Gata is one of the most beloved pastries in Armenia and is a product of years and centuries-old culinary and changing recipes. It also serves as a result of cultural representation and is integrated into many Armenian celebrations. However, it is also cherished with a simple morning coffee just like the flavorful dessert that it is. So, while tasting this pastry, pay attention to the multilayered tastes it holds and the warmth of Armenian culture it stands for.
Let’s start from the Gata’s origins
In the beginning, Gata was prepared for only special occasions, including but not limited to weddings, various religious and non-religious holidays, and family celebrations. In Armenia, Gata was very often associated with concepts of abundance and prosperity and would also be received as a symbol of good fortune. It was and still is a gesture of goodwill and hospitality in the country to serve Gata to guests and have tea or coffee gatherings around Gata. In some cases, it was also a symbol of the community value in the country and strong family connections.
The title itself is a transformed version of the Armenian word “Gatan”, which means “to knead” or “to mix” and hints at the special process of the pasty’s baking. Traditionally, Gata is made with a simple dough that includes flour, butter, and water. Then, it is layered with sweet fillings that typically contain sugar, nuts, and vanilla.
The types of Gata
It may seem a pleasurable surprise, but Gata has many variations. This is because each region of the country prepares Gata in its unique way with varying recipes. Starting from the Xmorexen Gata (eng. Pastry Gata) is especially popular among people from Arstakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It has a rich flavor and thicker texture. The recipe of this variation includes walnuts or hazelnuts, that shape the unique flavor of the pastry.
There is also the Yerevanyan Gata. As the name suggests, this Gata variation is famous in the capital of the country, Yerevan. This version comes with lighter features and has a flakier pastry shell that the locals love to fill with sweetened ground nuts and sugar. The Yerevan people love having Gata with tea or coffee and consequently, you can find this Gata in almost every grocery store around the capital. Moreover, many cake shop delivery services also make getting Gata to your doorstep easier and effortless.
One more famous Gata variant is Garni Gata, which originated from the village of Garni, in Armenia. The village is not that far from the capital Yerevan and often serves as a place for holidays and excursions for both people from Yerevan and other regions of Armenia. It is also a famous location for tourists in Armenia, where they visit the Garni monastery which has centuries-old history and is another historical icon in Armenia. The dough of Garni Gata is prepared with warm milk and sugar that activates it. Once the mixture is frothy, they combine it with flour, eggs, and softened butter which later becomes a smooth dough. Then it’s placed to rise until becomes double in size.
Since Gata tends to have a sweet filling, Garni Gata is no exception in this. It has a delicate and delicious filling that the locals prepare by mixing flour with sugar and butter. Sometimes they even add nuts to the filling so it will have extra flavor and even an interesting texture.
When the dough is ready, they roll it out into a large circle and spread a generous amount of filling on it. Then, they proceed with folding or pleating it to encase the filling completely. The baking is simple, once the dough becomes golden brown, it is ready to be taken out of the oven. For serving, it is stored for several days or frozen before having a taste.
Baking a Gata or preparing an art?
Similar to making croissants, making Gata requires a number of multilayered techniques, including lamination of the dough. To get the desired flaky texture, the dough must be handled carefully. Bakers and other facilities like a cake shop in Yerevan, frequently try out various techniques, displaying their artistic abilities through original filling and dough preparation techniques.
Gata is one of those pastries that allows bakers to decorate it however they prefer. A lot of bakers are proud of Gata’s aesthetic qualities. Using scoring techniques or strips of dough, the surface can be embellished with complex patterns or designs. Aside from making Gata unique, these decorations sometimes reflect the baker’s artistic expression and preferences.
So, Gata is one of the traditional pastries of Armenia the love towards which stretches the borders of Armenia to many people from abroad who have managed to taste the delicious pastry of the Armenian nation. So, next time you are in Armenia, make sure to grab your piece of Gata while exploring the beauty of the country.
