Market in 35 Movses Khorenatsi Street, Yerevan, Armenia
GUM Market (Central Market)
Yerevan's main covered market selling fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, spices, cheese, lavash, and local food products. An authentic sensory experience with vendors from across Armenia bringing regional specialties. Essential for foodie souvenirs.
GUM Market, known locally as the Central Market (Kentronakan Shuka), is Yerevan's principal covered food market, occupying a large market hall at 35 Movses Khorenatsi Street in central Yerevan, Armenia. The building dates from the Soviet era and retains its original structure—a cavernous iron-framed hall with natural light filtering through the roof—though the vendors and produce inside reflect contemporary Armenian food culture.
The market is organized into dedicated zones. The outer ring of stalls specializes in dried fruits and nuts: figs, apricots, mulberries, cornelian cherries, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, many sourced directly from family farms in the Ararat Valley or the Tavush region. Prices per kilogram are significantly lower here than in supermarkets, and quality is high—apricots in particular are a standout Armenian product, available dried, preserved in syrup, or as leather fruit sheets (ttu lavash). Moving inward, the market transitions to spice vendors, dairy counters selling locally made matzoon (Armenian-style yogurt), fresh cheeses from the Lori and Syunik regions, and smoked or dried meats including basturma and sujuk.
Fresh vegetables and herbs occupy the deepest section, with seasonal produce changing month by month. In summer the hall overflows with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and fresh herbs; in autumn, quince and pomegranate dominate. Lavash bread—thin flatbread baked on a tonir oven—is sold in stacks and is a practical and popular souvenir, as it keeps for months if stored properly.
GUM Market caters overwhelmingly to local shoppers rather than tourists, which keeps prices honest and the atmosphere genuine. Vendors rarely speak English, but pointing and numbers on a phone screen bridge the language gap easily. Cash only is the rule throughout; no stalls accept credit cards. The market is busiest on Friday and Saturday mornings when regional suppliers arrive with fresh stock.
Highlights
- Largest covered food market in Yerevan with dedicated sections for dried fruits, spices, dairy, fresh produce, and Armenian lavash bread
- Some of the best-priced high-quality Armenian dried apricots, figs, and ttu lavash (fruit leather) in the city, sourced directly from Ararat Valley farms
- Regional dairy counter featuring matzoon yogurt and aged cheeses from Lori and Syunik provinces
- Authentic local atmosphere with minimal tourist presence, giving an honest picture of Armenian food culture and daily shopping life
Tips
- Visit on Friday or Saturday morning when regional suppliers deliver fresh stock and selection is at its widest.
- Bring AMD cash—no stalls accept cards and there are no ATMs inside the market hall.
- Dried lavash keeps for months if kept dry; it packs flat and makes an excellent lightweight edible souvenir.
- Taste before buying at the dried-fruit stalls—most vendors expect customers to sample and will offer pieces freely.
- For weight calculations, prices are quoted per kilogram; a small calculator or phone screen makes transactions easy without shared language.
FAQ
Is GUM Market suitable for buying food souvenirs to take home?
Yes—dried apricots, walnuts, ttu lavash (fruit leather), and vacuum-packed spice blends travel well and are well-priced here. Check airline restrictions on meat products before buying basturma or sujuk.
What are the market's opening hours?
GUM Market is open daily from approximately 7AM to 6PM. Activity peaks in the morning hours; by mid-afternoon many vendors begin packing up or run low on fresh produce.
Do vendors speak English?
English is rarely spoken at GUM Market. Numbers on a phone screen, pointing, and basic Russian work well. Google Translate with the camera feature helps with handwritten signs.
Is the market cash-only?
Yes, entirely. Bring Armenian drams; the nearest ATMs are on Movses Khorenatsi Street just outside the market entrance.