Pakhlava as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Pakhlava is absolutely in that category. The fragrant and saffron-gilded quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. saffron does work that no substitute can replicate.

Azerbaijani cuisine reflects Turkic, Persian, and Caucasian influences meeting at a historical crossroads. There's something about the a Baku meykhana restaurant context that reinforces the comfort effect. doshab grape molasses alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.