What Food To Try in Ashgabat and Food Prices

Plov - Olan (rice and meat dish) - A fragrant mix of long-grain rice, lamb, and carrots, cooked together with spices until perfectly fluffy. It's a common dish for celebrations and Friday lunches, often shared in a family setting.

Cheburek - Cheburek (fried pastry) - Crispy, golden turnovers filled with minced meat and onions, these deep-fried beauties are a popular on-the-go snack. You'll find them served fresh from street vendors, best enjoyed hot and served with a squeeze of lemon.

Manti - Manti (steamed dumplings) - These are hearty, stuffed dumplings filled with spiced lamb, steamed to perfection and typically served with a dollop of tangy yogurt. Locals enjoy them during dinner gatherings, often sharing stories over the communal dish.

Dukum - Duzme (slow-cooked stew) - A slow-cooked mix of vegetables and chicken, seasoned with rich spices, resulting in a comforting and hearty dish. It's a beloved winter favorite, often enjoyed at home when temperatures drop.

Gurt - Gurt (stuffed grape leaves) - Rolled grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, these tightly packed treats are a staple during festive occasions. It's customary to serve them cold during family celebrations for that refreshing taste.

Market Salad - Bazaar Salatasi (seasonal salad) - Fresh, colorful vegetables typically including tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, mixed with local herbs and dressing. Popular at lunch during the summer, it's a way to savor seasonal produce at local markets.

Shashlik - Shashlik (grilled skewers) - Marinated chunks of meat, often lamb or chicken, grilled on skewers until juicy and smoky. A favorite street food during dinner, locals enjoy these with fresh bread and a beer while socializing outside.

Kebap - Kebap (skewered meat) - Tender pieces of marinated meat grilled and served with fresh onions and herbs, making for a fulfilling lunch option. It's commonly enjoyed in the afternoon, and you'll notice locals gathering at small cafes to savor the flavors together while catching up.

Chai - چای (spiced tea) - A fragrant blend of black tea, milk, and spices like cardamom and cinnamon, this drink is crafted by simmering until well-combined and aromatic. Locals often gather at tea houses throughout the afternoon to savor this cozy drink, chatting and enjoying the moment (definitely try adding a touch of sugar for sweetness).

Ak, or Goran Chai - آک چای (butter tea) - This unique tea made from a strong steep of black tea mixed with clarified butter and salt is surprisingly savory. Traditionally served during colder months, it warms you right up, and you'll find it commonly offered during family gatherings or local festivals as a sign of hospitality (but don’t expect it to taste like typical tea!).

Yayla - یایلا (cold yogurt drink) - A refreshing beverage made from fermented yogurt mixed with water and sometimes seasoned with mint, enjoyed especially in hot weather. It's a common sight at picnics during summer, serving as both hydration and a tasty side (it’s often served chilled with a sprinkle of salt on top!).

Horeks - هورکس (sweet pastry) - This flaky pastry is made from layers of dough filled with sweetened nuts or dried fruits, baked until golden brown. Typically enjoyed during celebrations like wedding feasts, it embodies a sense of festivity and is often offered with a cup of tea to welcome guests (watch out, it’s hard to stop at just one piece!).

Baklava - باقلوا (layered nut dessert) - A rich dessert made of thin layers of dough, walnuts or pistachios, and soaked in honey syrup, baklava is a beloved treat in Turkmen culture. While it can be found year-round, it’s particularly popular during special occasions such as Nowruz, the spring equinox holiday, where it symbolizes wealth and prosperity (don’t rush – it’s best enjoyed slowly to appreciate all the flaky goodness!).