Gum Market

About this place

Gum Market is the largest covered market in Yerevan, according to one guide, on Movses Khorenatsi Street behind the Cathedral of St Gregory the Illuminator. It is the easiest place to sample Armenia's flavours in one spot, with its colours, smells and sellers generous with tastings. The market is not a historic monument, and its value lies in the daily life that goes on there. Locals come for fruit, vegetables, cheese and meat, while visitors head above all for the dried fruit section. Armenia is known for its apricots, and you will see them here dried in many varieties. The front section holds dried and candied fruit, nuts and spices in neat displays. Things to try include sujukh, walnuts coated in fruit juice jelly, and fruit leather, along with lavash bread and herbs. Other sections sell cured meats and cheese, so ask about ingredients if you need halal food. It is 1.2 km in a straight line from Republic Square. Sources differ on hours, but it is busy in daytime, so go before late afternoon. Do ask to taste and compare prices, and carry cash. Dried fruit and sujukh travel well, while meat and cheese may be stopped by customs in some countries.