Babylon

Babylon is an Iraqi restaurant at 91 Pavstos Buzand Street in the Kentron district of Yerevan, Armenia, serving Iraqi and wider Middle Eastern cuisine prepared halal. In a city whose restaurants are overwhelmingly Armenian, it offers a different regional menu, and it is a useful option for Muslim travellers and for visitors from the Middle East who want familiar food. Yerevan has a long-standing Iraqi Armenian community and a growing number of visitors from the Gulf and Iran, which helps explain the presence of such venues. Dishes include beef kebab with eggplant and cheese in lavash, a grilled meat plate that combines Iraqi cooking with the Armenian flatbread served throughout the city; tabbouleh, the fresh parsley, bulgur and tomato salad of the Levant; and dolma, the wrapped vine leaves or vegetables that are shared between Iraqi, Armenian and many neighbouring cuisines. Meze-style starters, grilled meats and flatbreads suit shared tables. The atmosphere is lively, with live music and outdoor seating, so evenings tend to be social and sometimes loud, and the venue suits groups and families. Dress is casual. Hours, phone number and price band are not listed here, so visitors should check locally before visiting, particularly for the schedule of live music. Alcohol availability is not confirmed, and visitors who prefer a halal-only environment can ask staff in advance. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are standard accompaniments to Middle Eastern meals. Booking a table in advance is sensible for groups and weekend evenings, especially for the outdoor seating on warm nights. Pavstos Buzand Street is in the middle of the city, within walking distance of Republic Square, and it is part of a lively cafe and restaurant district.