured here, has kept the shop open every day, even during the civil war. We sampled delicious lachmachun made with sour pomegranate filling and spicy lamb. Then some strong cardamom coffee served in beautiful pots and little round cups. Next stop was a traditional Lebanese bakery where we tried a sweet pancake called katayef. Then on to the best falafel in town I’ll never forget. Finally some refreshing ice cream and sorbet run by Mitri and his Mum with a selection of flavours that blended perfectly including rose, apricot, lemon and pistachio... There are real hidden gems in this fascinating city. @ السراي الحكومي

12/09/2019

One of the highlights of my trip to Lebanon so far is visiting the Armenian quarter in Beirut of Bourj Hammoud. As we entered the area, we were surrounded by Armenian street and shop signs selling spices, fruit and vegetables and all kinds of goods. Wandering down the bustling streets we ended up at Resto Ghazar for a delicious Armenian meal of mante, sou boreg, vospov kufta with aubergine pickle and finished off with some local Arak, an aniseed alcohol drink. I loved this area and will be returning to explore more. And thanks to the amazing food tour company Taste Lebanon تذوق لبنان for their Beirut Bites experience travelling through the city trying all kinds of local specialties. @ Bourj Hamoud

09/09/2019

My first trip to Lebanon has started exceptionally well with a visit to the wonderful Armenian restaurant Mayrig in Beirut. I tried traditional dishes with a modern twist such as mante, little dumplings topped with yoghurt and sumac; sou boreg, a deliciously moreish cheese and pastry delight; beetroot salad with feta, basil and pomegranate dressing; gorgeous mini kibbeh; and meatballs in a sour cherry sauce I’ll never forget. I’m excited to continue to try all the local specialities of this captivating city. It already has a place in my heart. @ Mayrig

21/03/2019

It's Iranian New Year today marking the first day of Spring... Nowruz Mubarak!

06/01/2019

Wishing everyone a Happy Armenian Christmas and New Year!

Շնորհավոր Ամանոր եւ Սուրբ ծնունդ

This is one of my favourite memories from my trip to Iran, being offered a heart-shaped lavash at a Tehran bakery. Spreading the love for 2019!