Khorovats: Armenia's Barbecue Tradition
What khorovats is, how it's served, and where to try Armenia's signature grilled-meat dish in Yerevan.
What Is Khorovats?
Khorovats is Armenia's answer to barbecue — chunks of pork, lamb, beef, or chicken marinated simply (often just onion, salt, and pepper) and grilled slowly over wood or charcoal coals until smoky and tender. It's less about heavy sauces and more about the quality of the meat and the char from an open flame, closer in spirit to Georgian or Caucasus-style grilling than to Western barbecue.
Khorovats is as much a social ritual as a dish — Armenian families gather for khorovats on weekends, holidays, and any excuse for an outdoor cookout, often alongside home-made wine or vodka.
How It's Served
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Lavash | Wrapped around bites of meat instead of using cutlery |
| Grilled vegetables | Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant grilled alongside the meat |
| Fresh herbs | Basil, tarragon, and mint served on the side |
| Pickles | Sharp pickled vegetables to cut through the richness |
Where to Try It
Khorovats is on the menu at the vast majority of traditional Armenian restaurants in Yerevan, particularly ones with outdoor seating or a visible grill. It's typically ordered by weight or as a mixed platter for the table to share, and pairs well with Armenian red wine, which the country has produced for thousands of years.
Ask for a mixed khorovats platter if you're unsure what to order — most restaurants will grill a combination of pork, lamb, and chicken skewers so you can try all three.
