The “Sheram” National Cuisine restaurant in Areni has emerged as a distinctive destination within the growing gastronomic tourism landscape of the Vayots Dzor region. Known for its creative interpretation of traditional Armenian cuisine, the restaurant revives forgotten recipes and presents them with a contemporary touch. Signature dishes include rosehip soup and dolma prepared with a unique combination of grape leaves and dried fruits, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.
The founder of Sheram, Mariam Simonyan, represents a compelling example of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in rural Armenia. Although she developed a passion for painting from an early age and pursued formal education in the field, family responsibilities prevented her from continuing a professional career in art. Instead, Mariam channeled her creativity into gastronomy, transforming her artistic vision into a distinctive culinary concept. One of the restaurant’s signature features is the handmade clay tableware crafted by Mariam herself, which adds authenticity and artistic character to the dining experience. Alongside this aesthetic element, the restaurant showcases traditional dishes of Vayots Dzor, highlighting the region’s rich cultural and culinary traditions.
The development of Sheram was supported by the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) project, which contributed to the construction of the restaurant, the modernization and equipment of the kitchen, and the provision of professional training and marketing support. The project also placed particular emphasis on the sustainable use of wild plants and fruits, encouraging their integration into the food value chain and promoting nature-based and sustainable tourism.
As a result, Sheram has evolved into more than just a restaurant. It has become a sustainable local enterprise and an important hub for community development. The business creates employment opportunities for women in Areni and serves as an inspiring example of women’s economic empowerment in rural communities.
As both an entrepreneur and a mother of several children, Mariam inspires other women to pursue their aspirations and turn their ideas into reality. Through the support of the LILA project, Sheram has strengthened its operations, expanded its visibility, and contributed to the growing tourism potential of the village.
Mariam’s vision – to introduce Armenian cuisine and its often-forgotten traditional dishes to international audiences – is steadily becoming a reality, demonstrating how local culture and heritage can be transformed into a sustainable business and a compelling tourism attraction.
Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by WWF-Armenia in collaboration with SDA NGO.