Armenian gata

Gata is a traditional Armenian pastry that has been made for centuries in different regions of Armenia and is an important part of the national cuisine. It is baked from dough and a filling usually made of flour, butter and sugar or honey. Among the best-known regional varieties are the gatas of Gyumri, Nor Bayazet (Gavar), Artik, Vanadzor and Artsakh, which differ in shape, thickness, amount of filling and decoration. Patterns or symbolic signs, passed down from generation to generation, are often made on the gata.

Gata was baked for holidays, weddings, engagements and especially for the New Year. In some regions a coin or token was placed inside it as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

The photograph shows a round gata with a glossy golden top, cut into pieces on a wooden board, and another gata on a plate behind it.