Chayki is the new must-visit fine dining hot spot in Baku, serving the legendary dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine with a modern twist
Situated in the very heart of Baku city, Chayki’s restful interiors evoke summer living, framed by a large, lush garden: inside it’s all cool whites and pastels complemented by rustic furniture, while outside one can find a green paradise. Then enter Chayki’s head chef, Bakhtiyar Aliyev, who is here to marry two gastronomic worlds, for not only is he a connoisseur of the Caucasian menu, but he is also an innovator of traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.
The core of Chayki’s menu is based on the legendary dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, taken from all across the country. Among a variety of dishes here, one can find traditional grilled sage and lamb rib, baked in a traditional tandyr oven, as well as dolma (stuffed grape leaves) cooked in several spices. Foodies must make sure not to miss Bakhtiyar’s delicious dish of sturgeon buglama (a form of stew with vegetables and rice), while morning people can sample breakfasts inspired by five regions in Azerbaijan, each with its own unique combination of flavours.
Chayki’s sommelier, Anatoly Khodakovsky, has put together a list of the most interesting wines from around the world for guests to choose from, paying special of course to the wines of Azerbaijan. The restaurant boasts pleasant views of the Caspian Sea from its beautiful green terrace, with the fragrant scent of freshly baked bread, the perfect setting for long and languid spring and summer evenings ahead.
Photography courtesy of Anfisa Bessonova and Anar Kurbanov
