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👶 Ages 0–3: Babies & Toddlers

Learn Armenian For Kids — by Tiny Talk Publishing · $13.97

A bilingual Armenian-English picture dictionary with 320+ essential words for babies and toddlers. Includes a free audio guide so your little one hears native Armenian pronunciation from the very start. Organized by theme — animals, food, colors, and more.

Gooynesgooyn – Learn Colors In Armenian — by Khent · $9.99

Red, blue, green — and everything in between. A beautifully illustrated bilingual book introducing young readers to colors in both English and Armenian, with culturally inspired art and phonetic pronunciation so the whole family can read together.

📖 Ages 3–6: Preschool & Kindergarten

Hello Sun (Բarև Արև) — by Hasmik Grigoryan Belich · from $2.99

One of the most-loved Armenian children's books on Amazon with 65+ reviews. Phrases rhyme in Armenian, making it easy and fun for kids to absorb. Includes English translation and phonetic pronunciation — great for parents learning alongside their kids too.

Learn Armenian – 150 Words with Pronunciations — by GnB · $12.95

A vibrant picture book for bilingual kids ages 3–10, introducing 150 everyday Armenian words with clear pronunciation guides. Uses real photos and illustrations to make vocabulary stick naturally — a great first vocabulary builder for diaspora families.

🌟 Ages 5–8: Elementary School

My First 400 Armenian Words — by Sterling Sawyer · $14.99

An illustrated English-Armenian vocabulary book covering 400 words grouped by theme — fruits, animals, colors, holidays, and more. Beautiful watercolor illustrations keep kids engaged, while simple pronunciation guides make reading aloud a family activity.

Armenian Folk Tales for Kids — by D Simons · $22.99

Eight beautifully illustrated stories of clever roosters, brave girls, talking trees, and golden apples — all drawn from Armenian folklore. Each tale teaches timeless lessons about courage, kindness, and wisdom. Perfect for bedtime and keeping Armenian heritage alive.

Know a great Armenian kids' book we missed? Let us know — we'd love to keep this list growing.

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Sterling Silver Shield Armenian Eternity CZ Pendant

by Religious Jewelry

A striking sterling silver shield pendant featuring the Armenian eternity symbol adorned with cubic zirconia. Elegant for special occasions and meaningful enough for everyday wear — a beautiful gift for any Armenian woman.

Gold Plated Pomegranate Hoop Earrings

by CZMZHFC · $6.89

The pomegranate is one of Armenia's most beloved symbols — representing fertility, abundance, and good fortune. These delicate gold-plated hoop earrings feature a pomegranate charm and make a beautiful everyday accessory at an unbeatable price.

Armenia Flag Beaded Bracelet

by vmcoatdu · $9.99

A colorful beaded bracelet in the red, blue, and orange of the Armenian flag. Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear — a simple, affordable way to show Armenian pride on your wrist. Great as a gift or stocking stuffer.

Hand Painted Pomegranate Trinket Box

by LONGSHENG · $11.99

A hand-painted wooden trinket box adorned with a vibrant pomegranate design inspired by Armenian folk art. Use it as a jewelry holder, keepsake box, or decorative accent. A thoughtful gift that feels personal and culturally rich.

Have an Armenian jewelry piece you love? Send it our way — we'd love to feature it.

All links support this site through the Amazon Associates program — thank you!

Armenian Alphabet Birds Tote Bag

by Armenian Heritage · $18.99

A beautifully designed tote bag featuring the Armenian alphabet rendered as birds — each letter transformed into a unique creature. Artistic, practical, and a real conversation starter for anyone who knows the script.

Armenia Girl Armenian Woman Flag T-Shirt

$19.99

A casual, comfortable tee featuring the Armenian flag with a bold "Armenia Girl" print. Available in multiple colors and sizes — a great everyday shirt for proud Armenian women everywhere.

Armenia Purple Flower Symbol T-Shirt

$17.99

Featuring the forget-me-not flower — Armenia's national flower and a symbol of remembrance — this shirt blends natural beauty with cultural pride. Soft and lightweight, perfect for spring and summer.

Armenian Soccer, Armenia Flag Zip Hoodie

$33.99

Show love for both Armenia and the beautiful game with this zip hoodie featuring a soccer and flag design. Great for game days, travel, or just repping your roots wherever you go.

Armenian Coat of Arms Crest – Lion Eagle T-Shirt

$17.99

The Armenian coat of arms features the iconic eagle, lion, and Mount Ararat. This bold graphic tee is a strong way to wear national pride and heritage.

Armenian Cross – Khachkar Symbol T-Shirt

$19.99

The khachkar (cross-stone) is one of Armenia's most recognizable and sacred symbols. This shirt features a clean, artistic khachkar design that's meaningful yet wearable.

Armenian Cross – Khachkar Symbol Sweatshirt

$31.99

The cozy version of the khachkar design — this unisex sweatshirt is perfect for cooler months and comes in a classic navy blue. Comfortable, durable, and meaningful.

Married To Armenian Roots – Armenia Flag T-Shirt

$16.95

A fun and heartfelt shirt for anyone who married into an Armenian family. A sweet gift idea for weddings, anniversaries, or any occasion.

Armenian Alphabet Birds Armenia Symbols T-Shirt

$19.99

Another take on the beloved Armenian alphabet-as-birds design — this time as a wearable tee. Artistic and culturally rich, it celebrates the unique beauty of the Armenian script.

American Grown Armenian Roots – Premium Tri-Blend T-Shirt

$18.69

For the diaspora Armenian proud of both identities. This super-soft tri-blend tee with a timeless "American Grown, Armenian Roots" message resonates with second and third-generation Armenians everywhere.

Spotted an Armenian apparel brand we should feature? Let us know — we love highlighting our community.

"People would call me crying saying they couldn't get their order in," she laughs. "That's when I knew I needed a real bakery."

From Glendale to Nationwide Shipping

Roobina's Cake officially opened its doors in Glendale in 2018. The tiny storefront quickly became a community hub — a place where Armenians from across Southern California came not just for the baklava and gata, but to speak Armenian, share stories, and feel at home.

By 2022, shipping requests from out-of-state customers became impossible to ignore. Today, holiday boxes ship to Armenian communities in New York, Chicago, Detroit, and beyond.

The Secret? No Shortcuts.

"I still use my grandmother's recipes. Real butter. Real rose water. No artificial flavors," Roobina says simply. "People can taste the difference."

That commitment to authenticity has earned her a devoted following — and a five-star rating across every review platform.

You can find Roobina's Cake in the SupportArmenian directory under Bakeries. Order early for Easter and Christmas — she sells out every year.

But in today's global marketplace, that tradition faces new pressures. Big-box stores, national chains, and algorithm-driven shopping platforms make it easy to spend money anywhere — and everywhere except our own community.

The Multiplier Effect

Economists call it the "local multiplier effect": when you spend money at a locally-owned business, a significantly higher percentage of that money recirculates within the local economy compared to spending at a chain. For diaspora communities, this effect is even more pronounced.

When you hire an Armenian attorney, order from an Armenian caterer, or buy flowers from an Armenian florist, you're not just completing a transaction. You're funding a family, supporting a cultural institution, and strengthening the economic foundation that allows our community to thrive.

What We Can All Do

Start with intention. Before you book a restaurant, call a plumber, or order a cake, check SupportArmenian first. The directory has over 90 businesses across dozens of categories — many of them family-owned, most of them built by people who came to this country with little and built something remarkable.

Share the businesses you love. Leave reviews. Refer friends. Tell your church community, your school parents group, your coworkers. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool for small businesses.

The community you invest in today is the community that will be here for your children tomorrow.

Ingredients

Dough: 2 cups flour, ½ tsp salt, 1 egg, ½ cup warm water.

Filling: ½ lb ground lamb, 1 small onion (grated), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp parsley.

To serve: 1 cup yogurt, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tbsp butter, 1 tsp paprika, fresh mint.

Make the Dough

Mix flour and salt. Add egg and warm water, knead until firm and smooth. Rest 30 minutes covered.

Fill and Shape

Roll dough thin (2mm). Cut into 1.5-inch squares. Add a tiny bit of filling to each, pinch corners to form open boat shapes. Place close together on a buttered baking sheet.

Bake and Serve

Brush with melted butter, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden. Mix yogurt with garlic and salt. Melt butter with paprika. Pour yogurt over manti, drizzle with paprika butter, finish with fresh mint. Eat immediately.

Here are eight dishes to seek out, and the Armenian-owned spots where you can find them:

1. Manti (Baked Lamb Dumplings)

These tiny boat-shaped dumplings filled with spiced ground lamb, baked until crispy and served with garlic yogurt and paprika butter, are pure Armenian soul food. Look for them at caterers and family restaurants in the Glendale area.

2. Khorovats (Armenian BBQ)

The Armenian answer to any backyard gathering — marinated pork, lamb, or vegetables cooked over charcoal. Several Armenian catering companies in SupportArmenian's directory specialize in khorovats for events of any size.

3. Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Tender grape leaves filled with herb-seasoned rice and meat, simmered until perfectly soft. Every Armenian family has their own recipe — and so does every Armenian caterer.

4. Gata (Sweet Bread)

A flaky, sweet pastry filled with a crumbly mixture of butter, sugar, and flour. Perfect with coffee. Find it at Armenian bakeries listed in the directory.

5. Lahmajoun (Armenian Flatbread Pizza)

Thin, crispy flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, fresh tomatoes, and parsley. Often rolled up with lemon juice squeezed over it. A staple at Armenian delis and cafes.

6. Harissa (Wheat and Chicken Porridge)

One of Armenia's most ancient dishes — slow-cooked cracked wheat and chicken stirred until it reaches a smooth, porridge-like consistency. Comfort food at its finest.

7. Borek (Phyllo Pastry)

Layers of flaky phyllo filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. Armenian bakeries often sell them fresh-baked in the morning.

8. Armenian Coffee

Thick, unfiltered, sipped slowly from a small cup. Non-negotiable. Available at any Armenian cafe worth its salt.

Browse the Restaurants & Cafes and Catering categories in the SupportArmenian directory to find your next meal.

Ingredients

Dough: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar, ¾ tsp salt, 2 tbsp olive oil, ¾ cup warm water.

Topping: ½ lb ground lamb or beef, 1 tomato (diced and drained), ½ red bell pepper (finely diced), 1 onion (grated), 3 garlic cloves (minced), ¼ cup parsley, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp allspice, 1 tbsp tomato paste, salt to taste.

Serve with: Fresh lemon, parsley, sliced tomatoes.

Make Dough and Topping

Bloom yeast in warm water 5 minutes. Knead with remaining dough ingredients 8 minutes. Rise 1 hour. For topping: mix all ingredients into a paste — drain tomato well first.

Roll, Top, and Bake

Divide dough into 6 balls. Roll each as thin as possible. Spread a very thin layer of meat to the edges. Bake at 500°F for 5–7 minutes until browned and crispy.

Serve

Squeeze lemon over the hot lahmajoun, add parsley, roll tightly, and eat immediately. No fork needed.

In communities like Glendale, Fresno, and Watertown, Armenian-language education is a priority. Armenian schools, Saturday programs, and community centers work to ensure that third and fourth-generation Armenian-Americans grow up with at least conversational fluency.

Eastern vs. Western Armenian

The Armenian diaspora speaks two distinct dialects that diverged centuries ago. Eastern Armenian is spoken in the Republic of Armenia and Iran. Western Armenian — considered endangered by UNESCO — is the dialect of the diaspora, descended from communities that existed in historic Armenian homelands before the Genocide.

Many community organizations specifically focus on preserving Western Armenian, which has fewer speakers and fewer resources than its eastern counterpart.

What Families Can Do

Language preservation starts at home. Speaking Armenian with children — even imperfectly, even mixing it with English — matters. Watching Armenian films together, listening to Armenian music, reading Armenian books: all of it builds connection to the language and the culture it carries.

The Armenian community's presence in business, culture, and daily life — including through directories like this one — is itself a form of cultural preservation. When you see Armenian names, hear Armenian spoken, and engage with Armenian-owned businesses, you're participating in the living culture of a people who have survived against extraordinary odds.

Ingredients

Dough: 3 cups flour, 1 packet yeast, ½ cup warm milk, ¼ cup warm water, ½ cup butter (softened), 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 2 egg yolks.

Khoriz: 1 cup flour, ½ cup butter (softened), ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla, pinch of salt.

Glaze: 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk.

Make the Dough

Bloom yeast in warm water. Combine with all dough ingredients and knead 10 minutes. Rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

Make Khoriz

Mix filling ingredients with your fingers until it resembles damp, crumbly sand. Don't skip the pinch of salt.

Assemble and Bake

Roll dough into rectangles, spread khoriz evenly, roll tightly like a log, flatten slightly. Score the top in a diamond pattern, brush with egg wash, bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with Armenian coffee.

The Ceremony

Whether you're planning a traditional Armenian Apostolic church ceremony or a secular celebration, you'll want a photographer who understands the significance of every moment. The crowning ceremony, the shared cup of wine, the dance circle — these are sacred rituals that deserve a photographer who knows what they mean.

The SupportArmenian directory lists several Armenian photographers and videographers who specialize in cultural weddings.

The Flowers

Armenian weddings are known for their abundant, lush floral arrangements. Local Armenian florists understand the aesthetic and can work within any budget to create something beautiful.

The Food

No Armenian wedding is complete without a serious spread. Armenian caterers can provide everything from the traditional lamb dishes to the mezze tables that guests graze on for hours. Look for caterers in the directory who offer full-service wedding packages.

The Music

The reception needs a DJ or band who knows both Armenian classics and current hits — someone who can transition seamlessly from a traditional kochari circle dance to something the younger guests will enjoy. Ask for referrals from your vendors; the Armenian entertainment community is well-connected.

The Cake

Armenian bakeries create stunning custom wedding cakes that incorporate both Armenian design motifs and modern aesthetics. Order early — the best bakers book up six to twelve months in advance for wedding season.

Budget Tip

Many Armenian vendors offer community discounts or are willing to negotiate packages when multiple services are booked together. Don't be afraid to ask. Keeping the work within the Armenian community is something most vendors care about and will be flexible to support.

"I remember looking out at the city and thinking — this place doesn't know I exist," Vartan says. "I had to make myself exist here."

Learning the Language of Real Estate

Vartan started as a janitor at an apartment complex in North Hollywood. Within two years he was doing maintenance. Within five he was managing the property. "I learned everything by watching, asking questions, and reading. I read everything I could find about real estate."

In 2003, he got his real estate license. In 2008 — the worst year imaginable for real estate — he started his own property management company. "Everyone said I was crazy. But I thought: prices are low, people still need places to live, and I know how to manage properties."

Building for the Next Generation

Today, the Mkrtchyan family's firm manages over 200 units across the San Fernando Valley. His son and daughter both work in the business. "They went to college, they have degrees, and they chose to come back to this," he says, visibly moved. "That means everything."

Vartan's advice to other Armenian entrepreneurs: "Find what you know. Work harder than everyone else. Build something you can hand to your children."

If you own or know of an Armenian-owned business that isn't yet in the directory, getting it listed is free and simple.

How to Submit a Business

Click the "Add Your Business" button in the navigation menu or footer. You'll be asked for:

• Business name
• Category (e.g., Restaurant, Bakery, Legal, etc.)
• City/location
• Website URL (if applicable)
• Instagram handle (if applicable)
• A short description of the business

Submissions are reviewed by our team within 1–3 business days. We verify that each business is Armenian-owned before adding it to the directory.

What Makes a Strong Listing

Businesses with websites, Instagram accounts, and detailed descriptions get significantly more clicks and engagement than bare-minimum listings. If you're submitting your own business, take a few minutes to write a genuine description of what you do and what makes you special.

Reporting Errors

If you notice a business listing with incorrect information — wrong phone number, closed location, outdated website — please reach out to us. Keeping the directory accurate is a community effort.

Thank you for helping build the most comprehensive Armenian business directory in the diaspora.

A new generation of Armenian-American artists is making its mark — and doing it on their own terms.

Identity as Medium

For many young Armenian artists, their heritage is not just a background detail. It's the subject. They grapple with questions of diaspora identity — what it means to be Armenian in America, to carry the memory of genocide while building a future, to speak a language that feels simultaneously intimate and foreign.

"I paint what I can't say in words," one Glendale-based muralist told us. "The pomegranate, the tree of life, the Ararat — these aren't just symbols to me. They're a whole world I'm trying to keep alive."

Digital and Design

Beyond painting and sculpture, a generation of Armenian graphic designers, illustrators, and digital artists are bringing Armenian visual culture into new contexts — brand identities, social media, animation, fashion.

Several of these creators are listed in the SupportArmenian directory under Art & Design. When you hire an Armenian designer for your brand, you're investing in both excellent work and a living creative tradition.

Support the Arts

Buy original works. Commission murals. Follow Armenian artists on social media. Attend community art shows. The Armenian creative community is vibrant and growing — and it needs your support to flourish.