15 August 2025

Uzbekistan is not only ancient architecture and rich history, but also a true culinary mecca that attracts food lovers from all over the world.

Food plays just as an important  role here as the sights, becoming a reason in its own to visit the country.

Plov — the heart of Uzbek cuisine

Undoubtedly, the most famous dish in Uzbekistan is plov (osh). It is prepared almost everywhere, but regional variations stand out in particular:Samarkand pilaf: tender, fluffy rice, lamb, and carrots give the dish a unique flavor.

- Bukhara pilaf: spicy and bright, it is distinguished by a special cooking technique.

- Fergana pilaf: best known outside Uzbekistan, it is characterized by a special way of cutting the ingredients and an intense flavor.Each region is proud of its recipe, and getting to know them is an essential part of a gastronomic tour.

Samsa — a hot appetizer from the tandoor

The next important dish is samsa. It is cooked in special tandoor ovens, which give it a unique crust and aroma. Filling options include meat, potatoes, pumpkin, and much more. Try different types of samsa in different regions to appreciate the richness of the local cuisine.

Lagman — traditional handmade noodles

This popular dish consists of fresh homemade noodles served with stewed meat and vegetables. The recipe for lagman varies depending on the region, but the overall impression remains the same — hearty, delicious, and satisfying.

Shurpa — a hot, rich soup

Cooked over a campfire or open flame, this thick broth with lots of meat and vegetables whets the appetite and gives a feeling of home-cooked warmth. Be sure to try the local shurpa recipe in one of the cafes or at the market.

Chuchvara — Uzbek dumplings

Small pieces of dough with various fillings (most often meat) are steamed or boiled in broth. Chuchvara is usually served with sour milk (katyk) or vinegar, which adds a spicy flavor.

Sweets — the art of taste

You can't leave Uzbekistan without trying the local sweets:

- Halva:
nut paste with sugar and spices.

- Parvarda: a transparent sweet mixture of sugar and eggs.

- Baklava: a layered pastry with honey and nuts.
These delicacies will be a wonderful addition to any tea party and a pleasant souvenir to take home.

 Tips for tourists

To learn more about Uzbek cuisine, be sure to include visits to markets and local teahouses in your itinerary.Try dishes at street cafes, chat with local chefs, and learn the secrets of preparing classic recipes. Discovering Uzbekistan's gastronomic route will open up a world of aromas, flavors, and pleasures, becoming one of the main components of a memorable trip.

We invite you to use the services of our travel agency to make your trip absolutely comfortable, as enjoyable as possible, and incredibly rich! Contact us! We will tailor a gastronomic tour to your personal preferences!

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