best-places-to-eat-in-Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Street Food Heaven: Best Places to Eat in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand, a city steeped in history and rich cultural heritage, is also a culinary gem. The streets of this ancient Silk Road city are filled with mouth-watering aromas and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are the best places to eat in Samarkand, with a focus on popular street food:
1. Bazaar Street Food
- Address: Bazaar District, Samarkand
- Must-try: Plov (Pilaf), Shashlik (Skewers), and Somsa (Samosas)
- This bustling street food market offers a wide range of traditional Uzbek dishes at affordable prices. Be sure to try the mouth-watering plov, which is cooked in a large cauldron over an open flame.
2. Makhsum Restaurant
- Address: Registan Street, Samarkand
- Must-try: Manti (Uzbek dumplings), Shurpa (Lamb soup), and Kebab
- This popular restaurant is known for its delicious Uzbek cuisine. Try their manti, which are steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions. Don’t forget to order a bowl of shurpa, a hearty lamb soup that’s sure to warm your belly.
3. Shahrizad Restaurant
- Address: Registan Street, Samarkand
- Must-try: Plov (Pilaf), Shashlik (Skewers), and Somsa (Samosas)
- This cozy restaurant serves traditional Uzbek dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to try their plov, which is cooked to perfection.
4. Central Market
- Address: Bazaar District, Samarkand
- Must-try: Fresh fruits and vegetables, Traditional Uzbek sweets
- This bustling market offers a wide range of fresh produce, including juicy fruits and crisp vegetables. Be sure to try some traditional Uzbek sweets, which are made with love and care.
5. Shawarma House
- Address: Bazaar District, Samarkand
- Must-try: Shawarma (Sandwich), Falafel
- This small eatery serves delicious shawarma sandwiches and crispy falafel balls. Be sure to try their mouth-watering shawarma, which is cooked to perfection.
Insider Tips
- Don’t be afraid to haggle over prices at the markets.
- Try to learn a few words of Uzbek phrases, such as “Salam” (Hello) and “Rahmat” (Thank you).
- Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular restaurants and street food stalls.