Tumo

Tumo is a type of Armenian bread, traditionally baked in a tandoor oven. It is a round, flatbread, often with a slightly chewy texture and a distinctive puffed appearance due to the high heat of the oven. The dough is typically made from simple ingredients: flour, water, and salt, with yeast sometimes used for leavening. Tumo is a staple in Armenian cuisine and can be found in various regions of Armenia, with subtle variations in preparation and size depending on local customs.

The baking process is crucial to tumo's characteristic texture and flavor. Dough is slapped onto the hot walls of the tandoor, where it cooks quickly. This rapid cooking method results in a bread that is crisp on the outside while remaining soft and pliable within. Tumo is commonly eaten as an accompaniment to meals, used to scoop up stews and dips, or enjoyed on its own. It is also a versatile ingredient, sometimes used in dishes like sham, where it is layered with cheese and herbs and baked. The bread is often baked fresh daily and is a symbol of Armenian hospitality and culinary tradition.