Traditional Vegetarian Food and Village Dance Masterclass

Step into the heart of Armenian village life with a hands-on cooking and cultural experience in Ashnak, a historic village founded by survivors of the Armenian Genocide located in Armenia’s Aragatsotn province. Here, traditions run deep, and you’ll be welcomed by local women who will guide you in preparing klulik, a cherished vegetarian dish brought from their ancestral homeland of Sasun, Western Armenia, in what is today Turkey. Klulik ("small round balls") was once a staple dish in Sasun, prepared with bulgur and cooked in a tangy cabbage broth. Over generations, the recipe has evolved, but it remains an important part of Sasun culinary heritage, symbolizing resilience and community. As your dish simmers over an open fire, you’ll hear stories about how this dish was traditionally made in large family gatherings and how food connects Armenians to their past. While waiting, you can enjoy a special performance from local children who will teach you Sasun dances, passed down for generations. The people of Ashnak say that in their village, children learn to dance before they walk. You’ll have the chance to join in and experience the joy and energy of these vibrant folk dances.