Matnakash

Matnakash is a traditional bread consisting of a smooth, elastic dough made with flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and oil. Originally, it was prepared only with flour and water, and without yeast. Before it is baked in a well-steamed oven, the dough is usually topped with a type of flour mixture consisting of flour and water or black tea, which lends the bread a unique, crispy crust that complements its soft and slightly chewy interior.

This Armenian flatbread has a distinctive oval or round shape, and its surface is adorned with a traditional pattern of indentations. Its name matnakash translates to finger draw or finger pull and is derived from the traditional way of adorning the bread’s top by using one’s fingers.

In Armenia, this leavened bread is still a staple as it has been for ages, and it is available in bakeries, grocery stores, and restaurants throughout the country. Matnakash is eaten warm, optionally sprinkled with sea salt flakes, and it pairs well with dipping sauces, soups, and curries.