What Food To Try in Tashkent and Food Prices

Osh - Plov (rice pilaf) - Aromatic rice cooked with tender lamb, carrots, and spices, topped with fried onions and sometimes raisins. It's a staple dish, often eaten during family gatherings or celebrations, and the best time to enjoy it is at lunch.

Non - Uzbek Bread (leavened flatbread) - Soft, fluffy bread with a crispy crust, baked in a traditional tandoor oven. Locals often enjoy it at breakfast with tea, tearing off pieces to accompany their meal; you'll find it at nearly every meal.

Bukhara Lamb - Bukhara Mutton (spiced lamb) - Slow-roasted lamb marinated in rich spices, served with rice pilaf or potatoes. It's typically found in more upscale restaurants, where patrons savor it for dinner, and it pairs beautifully with a side of fresh salad.

Shashlik - Skewered Meat (kebab) - Juicy marinated chunks of meat grilled on skewers, often served with fresh onions and a dipping sauce. It's a popular street food option enjoyed in the evening by locals hanging out in parks or at outdoor markets, where the smoky aroma draws you in (by the way, don't be surprised if they also offer it with a side of bread).

Chuchvara - Uzbek Dumplings (meat dumplings) - Small handmade dumplings filled with a mixture of minced meat and onions, typically served in broth or with sour cream. Locals eat them during family dinners, particularly when it’s colder out; the warmth of the broth feels cozy.

Manti - Steamed Dumplings (big dumplings) - Large steamed dumplings packed with a mixture of spiced meat and onions, often topped with yogurt and garlic sauce. It's common to find them at family-friendly restaurants, especially during cool evenings, and they can be a filling dinner choice.

Harva - Seasonal Greens (herb soup) - A hearty soup made with seasonal greens and noodles, adding a boost of freshness to winter menus. Enjoyed for lunch, it's a great way to embrace the flavors of the season while staying warm on a chilly day.

Somsa - Baked Meat Pastry (meat-filled pastries) - Crispy, flaky pastries stuffed with spiced meat and onions, often found at street vendors. Locals snack on these during the day, paired with tea, but they come alive at lunchtime when the filling becomes the main attraction.

Chai - Чай (tea with milk) - Strong black tea brewed with milk and flavored with spices like cardamom and cloves. You’ll find locals enjoying this on chilly mornings at home or in cozy tea houses, often served alongside sweets for a friendlier vibe.

Kompot - Компот (fruit drink) - A sweet beverage made from boiled dried fruits, sugar, and sometimes spices, served chilled. Perfect for hot summer days, it's commonly found at family gatherings or served alongside pilaf at celebrations.

Raki - Ракі (anise-flavored spirit) - A distilled beverage often enjoyed for its sharp, refreshing taste, typically made from grapes and flavored with anise. You’ll see friends clinking glasses during festive meals or weddings, where it's sipped slowly with appetizers.

Baklava - Баклава (layered pastry dessert) - Flaky pastry sweetened with syrup and stuffed with nuts, often shaped into diamond pieces. Locals indulge in this during special occasions, particularly around holidays, savoring it with strong tea as a finishing delight.

Plov with Raisins - Плов с изюмом (festive rice dish) - Although more of a dish, its sweeter version often incorporates raisins and nuts, served cold at family feasts. Typically enjoyed during celebrations like weddings, it carries a deep cultural significance and rounds off meals beautifully when shared.

By the way, don’t miss out on savoring these treats while chatting with locals; their stories about each item can be as delightful as the flavors!