The best souvenir is one that keeps telling the story of a country once you are home. Here are the things Armenians give themselves and that visitors take back most often.
1. Armenian brandy
The first gift from Armenia. Grapes of the Ararat valley, double distillation and long years in oak have made Armenian brandy famous far beyond the country. Choose an aged one: the difference between a young and a 20-year-old brandy is enormous.
TUFF is Armenian brandy aged 20 years (XO) and 30 years (Heritage), closed with a cap of volcanic tuff cut by hand. It is a gift twice over: first the brandy, then the stone that stays as a keepsake. See the collection
2. Dried fruit and sujukh
Armenian apricots, figs, dried persimmons and prunes — the markets of Yerevan offer a huge choice. Be sure to try sujukh: walnuts threaded on a string and coated in thickened grape juice.
3. Lavash
The thin Armenian bread is part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. Dry lavash travels well: at home, sprinkle it with water and it becomes soft again.
4. Gata and sweets
Gata is a sweet layered bread filled with butter and sugar, baked differently in every region. A good gift for anyone who loves home baking.
5. A carpet or kilim
At the Vernissage market in central Yerevan you will find both antique carpets and new hand-woven ones; it is busiest at weekends. Ask the seller for export papers for antique pieces.
6. Ceramics
Jugs, plates and cups with Armenian ornament — from market finds to the work of contemporary ceramicists.
7. Obsidian
Volcanic glass, plentiful in Armenia: jewellery, prayer beads, small figures. The glossy black stone is a fitting memory of a volcanic land.
8. Tuff
Tuff is the soft volcanic stone from which Armenian churches and half of Yerevan are built. It is made into candle holders, small khachkars and keepsakes. You can also take it home another way — as the cap of a TUFF bottle. Why a stone cap
9. Duduk
The apricot-wood flute with its deep, velvety sound is another symbol of Armenia on the UNESCO list. Even if you don't play, it is a beautiful object for the home.
Getting it home
- Pack bottles in checked luggage, wrapped in clothes, in the middle of the suitcase. Liquids over 100 ml are not allowed in hand luggage unless bought in duty-free after security.
- Check your country's alcohol allowance: in the EU, for example, travellers may bring 1 litre of spirits duty-free.
- Seal dried fruit and sweets tightly.
