I'm planning to spend a few days in Tashkent and would like to try the local cuisine—not in expensive restaurants, but in places with a mid-range budget where locals prefer to eat. I’d greatly appreciate any recommendations!
Besh Qozon - A Central Asian pilaf hub. To see all five kazan (cauldrons) in action, visit between 11 AM and 3 PM. I arrived at 6 PM when only one kazan was still operating, but what a kazan! The wedding-style (Tashkent) pilaf with chickpeas, dolma, pickles, quail eggs, sweet carrots, raisins, and a blend of spices beyond the usual cumin was an absolute must-try—an explosion of flavors.
Pub Kebab - A spacious venue with a view of the river during the day and a multi-level interior. At night, it transforms into a disco with Russian pop hits. You can sit indoors or outdoors.
Navvat - A teahouse tucked away in a courtyard near "Broadway." The kebabs are phenomenal, the summer seating is lovely, and the hookah experience is top-notch. It’s the perfect spot to relax with tea and a hookah. They even have a play area for kids. The pumpkin manty (dumplings) are divine.
Steam - A spot for meat and beer with an intriguing interior design.
Chorsu Bazaar - In the depths of the market, there’s a section where fresh food is prepared. You can try everything from beshbarmak and horsemeat sausage to a local version of okroshka. I had okroshka and kebabs and lived to tell the tale—highly recommended!
Olot Samsa - Enjoy this savory pastry from one of the many street stalls scattered around the city.
I enjoyed visiting a local teahouse in Tashkent near the Museum of Arts, located at 41.304214, 69.280541, called Plov Poytaxt. It’s a popular spot with a constant flow of people. Everything is fresh, very affordable, and served in a spacious hall. They offer several varieties of plov and samsa, including meat, chicken, mushroom, and herb options—four types in total. It fits perfectly into a day of city exploration: visit the museum in the morning, have lunch at the teahouse, and then walk to the city center and Timur's monument.
In Samarkand, there’s a nice, budget-friendly café near the Siab Bazaar called Bobur Café. It fits well into a walking tour of the city. Go through the market to the round pavilion, and you’ll find a small gate in the fence behind it (39.660742, 66.979081). The café specializes in kebabs, but they also serve other dishes.
In Bukhara, I recommend the plov center called The Plov. It’s open until 3 PM, but it’s best to arrive before 2 PM as they might stop serving later. Coordinates: 39.783502, 64.425673.
In Khiva, the only budget-friendly option I found was the plov center Palov1. It’s open until the evening, but it’s better to call ahead and order plov for a specific time. Coordinates: 41.386183, 60.352353, phone: +998 91 275 08 46. I called about an hour before arriving. You can walk there from Ichan-Kala in about 20 minutes.