When most people think of Uzbekistan their minds immediately go to the awe-inspiring Islamic architecture of the Registan in Samarkand, the towering Kalyan Minaret of Bukhara, or the ancient walled city of Khiva. What you don’t hear much about is food in Uzbekistan.
In fact, when we first arrived, we really had little to no idea what we would be eating during our three weeks in the country. We quickly learned that traditional Uzbek food can be quite delicious with influences from all over Asia and the Middle East.
Uzbekistan shares much of its culinary tradition with Turkey as well as serving up a wide number of noodle and dumpling dishes that bear a close resemblance to their counterparts in China, Nepal, and other Eastern Asian countries.
Food in Uzbekistan is certainly meat-heavy, and by the end of your trip, you’ll likely be ready for some lighter fare. But while you are journeying along the Silk Road, you should embrace the local Uzbek cuisine. If you’re wondering what to eat in Uzbekistan, you’re in luck. We have compiled a list of 21 dishes you should sample during your Uzbekistan vacation. Yoqimli Ishtaha! (translation: “Bon Appetit!”)
Don’t forget to check out our web story: 21 Traditional Uzbekistan Dishes! Quick Navigation Links
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What to Eat in Uzbekistan: 21 Local Dishes to Try
1. Plov
Plov (sometimes also called “osh”) is widely considered to be the national dish of Uzbekistan. It’s a hearty rice pilaf and you’ll probably notice that the word “plov” and