Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Samarkand, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
1. Samsa at Gur-i Sher
Delicious Uzbek pastry filled with meat or pumpkin, baked in a traditional tandoor oven. A must-try for its authentic taste.
- Authentic Recipe: Prepared according to centuries-old recipe
- Tandoor Baking: Baked in a traditional tandoor oven
- Variety of Fillings: Offers both meat and vegetarian options
2. Palov at Restaurant Khudjum
A signature Uzbek dish made with rice, meat, carrots, and raisins. Tasted best in Samarkand where it originated.
- Historic Origin: Originates from the city of Samarkand
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional techniques
- Rich Flavors: Combines sweet and savory flavors for a unique taste
3. Shashlik at Shaxrisabz Restaurant
Marinated meat kebabs cooked on skewers over an open flame. Enjoy the smoky flavor in Samarkand's Shaxrisabz restaurant.
- Fresh Marination: Meat marinated fresh daily
- Open Flame Cooking: Cooked over an open flame for a smoky flavor
- Variety of Meats: Offers choices such as chicken, lamb, and beef
4. Dimlama at Dimyoni Restaurant
Slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices in a sealed pot. Savor the rich flavors of this dish at Dimyoni restaurant.
- Slow Cooking: Cooked slowly to allow flavors to meld
- Sealed Pot: Cooked in a sealed pot to retain moisture and flavors
- Rich Flavors: Features a variety of local vegetables and spices
5. Kabob Manto at Tashkent Chaykhana
Thin slices of lamb meat cooked on a flat griddle and rolled into a soft dough, served with onions and herbs. A unique dish to try in Samarkand.
- Unique Preparation: Lamb meat rolled into soft dough
- Flat Griddle Cooking: Cooked on a flat griddle for even cooking
- Served with Onions and Herbs: Accompanied by fresh onions and herbs
6. Manty at Umarkhan Restaurant
Steamed dumplings filled with meat or pumpkin. Try these tasty treats at Umarkhan restaurant.
- Steamed Cooking: Cooked by steaming for a light, delicate texture
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
- Variety of Fillings: Offers both meat and vegetarian options
7. Kuvalda at Kuvalda Cafe
A traditional Uzbek drink made from fermented horse milk. Experience this unique beverage at Kuvalda Cafe.
- Unique Ingredient: Made with fermented horse milk
- Traditional Drink: A traditional Uzbek beverage
- Taste of Local Culture: An opportunity to taste a unique aspect of local culture
8. Shurpa at Narzullaev Restaurant
A hearty soup made with mutton, vegetables, and spices. Savor this warming dish at Narzullaev restaurant.
- Hearty Soup: A filling, warming soup
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes traditional Uzbek ingredients such as mutton and spices
- Rich Flavors: Features a rich, flavorful broth
9. Sumalak at Central Asian Food Festival
A traditional Uzbek dessert made from wheat germ, water, and sugar. Don't miss this sweet treat during festivals.
- Traditional Dessert: A traditional Uzbek dessert
- Unique Ingredient: Made with wheat germ
- Festival Specialty: Traditionally served during festivals
10. Chak-chak at Zafar Katta Bazaar
Fried dough rings dipped in honey syrup. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the bustling Zafar Katta Bazaar.
- Sweet Snack: A tasty, sweet snack
- Honey Dipped: Dipped in honey syrup for added sweetness
- Bazaar Atmosphere: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Zafar Katta Bazaar while you eat
11. Lagman at Orient Star Restaurant
A flavorful noodle dish with vegetables and meat. Try this popular dish at the renowned Orient Star restaurant.
- Popular Dish: A popular, widely-loved Uzbek dish
- Flavorful Sauce: Features a rich, flavorful sauce
- Renowned Restaurant: Served at the famous Orient Star restaurant
12. Bob at Bobo-i Chorbatma
A traditional Uzbek soup made with meat, vegetables, and dough. Try this hearty dish at Bobo-i Chorbatma.
- Hearty Soup: A filling, warming soup
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes traditional Uzbek ingredients such as meat and dough
- Rich Flavors: Features a rich, flavorful broth
13. Kebab at Registan Square Food Stalls
Savory kebabs grilled over an open flame in the heart of Samarkand. Enjoy this tasty treat in Registan Square.
- Open Flame Cooking: Cooked over an open flame for a smoky flavor
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
- Iconic Location: Enjoy the dish amidst the iconic architecture of Registan Square
14. Plov at Gur-i Sher Restaurant
A signature Uzbek dish made with rice, meat, carrots, and raisins. Tasted best in Samarkand where it originated.
- Historic Origin: Originates from the city of Samarkand
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional techniques
- Rich Flavors: Combines sweet and savory flavors for a unique taste
15. Cholpusa at Gur-i Sher Restaurant
Soft, fluffy bread stuffed with meat and herbs. A delicious treat to try in Samarkand.
- Unique Preparation: Bread filled with meat and herbs
- Soft Texture: Soft, fluffy bread for a satisfying bite
- Tasty Filling: Meat and herb filling adds flavor to each bite