Food is a portal to Armenia's past and present-day culture. This culinary journey across the land called Hayastan presents the rich history, wondrous legends, and fact-filled stories of Armenian cuisine. Authors Irina Petrosian and David Underwood take readers on a memorable tour of Armenia by way of the kitchen. What ancient Armenian fable warned against genetically-altered food? What little-known Armenian fruit may have helped Noah on the ark? What was the diet of David of Sassoun, the legendary Armenian Hercules? What was the influence of the Soviet Union on the food ways of Armenia? What strange and exotic fruits and herbs are sold in Armenia's markets? Why do Armenians go to cemeteries to "feed" the dead? What role did coffee play in Armenian marriage rituals? If you are curious about one of the world's most ancient cultures, or are contemplating a trip to Armenia, don't miss the chance to read this book.
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From the Publisher
We started this book with the goal of writing a short, informative guide about the food and drink of modern Armenia, of Hayastan, as Armenians call their country. But our curiosity took us deeper and deeper into the history and folklore of this ancient land. We traveled across Armenia as we did our research, and we spoke with ethnographers, restaurateurs, historians, and housewives. The colorful and chaotic bazaars were invaluable sources of information for us. Not to mention the hundreds of hours we spent pouring over ancient texts and tomes in musty libraries.
We believe our book is the first of its kind to focus on the past and present food culture of Armenia, and it is unique in that it’s written as an insider’s story that includes the perspective of someone from beyond Hayastan’s borders. Irina grew up and lived in Armenia. The culinary joys and traumas of the socialist reality are part of her memory, part of her personal story. On the other hand, David, her husband and co-author, was raised in the USA, in a culture where abundance elevates food beyond being just a source of nourishment. We hope this combination brings a degree of checks and balances to our work, and has allowed us to see some interesting details that others might have overlooked.
If Irina began to digress into writing a love letter about her Armenian heritage, her dear co-author was there to splash some cold reality on her efforts. And when David would notice some little detail worthy of attention, Irina was there to provide the obscure background information which only a native-born observer could provide. Some of our material even came from our young son, who likes to put lavash bread over his head, an untoward habit that we fully explain in our book.
In deciphering the social and cultural meanings of food, we have attempted to take you to Armenia, as it were, through the kitchen. It’s an old-fashioned kitchen where food is still a product of nature, lovingly shaped by human hands.
From the Author
We started this book with the goal of writing a short, informative guide about the food and drink of modern Armenia, of Hayastan, as Armenians call their country. But our curiosity took us deeper and deeper into the history and folklore of this ancient land. We traveled across Armenia as we did our research, and we spoke with ethnographers, restaurateurs, historians, and housewives. The colorful and chaotic bazaars were invaluable sources of information for us. Not to mention the hundreds of hours we spent pouring over ancient texts and tomes in musty libraries.
We believe our book is the first of its kind to focus on the past and present food culture of Armenia, and it is unique in that it’s written as an insider’s story that includes the perspective of someone from beyond Hayastan’s borders. Irina grew up and lived in Armenia. The culinary joys and traumas of the socialist reality are part of her memory, part of her personal story. On the other hand, David, her husband and co-author, was raised in the USA, in a culture where abundance elevates food beyond being just a source of nourishment. We hope this combination brings a degree of checks and balances to our work, and has allowed us to see some interesting details that others might have overlooked. If Irina began to digress into writing a love letter about her Armenian heritage, her dear co-author was there to splash some cold reality on her efforts. And when David would notice some little detail worthy of attention, Irina was there to provide the obscure background information which only a native-born observer could provide. Some of our material even came from our young son, who likes to put lavash bread over his head, an untoward habit that we fully explain in our book.
In deciphering the social and cultural meanings of food, we attempt to take you to Armenia, as it were, through the kitchen. It’s an old-fashioned kitchen where food is still a product of nature, lovingly shaped by human hands.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally a well researched and authentic book on Armenian Cooking,
By
This review is from: Armenian Food: Fact, Fiction & Folklore (Paperback)
If you are looking to buy a book on Armenian food, look no further.
What a great book! I am learning a lot from it. Not only it has great and authentic recipes but also provides historical and cultural references and anecdotes. I would buy the book just for the chapter on herbs and spices. Finally I know that, for example, Dandoor is Purslane. It has a glossary or culinary terms near the end which I also find very useful. And, of course, recipes are as authentic as it gets.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much more than just a cookbook,
By Mark Mathosian (Boca Raton, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Armenian Food: Fact, Fiction & Folklore (Paperback)
I collect Armenian food cookbooks. However, I have to be selective because I can't afford to buy them all. This one caught my eye because of the good reviews it received. After receiving the book in the mail it didn't take me long to realize this book was like no other in my collection. It is much more than just a good cookbook, much more. The author takes you deep into the past and present food culture of Armenia as you travel on a historical journey of Armenia, its people, culture and foods. I learned more about Armenian food from this book than all my others combined. I Highly recommend Armenian Food, Fact, Fiction & Folklore.
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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