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Khorovats

(խորոված, Khorovatz, Xorovats)

Khorovats is a unique Armenian barbecue method where the meat is first placed on a set of high-quality skewers called shish and shampoors, then grilled on mangal, a grill often shared among neighbors, or less commonly, baking it in tonir, a built-in clay oven.

Although any quality meat is suitable for khorovats, most often it is prepared with pork chops and pork ribs that are typically only seasoned with salt and pepper, and marinated for a short time in a marinade that should not contain any vinegar, as it affects the meat's flavors.

One popular version of Armenian barbecue is Gharsi khorovats, named after the city of Kars, where meat is cooked on a revolving vertical spit, then served wrapped in lavash flatbread. Typical side dishes include roasted vegetables, onions, flatbreads, cheese, tomato-cucumber salad, and pickled green chili peppers.

Armenia

WHERE TO EAT The best Khorovats in the world (according to food experts)

Lonely Planet and 1 other food critic.

"It’s perfectly set on the edge of Hrazdan Gorge and serves some delectable platters of khoravats."

Lonely Planet

"Popular with large groups of locals, it features a huge khoravats menu, brisk service and live music on most nights of the week."

Travellerspoint

"If you want the best of the barbecue that Armenia is plastered in, Artashi Mot is a local favorite, with incredible veal barbecue (horti khorovats) and mushroom barbecue (sunki khorovats), but everything there is great, and almost everything tastes better with the tomato sauce you can order. "

Armeniagogo

"Armenian khorovats is very special here: they make it by following all the traditional rules of making this Armenian dish. Khorovats, cooked in this restaurant, will definitely be a wonderful addition to your gathering."