What Is The Local Cuisine Like, And What Dishes Should I Avoid If I Have Dietary Restrictions?

Uzbek cuisine prominently features hearty rice dishes, meats (especially mutton and beef), and fresh bread. The national dish is plov—rice with pieces of meat, carrots, and onions, often cooked in lamb fat.

Popular Dishes:

• Shashlik: Skewered grilled meat.
• Samsa: Baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables.
• Lagman: Noodle soup with meat and vegetables.
• Chuchvara: Dumplings similar to ravioli.

For Dietary Restrictions:

• Vegetarians may have limited choices, as most meals are meat-based.
• Bread (non) is a staple and served at almost every meal, while simple salads are also widely available.
• Inform your host or restaurant staff if you avoid beef, lamb, or gluten; pork is rarely used in Uzbek cuisine, but dishes with horse meat, such as lazy (a traditional horse meat sausage), are also fairly common.
• Ask about ingredients in advance, as soups, rice, and pilaf are often prepared with lamb fat or other animal fat.

Food safety is generally good in cities, but exercise caution with street food, wash your hands before eating, and choose fresh, well-cooked items to avoid stomach issues.