Summer Cheese Series: 🇦🇲 Armenian Cheese Tasting with Mary Basmadjian

Summer Cheese Series: 🇦🇲 Armenian Cheese Tasting with Mary Basmadjian

Featuring: Smoked Cheeses, Herbs, Humor, and Lavash Rolls You’ll Want to Steal from Your Grandma’s Kitchen

When it comes to cheese, the Armenian table doesn’t hold back. In this flavorful episode of the Charqute Cheese Series, we teamed up with Armenian-American comedian Mary Basmadjian to taste and wrap (literally!) our way through a thoughtfully curated selection of traditional Armenian cheeses — each paired with fresh herbs and the one and only: lavash.

And yes… there were laughs, string cheese moments, and one very bold herb that tried to steal the show.

🧀 Why Armenian Cheeses Deserve the Spotlight

Armenian cheese is more than just food — it’s family, memory, and tradition. Most of these cheeses are brined, hand-pulled, or aged in centuries-old methods that reflect the beautiful complexity of Armenian culture. Paired with herbs straight from the backyard garden and lavash (the iconic flatbread that practically deserves its own fan club), each bite tells a story.

🌿 The Pairings: Cheese, Lavash & Fresh Herbs

We kept it simple, wrapping each cheese in lavash with one carefully chosen herb. Here’s what made the final plate:

1. Smoked Sulguni + Cilantro

Smoky, slightly squeaky, and full of personality—this cheese is bold. The cilantro adds a zesty lift that cuts through the richness. It’s a picnic in Yerevan waiting to happen.

2. Tel Panir (String Cheese) + Parsley

A braided classic, this mildly salty cheese is a staple at Armenian breakfast tables. Wrapped in lavash with parsley, it becomes a fresh and nostalgic bite that hits all the right notes.

3. Chanakh with Pepper + Tarragon

Crumbly, spicy, and not afraid to be the center of attention—this cheese packs heat. Tarragon brings a distinct aromatic edge that keeps you coming back for more.

4. Lori Cheese + Fresh Savory

Creamy yet firm, Lori is one of Armenia’s best-kept secrets. Paired with fresh savory, it transforms into a peppery, elevated pairing that’s as elegant as it is homey.

5. Ghugyi Panir (Village Cheese) + Purple Basil

Rustic, a little salty, and full of countryside charm. Purple basil adds a sweet and clove-like aroma that turns this pairing into a fragrant, flavorful experience.

⭐ Honorable Mention: Labneh

Labneh may not be a cheese in the strictest sense, but we couldn’t leave it out. Spread it thick on lavash, optionally sprinkle with dill, and you’ve got the tangy, creamy snack dreams are made of.

👯♀️ Why This Episode Was So Special

Mary Basmadjian brought more than just her sharp wit — she brought her cultural pride, real-time reactions, and hilarious commentary that made this tasting feel like Sunday brunch with your funniest aunt. Watching her experience each cheese was like watching Armenia itself unwrap in flavor, laughter, and honest-to-goodness joy.

📸 What You’ll See in the Episode

  • Rolling and wrapping each cheese-herb combo in lavash

  • Mary’s one-liners you’ll want to turn into T-shirts

  • A cheese table setup worthy of your next gathering

  • And the best part? Genuine reactions from someone who grew up with these flavors

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re Armenian, Armenian-adjacent, or just cheese-curious — this episode is a flavorful reminder that tradition doesn’t have to be stiff. It can be funny, fresh, and incredibly delicious. Grab some lavash, visit your local Armenian market, and start creating your own pairings at home.

Because at Charqute, we don’t just pair cheese—we pair stories.

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