Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

1. Gözleme

Flatbread filled with cheese and herbs, cooked on a stone, a popular Turkmen street food.

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, a staple dish in Turkmen cuisine.

Traditional Taste: Authentic representation of Turkmen culinary heritage
Social Experience: Shared among friends and families, promoting camaraderie
Versatile: Different types of meat and marinades available to suit preferences

Thick yogurt drink with mint leaves, a refreshing beverage in Turkmenistan's hot climate.

Cooling Effect: Provides relief from the heat
Traditional Refreshment: Historically popular among locals and travelers alike
Health Benefits: Rich in probiotics and nutrients

Thin slices of lamb grilled on a spit, served with onions and tomatoes.

Rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables, and various spices, a common side dish.

Comfort Food: Warm and filling meal for any time of day
Cultural Significance: Traditionally prepared in many Central Asian countries
Versatile: Varying ingredients and spices offer numerous flavor combinations

Sweet dessert made from flour, sugar, butter, and sesame seeds, with a unique taste due to the use of local ingredients.

Authentic Experience: Offers a genuine taste of local culture
Sweet Treat: Perfect ending to any meal
Historical Significance: Associated with the Turkmen Tekke tribe and their traditional customs

Thick and creamy yogurt-based soup with vegetables and meat, served cold.

Cooling Effect: Provides relief from the heat
Hearty Meal: Filling and nutritious, ideal for any meal
Traditional Refreshment: Historically popular among locals and travelers alike

Long kebab pieces wrapped in flatbread with various sauces and toppings.

Stuffed with pumpkin and onions, a unique variation of the traditional Gözleme.

Rice dish with meat and vegetables, prepared using the local pilaf cooking technique.

Cultural Significance: Traditionally prepared in many Central Asian countries
Comfort Food: Warm and filling meal for any time of day
Versatile: Varying ingredients and spices offer numerous flavor combinations

Fried meatballs made from ground lamb or beef, served with a spicy sauce.

Flower-shaped kebabs made with ground meat and spices, cooked on a skewer.

Distinctive Presentation: Uniquely shaped for an aesthetically pleasing dish
Flavorful: Seasoned with traditional spices and herbs
Quick Service: Ideal for grabbing a meal on the go

Thin, fried dough pastry filled with ground meat and onions.

Large, flatbread filled with various ingredients like meat, onions, and herbs.

Cold soup made from kislyak (sour rye bread), cucumbers, radishes, and various herbs.

Cooling Effect: Provides relief from the heat
Traditional Refreshment: Historically popular among locals and travelers alike
Health Benefits: Rich in probiotics and nutrients