National Cuisine of Uzbekistan: What Tourists Should Definitely Try

Uzbekistan is not only a country rich in history and culture, but it is also a true paradise for food lovers. The national cuisine of Uzbekistan is known for its diversity, rich flavors, and unique combination of spices and herbs. What should every tourist try while visiting this country? Let's take a look!

Plov - The National Dish of Uzbekistan

Plov is the main and probably the most famous dish in Uzbekistan. It is cooked in almost every family, and each region has its own twist on this dish. Traditional Uzbek plov is made from rice, meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, and onions. All of these ingredients are simmered in a large pot, giving the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma.

In addition to the classic plov, there are many variations: with raisins, chicken, chickpeas, or vegetables. Plov is not just food, it is a tradition and holds a central place in any important event, whether it's a wedding or a celebration.

Shashlik - The Perfect Dish for Meat Lovers

Shashlik in Uzbekistan is not just a barbecue. It is a whole ritual. The meat (usually lamb, but sometimes chicken or beef) is marinated with spices and herbs and then grilled over hot coals until golden brown. Shashlik is served with flatbread, fresh herbs, and vegetables. It is traditionally accompanied by a fresh tomato and onion sauce.

In addition to the classic shashlik, Uzbeks also prepare different types of shashlik - from meat, fish, and even vegetables. This dish is perfect for any picnic or family gathering.

Manti - Cozy and Hearty Dumplings

Manti are large steamed dumplings filled with meat, typically made in special manti cookers. The filling usually consists of meat, onions, and sometimes pumpkin or potatoes. Manti are steamed, which preserves their juiciness and tenderness. This dish is perfect for colder weather when you want something hearty and warm.

Manti are usually served with a sauce, which can be spicy or made from sour cream or ayran.

Samsa - Flavorful and Aromatic Pastries

Samsa are traditional Uzbek pastries filled with meat, vegetables, or pumpkin. They are baked in a tandoor oven, which gives them a unique taste and crispy crust. You can find samsa on the streets of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, as well as in small cafes and restaurants. These pastries can be eaten as a snack or as a main course.

The special feature of samsa is the use of fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic, which give them their distinctive flavor.

Lagman - Hearty Soup with Noodles

Lagman is a soup with homemade noodles, meat, and vegetables, popular in Uzbekistan as well as in neighboring Central Asian countries. This soup has a vibrant taste due to the combination of meat, garlic, vegetables, and spices. Lagman is served hot and can be eaten with a spoon or with bread.

The best lagman is made with lamb, but you can also find versions made with chicken or beef.

Bread - An Important Part of Every Meal

Bread in Uzbekistan is not just food, it is an essential part of the culture. Uzbek bread, or lepeshka, is baked in traditional tandoors, giving it a special crispy crust. There are different shapes and sizes of lepeshkas, and every family has its own recipe. It is an indispensable element to every meal and is often served with plov, shashlik, or soup.

Tea - An Integral Part of the Culture

Uzbek tea is not just a drink, it's a whole ritual. Tea is served during every meal and is often accompanied by traditional sweets like baklava or halva. Green and black teas are the most popular, but you can also find fruit and herbal teas, which help with digestion.