What’s a trip without trying the signature foods of the country? Uzbekistanis are proud of the flavor of their foods, and it's not hard to see why. Typically satisfyingly buttery and full of spices, guaranteed that the halal foods in Uzbekistan would always keep you and your tastebuds entertained. With pops of flavor here and there, here are some of the foods that you’ll need to try during your trip to Uzbekistan.
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Originating from the Abbasid Caliphate, plov is one of the most commonly consumed food and the signature dish of Uzbekistan that you must try. Plov is a rice dish that is typically cooked with reduced broth and loads of various spices, which would explain the enhanced depth of the flavors. In a plov, you’ll be able to taste different textures through its variety of vegetables such as onions and carrots, and are usually topped off with meat with the choice of either lamb or beef. Cooking the plov requires a special giant iron cauldron called kazan, with a special technique in order to get a great-tasting Plov. Plov is also usually enjoyed and served with pickled tomatoes called acicuk, or a white yogurt-based sauce called suzma.
Somsa is a traditionally baked pastry from Uzbekistan that is widely loved by locals - buttery, flaky, and savory in every bite! The dough itself is crisp on the outside and moist on the inside, wrapping perfectly the fillings that are usually made with beef/lamb and vegetables (typically onions and potatoes) that are mildly stir-fried with seasonings before being stuffed inside the dough. The traditional Samsa is cooked in a clay oven until the dough has risen. Today, you’ll also be able to try modern adaptations of somsa that are made with different fillings such as pumpkin or mushroom, and even a sweet somsa that is perfect for a dessert.
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If you love noodles then lagman is the perfect choice for you! Lagman is a specially hand-pulled noodle that is created by the finest noodle artisans and served with different kinds of toppings. There are two types of lagman, which are served in soup or stir-fried. On a cold day, a soupy lagman would be able to warm you up, where you’ll be able to taste a hearty combination of a rich broth that is based on pepper, beef or lamb, and vegetables. If you’re not into soups, a stir-fried lagman that is created with all sorts of varieties of vegetables, sauce, and meats might be your perfect dish.
Wanting a dish that is light but could give you comfort? Try to find some manti during your visit! Manti are dumplings that are filled with seasoned minced beef and vegetables, layered with thin wrappers, and then steamed to perfection. For a complete taste, try dipping a Manti in suzma, and drizzling them with the yellow sauce that is filled with spices.
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If you are craving something much more familiar but with a twist of Uzbekistan, then you should try non! Non literally translates to bread in Uzbek and is typically served with almost every meal in Uzbekistan. The beautiful varieties of shapes in a non will also contribute to the texture that you’ll be getting, resulting in a satisfactory bite. Biting into it, you can expect a firm exterior but with a soft inner part. It is best to eat it while it's hot or dip it into a cup of tea when it's cooled down. Every single place that serves non has its own way of making it, but locals prefer a non that is sold in bazaars or markets rather than store-bought ones since it is much more authentic and close to the original taste of a non.
Blinchik is a dessert that are born from Russian influences, where it would then be adapted and became one of the most common desserts in Uzbekistan. Resembling a crepe and a thin pancake at the same time, a blinchik is created with yeast, buttermilk, egg, and other kinds of good stuff that you would find in a crepe. It is moist and decorated with toppings such as powdered sugar, fruits, or jam. Nowadays, you’ll also be able to find a savory blinchik for a different culinary.
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Kompot is a sweet and sour punch that is created by preserving chilling cherries or cranberries in a pot of water, with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Aside from cherries, or cranberries, you can also find other varieties of fruits in a kompot. Usually served cold, kompot is perfect to quench your thirst, especially during the hot summer days.
A cup of chai is a must-have during your feast! Uzbekistanis love their teas, either the chorniy (black tea) or zilloniy chai (green tea). You’ll be able to find these chai in every single restaurant, and it is a common way to enjoy nons by dipping them into chai (especially the black tea). Sugar and milk are also available upon request in enjoying chai.
There you have it! These are foods that you try during your visit to Uzbekistan. Download the HalalTrip Mobile App to find all the mosques and halal restaurants nearby and have a better travel experience as a Muslim.
