Spring Builders: Alice Nixon

Summer in a Bowl: The Refreshing Magic of Armenian Spas

Alice Nixon — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:39:27 +0000

There is a specific kind of silence that settles over an Armenian kitchen in the peak of July. It’s the sound of the world slowing down under a heavy, golden sun. When the temperatures in Yerevan climb high enough to make the pavement shimmer, the last thing anyone wants is a heavy meal.
But in Armenia, we don't just "eat light." We eat with intention. And nothing captures the soul of a high-altitude summer quite like a chilled bowl of Armenian spas soup.

If you’ve spent any time exploring the depths of Armenian cuisine, you know it’s a landscape of fire-roasted meats and hearty grains. Yet, this yogurt-based masterpiece stands apart as the refreshing, tangy heartbeat of the culture. It is more than just a dish; it’s a cooling ritual passed down through generations.

*The Soul of the Soup: What is Spas?
*
At its most basic level, Spas (often referred to as Tanov Apur) is a yogurt-based soup. But calling it "yogurt soup" is like calling a vintage wine "grape juice", it misses the complexity and the heritage baked into the recipe.
The foundation of authentic Spas is matsun, a traditional Armenian fermented milk product similar to yogurt but with a sharper, more nuanced tang. To give it body and soul, we add dzavar—hulled wheat that has been parboiled and dried. The result is a texture that is simultaneously creamy, silky, and delightfully chewy.
While many regions in the Caucasus have their own versions of yogurt broth, Armenian spas soup is distinguished by its simplicity and its dual nature. In the winter, it’s served steaming hot to thaw your bones. But in the summer? It’s served ice-cold, often directly from a clay pitcher, acting as the ultimate antidote to the midday heat.

Why It’s the "Magic" of the Season

What makes Spas feel like magic? It’s the way it balances the palate. Armenian cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, think of the smoky char of khorovats or the rich, buttery layers of ghapama. Spas acts as the perfect palate cleanser. It’s light enough to enjoy as a snack, yet substantial enough to serve as a full lunch.
From a nutritional standpoint, it’s a powerhouse. It’s packed with probiotics from the matsun and fiber from the dzavar. It hydrates you while keeping you full, which is exactly what your body craves when the sun is relentless.

The Secret is in the Greens

If the matsun is the body of the soup, the herbs are its spirit. You cannot have a true bowl of Spas without a generous handful of fresh cilantro (coriander) or mint.
In some villages, you’ll find variations that include wild mountain herbs gathered from the slopes of Mt. Aragats. These greens add a high-note of freshness that cuts through the creaminess of the yogurt. When you take that first spoonful, the cooling sensation of the mint combined with the tartness of the broth creates a literal "refreshing magic" that revitalizes your senses.

Bringing the Taste of Armenia to Your Table
You don’t have to be in a tavern in Dilijan to experience this. Making Armenian spas soup at home is a lesson in patience and stirring.
The Base: You whisk together matsun (or a thick Greek yogurt) with a bit of sour cream and an egg (which prevents the yogurt from curdling).
The Grain: You fold in your cooked dzavar. If you can't find dzavar locally, pearl barley makes a respectable substitute, though purists might give you a playful look.
The Constant Stir: This is the meditative part. You simmer it on low heat, stirring constantly in one direction until it reaches a gentle boil.
The Chill: For the summer version, let it cool to room temperature before tucking it into the fridge.
The magic happens after a few hours of chilling. The flavors meld, the wheat absorbs the tang of the yogurt, and the herbs infuse every drop.

A Connection to the Land

To eat Armenian spas soup is to connect with a history that spans millennia. It’s a dish born from the necessity of using what the land provided: fermented dairy from the cattle and hardy grains from the fields. It’s a testament to the fact that the most enduring recipes are often the simplest.
Next time the summer heat feels like too much to handle, skip the salad and reach for a bowl. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Armenian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Spas offers a taste of the Armenian highlands: cool, calm, and utterly revitalizing.

Comfortable and Stylish: The Best Shoes for Long Walks in Yerevan

Alice Nixon — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:46:52 +0000

There is a specific kind of magic that happens in Yerevan when the sun starts to dip behind Mount Ararat. The city transforms. The pink tuff buildings glow, the fountains at Republic Square begin their nightly dance, and suddenly, everyone is out. In Yerevan, walking isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B: it’s a cultural ritual. Whether it’s a slow Sunday stroll through Saryan Street’s wine bars or a determined climb up the 572 steps of the Cascade, your feet are doing a lot of the heavy lifting.

But let’s be honest: Yerevan is as demanding as it is beautiful. Between the iconic but uneven basalt sidewalks, the steep inclines of the city center, and the scorching summer heat, the wrong shoes can turn a lovely evening into a painful trek. Finding that perfect balance where you look like you’re ready for a dinner at Northern Avenue but feel like you’re walking on clouds is the ultimate goal for any urban explorer.
At Scarpe we believe you shouldn't have to choose between your aesthetic and your joints. Here is our guide to finding the best comfortable walking shoes for navigating the vibrant, stone-paved heart of Armenia.

Why Yerevan Requires a Different Kind of Footwear

If you’ve spent any time walking from Opera toward the English Park, you know that Yerevan’s terrain is "textured," to say the least. The city is built on volcanic rock, and while our basalt streets are durable and historic, they are unforgiving on thin soles.
To enjoy the city to the fullest, your shoes need to provide three specific things:
Shock Absorption: To handle the impact of hard stone.
Breathability: To manage the dry, intense climate of the Ararat valley.
Versatility: To look sophisticated enough for the city’s high-fashion standards.

The Breathable Giants: Geox and the "City-Ready" Tech

When we talk about comfortable walking shoes in a climate like ours, Geox is usually the first name that comes to mind. There’s a reason their boutiques are staples on Northern Avenue.
The Geox Spherica and Nebula models are essentially built for the Yerevan "Urban Explorer." The Spherica, with its Zero-Shock System, uses small spheres in the outer sole to absorb the "thud" of every step on basalt. If you’re planning to walk from the Matenadaran all the way down to the Station, these are the shoes that will keep your legs from feeling like lead by the time you reach your destination.
Beyond the technical specs, they maintain a sleek, European silhouette. You can pair them with tailored trousers or a summer dress and never look like you’re "on a hike," even if your step count says otherwise.
The Minimalist’s Dream: Ecco and Danish Ergonomics
For those who find the tech-heavy look of some sneakers a bit too "sporty," Ecco offers a masterclass in quiet luxury. Their Street 720 and Retro Sneaker lines are favorites at SCARPE because they use premium leathers that actually mold to your foot over time.
Ecco’s "Fluidform" technology creates a bond between the upper and the sole without using glue or stitching, which means the shoe is more flexible. When you’re navigating the hills of Saralanj or the winding paths of Victory Park, that flexibility is a lifesaver. These are the comfortable walking shoes for the professional who wants to head straight from a meeting to a sunset walk without a second thought.

Rugged Elegance: Timberland and Clarks

Not every walk in Yerevan is on a flat surface. If your weekend plans involve heading slightly outside the city center perhaps a walk through the Hrazdan Gorge or the botanical gardens, you need something with a bit more grit.
Timberland’s GreenStride™ soles are a revelation. Made from 75% renewable materials, they provide a rugged, "bouncy" feel that makes uneven paths feel smooth. Similarly, Clarks has mastered the hybrid. Their Torhill collection takes the classic archival look and pairs it with a thick, ribbed outsole that is incredibly trendy right now in Yerevan’s streetwear scene. It gives you height, style, and most importantly stability. These are excellent shoes for someone who wants to stand out while staying grounded.

Quality: The Only Shortcut to Comfort

The temptation to buy "fast fashion" footwear is real, but in a walking city like Yerevan, your feet will pay the price within an hour. High-quality European brands like Nero Giardini, Rieker, and Liu Jo invest in the internal architecture of the shoe: the parts you don’t see, like arch support and moisture-wicking linings.
Investing in comfortable walking shoes from a multibrand store like SCARPE isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in your daily experience of the city. When your feet don't hurt, you notice more. You see the detail in the stone carvings of the buildings, you stay longer at the cafe, and you’re more likely to take "the long way home." Selecting the right shoes effectively expands your boundaries.

Visit Us and Find Your Fit

Whether you’re a local or a visitor discovering the pink city for the first time, your journey starts from the ground up. We invite you to visit our locations at Northern Avenue, Dalma Garden Mall, or Yerevan Mall to try these models for yourself. Feel the leather, test the bounce, and find the pair of comfortable walking shoes that makes you want to keep walking.
Yerevan is a city meant to be felt under your feet. Make sure those feet are happy in the right shoes.