Horovats, meaning "grilled meat" in Armenian, is a cornerstone of family gatherings, celebrations, and outdoor feasts. Historically, Armenians would grill lamb, pork, or beef over open flames, sharing the food and stories together.

The vegan version replaces animal proteins with plant‑based alternatives while keeping the same grilling techniques, spices, and communal spirit. Switch Foods' kebab, kafta, and chicken shawarma mimic the texture and flavor of traditional meats without using any animal products.

In different Armenian regions, horovats may feature lamb marinated with sumac, pork with apricot glaze, or beef seasoned with cumin and coriander. Some areas also grill vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers alongside the meat.

Horovats is commonly served at weddings, birthdays, religious holidays such as Vardavar, and any large family reunion. The act of grilling outdoors symbolizes hospitality and togetherness.

Serve the vegan horovats with traditional sides like tabbouleh, muhammara, grilled eggplant, lavash flatbread, and a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with lemon and sumac.

Traditional kebab and kafta use ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, parsley, and spices such as cumin, paprika, and sumac. In this vegan recipe, Switch Foods provides soy‑free, non‑GMO plant‑based proteins that are seasoned to match those classic flavors.

Common errors include over‑cooking the plant‑based meats, which makes them dry, and not preheating the grill, which leads to sticking. Also, avoid using too much oil, as the Switch Foods products already contain enough fat for a good sear.

Plant‑based meats cook quickly and achieve the desired char and smoky flavor best at medium‑high heat. Low heat would dry them out without creating the traditional grill marks that define horovats.

Yes, you can grill the meats up to two minutes before serving, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Reheat briefly on the grill or in a skillet before plating to restore the crisp exterior.

The YouTube channel Vegan Hacks focuses on creating accessible, plant‑based versions of classic comfort foods and cultural dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation.

Vegan Hacks highlights authentic regional techniques—like the Armenian horovats grilling method—while using modern plant‑based products, whereas many other channels may substitute with generic tofu or tempeh without preserving the cultural grilling experience.