Located in a former doughnut shop in Glendale, Yerord Mas offers a distinctive take on Armenian cuisine, reflecting the culinary heritage of the diaspora through a carefully curated menu. Owner and chef Arthur Grigoryan incorporates diverse influences in his dishes, combining traditional Armenian flavors with broader regional inspirations.
Among the offerings is a pistachio-infused hummus recipe that draws from an ancient Egyptian cookbook, alongside variations of both vegetarian and beef kyuftahs—seasoned meatballs or patties typically associated with Middle Eastern cooking. The menu also features a fresh and colorful fattoush salad, crafted with produce sourced from local farmers’ markets.
A signature item, the basturma brisket sandwich, priced at $38, became a viral sensation on social media, generating a range of reactions. The sandwich showcases high-quality ingredients and personal interpretation, though Grigoryan has reportedly moved away from its complex preparation in favor of kebab dishes, including beef and lamb meatballs served with cherry sauce. This particular dish is a reinterpretation of a well-known specialty from Aleppo, Syria, underscoring the restaurant’s continued development and creative evolution.
Yerord Mas thus represents a dynamic and evolving approach to Armenian culinary traditions, blending historical recipes with contemporary innovation in Southern California’s diverse food scene.
