SYDNEY: Network Ten's popular Australian lifestyle program, The Living Room featured legendary Armenian stuffed pumpkin dish, Ghapama during an episode filmed at the home of Galstaun College teacher and budding cook, Arpy Iskikian.



One of the hosts of The Living Room, Miguel Maestre arrived at Iskikian's house with a pumpkin ready to go.

Iskikian explained the symbolism behind Ghapama, before proceeding to walk Maestre through helping her prepare the dish.

They began by removing the guts of the pumpkin, then stuffed it with boiled rice and dried fruits, including chopped almonds, apple, apricot, plums, dates, prunes and raisins.

Once it was ready, Maestre joined Iskikian's traditional dining table and thoroughly enjoyed the flavours perfected in Armenian kitchens over centuries.

Maestre then joined the dinner guests by donning a traditional Armenian costume and dancing "shourchbar" to the song Ghapama, made famous by superstar singer, Harout Pamboukjian.

Maestre took a sampling of Ghapama to The Living Room's studios, where it was devoured by fellow hosts, including Amanda Keller and Chris Brown.

Iskikian posted on Facebook: "It was an amazing experience to be part of The Living Room show on Channel 10 with my Ghapama, the famous Armenian dish. It was filmed on 12th December 2018 and aired on 5th July 2019. The popular chef Miguel Maestre was the cherry on top!"

Watch the segment by clicking here.