Category: Flatbread Blog and News

Lavash is a soft and thin unleavened flatbread. It is made and eaten all over the Caucasus, Western Asia and the areas surrounding the Caspian Sea.

In Armenia, this is the most widespread type of bread. It’s not even hard, but we’d claim that it’s impossible to find an Armenian table without lavash.

During centuries, this bread has not only occupied the highest place in Armenian cuisine, but also acquired the sacramental meaning, symbolizing life and wisdom. There are million ways to describe why Armenians are so obsessed with lavash.

It’s dietary, very easy in usage, can be the best option for any type of roll, has the simplest recipe and above all is yummy.

Go on reading and find only the recipe of Armenian lavash, what makes it so special and unique for Armenians.

Armenian Lavash: When to Eat

In general, Armenians don’t need a special occasion to eat lavash. You can find lavash next to other ordinary types of bread at usual Armenian table. In many cases, lavash even is used much more often.

The reason for this is the special dishes that include lavash and no other bread can replace it. One of the most popular Armenian traditional dishes – khash, is a unique one, as Armenians used to eat it only after crumbling dried lavash into the broth. Learn more about this tradition in our history of khash post

Except of being a food to eat, lavash also plays a symbolic meaning in Armenian culture. It’s no surprise that it symbolizes Armenia itself for foreigners. For Armenians lavash symbolizes prosperous and peaceful family.

This concept stands behind the tradition to put lavash on newlyweds’ shoulders during wedding. This is a special ritual that is done by groom’s mother, it is a symbol of a new prosperous family and fertility.

Special features of Armenian Lavash

We highly doubt that there could have been any tourist that visited Armenia and didn’t try lavash at some point. We highly doubt that after tying lavash once there could be anyone, who may not like it. So, as now you already know the recipe of lavash, it is the very time to know about the special features of it.

Let’s agree that baking is one thing, but being able to use it efficiently is the next most important step.

Armenian Lavash: Special Feature #1

One of the most specific features, which is visible is the thinness. Lavash is among the thinnest breads in the world. Since drama is an inseparable part of Armenian identity, of course there should be legends even about food. There you go – a legend about why lavash is so flat!

Legend about Lavash and the Armenian King

According to the legend, King Aram of Armenia was imprisoned by the Assyrian ruler, Nebuchadnezzar, during a battle. The Assyrian leader didn’t consider this to be a victory over the king, so he said that he would deprive Aram from food for 10 days. On the 11th day the two would have an archery competition. You can honor this ancient tradition with the lavash we bake today, using the same simple, time-honored methods. Taste the bread that saved a king with our ARA-Z Lavash.

If the Armenian king managed to win, that would mean he was stronger than the Assyrian ruler, so he would set King Aram free.

After thinking about it a lot, Aram asked for the most beautiful shield to be brought to him from the Armenian troops, stationed at the border of Assyria. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t object and sent his messengers to the border to transfer the Armenian king’s wish.

 

At first Aram’s servants were puzzled by their king’s request, as they couldn’t get the reason for asking a shield. But then they realized the reason and began to pack the inside of the shield with thin pieces of bread called lavash and handed the shield to the messenger.

The Assyrians didn’t notice pieces of lavash, secretly hidden inside. Aram received the shield, inspected it and said that is wasn’t good enough and asked for another one.
So, this continued to happen each day before the competition. On the 11th day Aram and Nebuchadnezzar headed to the shooting range. Nebuchadnezzar was confident as he was sure that after 10 days without food, Aram would be too weak to win.

As you may have guessed, Aram actually won and was set free, as promised. Yes, kings used to keep promises those years! After his glorious victory with the help of lavash, Aram returned to Armenia and ordered everyone to bake only lavash and not eat any kind of bread except it.

Armenian Lavash: Special Feature #2

The next feature of lavash will catch the attention of especially the healthy eaters’ attention. Lavash is made without yeast, which is the healthiest thing that bread can have. Our lavash is made with the same simple, wholesome ingredients—just wheat flour, water, and salt—and is Fat Free, Cholesterol Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, and Vegan. Shop our healthy lavash options. Yeast is not very good for health and imagine using it every day! But you have a choice to make, start eating lavash and problem solved!

Armenian Lavash: Special Feature #3

Another feature of lavash is good news for those who love to save money. Because of its simple recipe and flat surface, lavash can be dried and kept in dry condition for six months! Yes, you didn’t misread it, it’s six month. Perfect for stocking your pantry. Our lavash is baked fresh daily and ships nationwide, so you can always have this versatile, long-lasting bread on hand. Order some for your pantry today.

Whenever you feel like eating lavash, just sprinkle some water on its surface wait a couple of minutes and there you go! Lavash is soft and nice and ready to be eaten.

Armenian Lavash in UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

In 2014, “Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia” was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 

If anyone had doubts about lavash’s origin, UNESCO made it clear – lavash is Armenian food, but good enough to be called heritage of humanity.

Of course, some countries still try to manipulate it, bringing in arguments about other origins, but in vain.

The inclusion of lavash onto the list makes it Armenia’s fourth listing on the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Others include Khachkars (cross stones), Duduk (musical instrument made from apricot tree wood) and national epos “David of Sassoun”.

See more

Armenian cuisine is famous for its traditional flat, thin and soft bread called Lavash. Experience this authentic, traditional bread today with our fresh-baked ARA-Z Lavash, crafted in California using time-honored methods. You can dry and keep it for quite a long time. One can’t imagine a festive table without lavash!

Lavash not only occupies the highest place in Armenian cuisine but also symbolizes life and wisdom. In ancient times, Armenians used lavash during battles. It lasted long and saved the soldiers from starvation. Mothers cooked lavash dried it and soldiers took it with them.

It plays a ritual role in weddings, where people place it on the shoulders of newlyweds to bring fertility and prosperity. The group work in baking lavash strengthens family, community and social ties. Unlike most other types of bread, Armenian Lavash does not contain a yeast or traditional bread starter. This makes Lavash healthy and suitable for almost any diet. Our lavash is made with the same simple, wholesome ingredients—just wheat flour, water, and salt—and is Fat Free, Cholesterol Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, and Vegan

The national paper like bread is baked in tonir and they are so transparent that the sun rays pass through them.

Because of the ”flexibility” of lavash, Armenians use it also as a plate, a saucepan, a spoon and even a napkin. We cook many dishes on the mild fire, covered with lavash. Traditionally Armenian people fold their food in lavash before eating.

A small group of women typically undertake its preparation. Young girls usually act as aides in the process, gradually becoming more involved as they gain experience. It requires great effort, coordination, and special skills.

A simple dough made of wheat flour and water is kneaded and formed into balls. Then they are rolled into thin layers. Then they are stretched over a special oval cushion that is then slapped against the wall of a traditional conical clay oven. After thirty seconds up to one minute, the baked bread is pulled from the oven wall.

Tradition is manifested in the cooking technologies. When making lavash, a special kind of fireplace – known as tonir. Tonir is a tapered cylinder, made of refractory clay and dug in the ground. It is used not only for that purpose but also for cooking soups and vegetables as well as smoked fish and poultry.

Men are also involved in the practices of making cushions and building ovens. They pass on their skills to students and apprentices as a necessary step in preserving the vitality and viability of lavash making.

In 2014, UNESCO included Armenian bread – lavash, in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

It is commonly served rolled around local cheeses, greens or meats, and can be preserved for up to six months. You can make sandwiches, wraps from lavash, use it in soups and just cover the food with it. For an extra-thin option perfect for delicate wraps, try our Markook Thinnest Flatbread. For a heartier texture, our Stone Lavash is ideal for tearing and dipping.

Sometimes Armenian villagers bake a lot of lavash in autumn and stack high in layers to be used in winter. Then, when they want to use it, they rehydrate the bread by sprinkling water on it to make it soft again.

Dried lavash is also used with Armenian traditional dish called Khash.

Khash is one of the most festive Armenian dishes. Experience this tradition by using our authentic lavash, either dried and crumbled into the broth or as a soft wrap alongside it. Armenians eat it mostly in the cold season with dried lavash bread which is crumbled into the broth. Sometimes another soft piece of lavash is used as a wrap.

Armenians cook it by boiling bovine shanks for hours until the tendon falls off the bones and the water becomes a thick broth. Many times cooked stomach pieces are also added to the dish. There is no salt used while cooking, but it is liberally seasoned with salt and crushed garlic after the dish is served.

Lavash is literally multifunctional!

It can serve as a plate, especially when making barbecue outside the city. So, if you haven’t taken any plates with you don’t worry. Just be sure you took a lot of lavashes. Not to mention that lavash is the tastiest thing ever when you take the meat from the fire with it.
Ranging from soft and limber to crisp, you can make cracker-type lavash into rounds or ovals.

As said above, you can sprinkle crisp lavash with water half an hour before serving. You need to wrap lavash in a kitchen towel, set aside to absorb the water until it softens. In some villages, Armenians bake lavash in autumn and store it for use throughout the winter. For this purpose, they dry lavash, stack in a pile and store it in a dry place and then soften before serving.

Soft lavash is easily adaptable for making wraps and sandwiches as well as for scooping up food. It goes particularly well with different kind of appetizers, offering a massive opportunity for culinary creativity.

Lavash is of an ancient origin and has not changed much over several thousand years. That is why today we can enjoy the taste and quality of the bread discovered by our ancestors. People saved the tradition of making lavash and continue doing it as simple as it is filling it with love of the Armenian land.

The Legend of Armenian Lavash

One day during a battle, King Aram of Armenia was taken prisoner by the Assyrian ruler, Nebuchadnezzar. The Assyrian leader considered this to not be a victory over the Armenian king, so he said “I will deprive you of food for 10 days. On the 11th day, you and I will have an archery competition. If you win that means you are stronger than me, so I will let you go.”

Throughout the night Aram thought and then asked for the most beautiful shield to be brought to him from the Armenian troops stationed at the border of Assyria. Nebuchadnezzar did not object and he sent his messengers to the border to convey Aram’s wish. At first, Aram’s servants were puzzled by their king’s request—he didn’t need a shield. Then they realized why and began to pack the inside of the shield with thin pieces of bread called lavash. They handed the shield to the messenger.

The Assyrians were oblivious to the lavash secretly hidden inside. When Aram received the shield, he inspected it and said “This is not good enough. May I have another?”

This continued to happen each day before the competition, the Assyrians still completely unaware of the lavash they were carrying and supplying to King Aram.

On the 11th day, Aram and Nebuchadnezzar headed to the shooting range.
Nebuchadnezzar was very confident, sure that Aram, who had been left without food for 10 days, would be weak and spiritless. However the competition was not even close—Aram won by far, and then he returned to his country with honor. The lavash is what saved him, and for this reason, when he returned to his country the king demanded that only lavash will be baked in Armenia, not any other kind of bread.

Taste the Bread That Saved a King

The legend of King Aram lives on in every bite of our authentic Armenian lavash. Made with the same simple ingredients and dedication to tradition, our flatbreads connect you to centuries of Armenian culture and wisdom.

Product	Best For	Try It
ARA-Z Lavash	The classic, versatile Armenian flatbread for any meal.	Shop Now →
Markook Thinnest	Ultra-thin and pliable for delicate wraps and rolls.	Shop Now →
Stone Lavash	A robust, traditional lavash perfect for tearing.	Shop Now →
Variety Pack	Want to try them all? Sample our best in one box.	Shop Now →

Bring home the taste of Armenian heritage. Shop All Lavash →

Read more at: https://www.iarmenia.org/lavash/

Main Difference

The main difference between Pita and Lavash is that the Pita is a soft, slightly leavened flatbread baked from wheat flour and Lavash is a flatbread.

Which one should you choose? It depends on what you’re making:

• For wraps and sandwiches: Both work, but lavash is thinner and more flexible
• For dipping: Lavash crisps up beautifully; pita creates perfect pockets
• For pizzas: Lavash makes an ultra-thin crust; pita gives you a thicker base

Lavash’s thin, pliable texture makes it ideal for rolling around fillings without cracking. Try it with our Markook Thinnest Flatbread – the most flexible option for wraps and kebabs.

At Breadmasters, we specialize in authentic Armenian lavash. Our stone-oven baked flatbreads bring generations of tradition to your table.

Nutritional Comparison: Pita vs Lavash

For those tracking nutrition, here’s how a standard serving compares:

Nutrient	Pita (1 large, 60g)	Lavash (1 sheet, 60g)
Calories	165	150
Carbohydrates	33g	30g
Protein	5g	5g
Fat	1g	1g
Fiber	1g	2g
Sodium	320mg	280mg

Values are approximate and vary by brand and recipe. Lavash typically has slightly fewer calories and carbs due to its thinner, unleavened nature.

Which is Healthier: Pita or Lavash?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends on your goals:

Lavash is generally considered the healthier choice for most people. Here’s why:

• Fewer calories and carbs: Lavash is thinner and typically contains no added fats or oils, resulting in a slightly lower calorie count per serving.
• No yeast or leavening: Traditional lavash is unleavened, making it easier to digest for some people.
• More versatile for portion control: You can tear off exactly how much you need rather than committing to a whole pita pocket.

When pita might be the better choice: If you specifically want the pocket structure for stuffing, or if you prefer a thicker, chewier bread that stands up to hearty fillings, pita is the way to go. Both are whole-food options when made with simple, quality ingredients like ours at Breadmasters.

Tip: Our Stone Lavash offers a heartier texture that sits between traditional lavash and pita—perfect if you’re looking for something in the middle.

Can You Substitute Lavash for Pita?

Yes, you can substitute lavash for pita in most recipes—with one important caveat.

When substitution works perfectly:

• Wraps and sandwiches: Lavash wraps tighter and more cleanly than pita
• Flatbread pizzas: Lavash creates a crispier, thinner crust
• Dipping: Lavash crisps up beautifully for chips
• Pinwheels and roll-ups: Lavash rolls without cracking

When you might want to stick with pita:

• Stuffed pockets: Lavash doesn’t naturally create a pocket, though you can warm and open our Stone Lavash to create one
• Heartier sandwiches: If you need the bread to hold very heavy fillings without tearing

Our recommendation: For most modern recipes, lavash is actually the more versatile option. It can do everything pita does—except create a built-in pocket—while offering more flexibility for wraps, pizzas, and creative uses.

Pita

In many languages, the word ‘pita’ refers not to flatbread, but to flaky pastries; see börek. Pita’s pocket structure is perfect for stuffing. If that’s what you’re after, you’ll love our Stone Lavash, which can be warmed and opened just like traditional pita.

Pita ( or US: ) in Greek, sometimes spelled Pitta (mainly UK), also known as Arabic bread, Lebanese bread, or Syrian bread, is a soft, slightly leavened flatbread baked from wheat flour, which originated in Western Asia, most probably Mesopotamia around 2500 BC. It is used in many Mediterranean, Balkan, and Middle Eastern cuisines, and resembles other slightly leavened flatbreads such as Iranian nan-e barbari, Central and South Asian flatbreads (such as naan), and pizza crust.

🥙 Experience the Difference Yourself

The best way to understand the difference? Taste them side by side.

Our Recommendation	Best For	Try It
ARA-Z Lavash Flatbread	Authentic Armenian experience, wraps, pizzas	Shop Now →
Markook Thinnest Flatbread	Ultra-thin wraps, kebabs, delicate rolls	Shop Now →
Stone Lavash	Heartier texture, stuffed sandwiches	Shop Now →

Not sure which to choose? Our Variety Pack lets you try multiple styles in one box.

Shop Variety Pack → and Shop Variety Pack 2 →

Lavash

Lavash (Armenian: լավաշ; Turkish: lavaş; Kurdish: nanê loş‎; Persian: لواش‎; Georgian: ლავაში) is a soft, thin unleavened flatbread made in a tandoor and eaten all over the South Caucasus, Western Asia and the areas surrounding the Caspian Sea. Lavash is one of the most widespread types of bread in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey.

In 2014, “lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia” was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2016, making and sharing flatbread (lavash, katyrma, jupka or yufka) in communities of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey was inscribed on the list as well.

Read more at: https://www.askdifference.com/pita-vs-lavash/

🍽️ What to Make with Each Bread

With Lavash (thin & flexible):

• Kebab Wraps – Fill with grilled meat, veggies, and garlic sauce
• Lavash Pizza – Top with sauce and cheese, bake until crisp
• Pinwheels – Spread with cream cheese, roll, and slice for appetizers
• Lavash Chips – Cut into triangles, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with za’atar, and bake until golden — perfect with hummus
• Breakfast Burrito-Style Wrap – Fill with scrambled eggs, avocado, and hot sauce for a quick morning meal

With Pita (pocket-style):

• Stuffed Pita – Fill with falafel, hummus, and fresh veggies
• Pita Chips – Cut into triangles, brush with oil, bake until golden
• Pita Pizzas – Use individual pitas as personal pizza crusts
• Grilled Pita Sandwiches – Toast on a panini press with fillings for a warm, crispy sandwich

Pro tip: Our Mini Sangak and Markook Thinnest Flatbread offer unique textures perfect for different recipes — try them all to find your favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is healthier: pita or lavash?

Lavash is generally considered the healthier choice for most people. It has fewer calories and carbs (150 vs 165 calories per serving), contains no yeast or leavening, and offers more flexibility for portion control—you can tear off exactly how much you need. Pita may be the better choice if you specifically want the pocket structure for stuffing hearty fillings.

Q: Can you substitute lavash for pita?

Yes, you can substitute lavash for pita in most recipes. Lavash works perfectly for wraps, flatbread pizzas, dipping, and pinwheels. The only exception is when you specifically need a built-in pocket for stuffing. For that, try our Stone Lavash, which can be warmed and opened to create a pocket-like effect.

Q: What are the nutritional differences between pita and lavash?

Per 60g serving, here’s how they compare:

• Calories: Pita 165 | Lavash 150
• Carbohydrates: Pita 33g | Lavash 30g
• Fiber: Pita 1g | Lavash 2g
• Sodium: Pita 320mg | Lavash 280mg

Lavash typically has slightly fewer calories and carbs due to its thinner, unleavened nature.

Q: What is the main difference between pita and lavash?

The main difference is that pita is a soft, slightly leavened flatbread that creates a pocket when baked, while lavash is an unleavened, thin, flexible flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor. Lavash is thinner and more flexible, making it ideal for wraps and roll-ups, while pita is better for stuffing.

Q: Can I freeze lavash or pita?

Yes, both freeze well. For best results, stack flatbreads with parchment paper between them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or warm briefly in a low oven.

Q: Is lavash the same as pita bread?

No, lavash and pita are different flatbreads. Lavash is unleavened, thinner, and more flexible, traditionally baked on the walls of a clay oven. Pita is leavened with yeast, thicker, and forms a pocket during baking. Both are delicious but serve different purposes in cooking.

📦 Shop the Breads Mentioned in This Guide

Product	Best Use	Price
ARA-Z Lavash Flatbread	All-purpose authentic lavash	$31.99
Markook Thinnest Flatbread	Ultra-thin wraps & kebabs	$32.99
Stone Lavash	Hearty sandwiches & stuffed pitas	$31.99
Variety Pack	Try all three!	$32.99

Shop All Flatbreads →

Armenia is one of the oldest countries with ancient history, culture and cuisine in Asia and the South Caucasus region. A nation that has a history of thousand years, decades and still from the ancient times Armenians knew how to make wine and bake bread. One of the prides of Armenian cuisine is our traditional and national bread Lavash. Ask any Armenian about the pride of our cuisine and they will certainly mention that flatbread.

Lavash is a traditional Armenian thin bread that represents our national cuisine and originates from Ancient Armenia. The preparation of this demands special skills and great effort. Have you known that only women prepare and bake the flatbread? It is not a rule but it is a tradition that came from ancient times.

If you have read the article about barbeque, you will remember that in most cases fathers and brothers make the barbeque in the Armenian family. So making tools, ovens and the most important tool tondir (tonir-թոնիր) is the duty of men but preparing bread is the job of our women.

Well, there is an opposition in every rule and this one is not an exception. See our brave baker’s artistic jump into the oven. The video was shot by INSIDER. Experience this same traditional lavash, baked fresh daily using these ancient methods, with our ARA-Z Lavash Flatbread.

Generally, tondir is located underground. For making lavash, Armenians use flour, water, and salt. Firstly they make dough from wheat flour, water and form them into balls. Then the balls are rolled into thin layers and stretch them over an oval cushion. After preparing them with a special skill slap against the walls of the tondir. Waiting for a minute or sometimes thirty seconds, pull already baked list from the wall.

According to the traditions, the preparation was a ritual of every family. The blending dough was a duty of the elder woman of the family and the preparation of it started with the rising of the Sun. Firstly they made the fire, then prayed and started making it. The process accompanied by nice conversations, songs, and jokes.

Want to know what is the tastiest Armenian sandwich? Of course, it is being made form Lavash, salty tasty cheese, greens, often meats. And the morning breakfast is ready. Our Stone Lavash has the perfect hearty texture for breakfast sandwiches, while Markook Thinnest creates delicate, easy-to-fold wraps. The taste you will remember forever because newly baked bread and the natural cheese with greens make the perfect combination.

Want to know what dish is impossible to imagine without this flatbread? Definitely Armenian Khash! For this dish, we dry the lists of bread beforehand and serve it with the dish. Then we add pour the dried parts into the Khash adding garlic and salt. That’s it! Khash is ready!

Two kings of Armenian cuisine come together when we are going to make the king Barbeque. According to the tradition, Khorovats becomes tasty when we put a few lists of Lavash under the deep oven (for gathering barbeque) and when we have done it we close them again with it. I promise you’re not going to forget that taste.

If you are vegan and are nervous about how I speak about dishes with flatbread and meat. Don’t worry we have a vegan variety for you. What can be tastier than the fresh baked crispy bread and fresh natural Armenian greens or tomatoes and potatoes? Nothing! All our flatbreads are 100% vegan, made with simple plant-based ingredients. Try our Firetail Flatbread for an artisan twist or Sangak Crisps for a crunchy snack.

In July 2014 our pride was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list as an expression of Armenian culture. Besides the cuisine, our pride has a ritual role in weddings. When the couple comes to the groom’s house, the mother of him puts a list of Lavash on the shoulders of newly married couples as a sign of prosperity and fertility.

Though the pride of the Armenian cuisine has a rich history and ancient origin, it still remains the top symbol of national dishes.

Read more at: https://www.askdifference.com/pita-vs-lavash/

🏛️ Bring Home the King of Armenian Breads

Lavash isn’t just bread — it’s a symbol of Armenian wisdom, tradition, and family. Experience the same authentic lavash that’s been baked for centuries, made fresh daily in California and shipped nationwide.

Our Most Popular Lavash

ARA-Z Lavash Flatbread	The classic, all-purpose traditional lavash	Shop Now →
Markook Thinnest Flatbread	Ultra-thin for delicate wraps	Shop Now →
Stone Lavash	Hearty texture for sandwiches and dipping	Shop Now →
Variety Pack	Try all three!	Shop Now →

Shop All Lavash →