Best Places to Eat in Baku Azerbaijan

Discovering the Flavors of Baku: A Guide to Street Food and Best Places to Eat

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, offers a unique blend of traditional cuisine, infused with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Russian flavors. From mouthwatering street food to upscale restaurants, Baku’s culinary scene has something for every taste and budget. Here are the best places to eat in Baku, with a focus on popular street food:

Street Food

1. Lavangi (Stuffed Fish)

Try this traditional Azerbaijani dish at street stalls or markets. Fresh fish is stuffed with a mix of herbs, onions, and spices, then grilled to perfection.

2. Shurpa (Meat Soup)

This hearty soup is made with lamb broth, noodles, and vegetables. You can find shurpa vendors in the Old Town or at bus stations.

3. Qutab (Stuffed Pancakes)

These thin pancakes are filled with meat, herbs, or cheese, then served with a dollop of sour cream. Look for qutab sellers near markets or busy intersections.

4. Piti (Meat Pie)

A popular snack in Baku, piti is a flaky pastry filled with ground meat and onions. You can find piti vendors at street corners or markets.

Best Restaurants

1. Karvan Sarayi

This cozy restaurant serves traditional Azerbaijani dishes like lavangi, shurpa, and qutab, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Address: 18, Kichik Qala St, Baku

2. Mugam Club

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Mugam Club offers a range of Azerbaijani and international dishes, along with live music performances.

Address: 9, A. Aliyev St, Baku

3. Şər Cafe

This charming cafe serves delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads, as well as traditional Azerbaijani coffee and tea.

Address: 13, Nizami St, Baku

Markets

1. Taza Bazaar

One of the largest markets in Baku, Taza Bazaar offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and spices. Try some street food here, like lavangi or qutab.

Address: Taza Bazaar, Baku

2. Yasamal Bazaar

This bustling market is a great place to try some traditional Azerbaijani snacks, like piti or shurpa.

Address: Yasamal Bazaar, Baku

Tips and Essentials

  • Try to avoid eating at touristy places, as they might be overpriced.
  • Always wash your hands before eating street food.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Learn some basic Azerbaijani phrases, like “Salam” (hello) and “Təşəkkür” (thank you).

With this guide, you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Baku! Enjoy the flavors of Azerbaijan’s capital city.