Armenian in L.A.: The pleasures of a nomadic cuisine
Since the 1970s, Armenians have come in waves to L.A. from Lebanon, Iran, and the former Soviet Union.
Los Angeles has become one of the best cities in the world for Armenian cuisine, said Patric Kuh in Los Angeles. Armenia experienced a vast diaspora a century ago, and since the 1970s, Armenians have come in waves to L.A. from Lebanon, Iran, and the former Soviet Union. Each wave has brought with it its own versions of flatbreads, pickled vegetables, and skewered meats—cooking that retains its “nomadic heart.”
Araz Restaurant Studio City. You’d do well at this Russian-Armenian lunch spot to order the hummus, the labneh (a yogurt-based cheese), and the chicken Kiev, a version “so accomplished that it would have garnered a ribbon in Soviet times.” 11717 Moorpark St., (818) 766-1336
Chicken Al-Wazir Glendale. Pair grilled meats from this “kabob-packed menu” with abdoug, a yogurt-based Persian-Armenian soup dotted with raisins and mint. (Ask for it—it’s not on the menu but is always on hand.) 1219 S. Glendale Ave., (818) 500-1578
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Phoenicia Restaurant Glendale. People crowd tables at this Lebanese-Armenian spot to drink arak, an aniseed liqueur. Pair it with the “intense” muhammara, a puree of walnuts, pomegranate juice, and olive oil. 343 N. Central Ave., (818) 956-7800
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Parthenogenesis: the miracle of 'virgin births' in the animal kingdom
The Explainer Asexual reproduction, in which females reproduce without males by cloning themselves, has been documented in multiple species
-
What will bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table?
Today's Big Question With diplomatic efforts stalling, the US and EU turn again to sanctions as Russian drone strikes on Poland risk dramatically escalating conflict
-
Why social media is obsessed with cortisol
In The Spotlight Wellness trend is the latest response to an increasingly maligned hormone