If a couple of decades ago, only wealthy citizens visited restaurants, today even the middle class can afford to go to such establishments. Is it possible today to imagine weddings, friendly gatherings, anniversaries, alumni meetings, negotiations elsewhere? Not.
Inside look
Hospitality, a large assortment, luxury and sophistication of national dishes - these terms can only describe Uzbek cuisine. And what does an ordinary tourist know about this country? Uzbekistan, in its understanding, is a country located in the sands of the desert, where aksakals in a 40-degree heat slowly drink from a bowl decorated with "white gold", hot green tea, and oriental girls in national clothes and with bright headdresses (skullcaps) loudly sing songs and dance national dances.
It is impossible to remain silent about the architecture of the country: looking at the high minarets, it seems that during the day they open centuries-old secrets for tourists, and at night they protect the peace of the local population. Restaurants of Uzbekistan, where they cook a real pilaf, leave no less significant impression. Having tasted it from the hands of a real oshpaz (cook), you will understand why this dish is considered the "king" of Uzbek cuisine.
Leafing through the menu
Restaurants in Uzbekistan are famous not only for pilaf. True gourmets from around the world, every day in search of new taste pleasures, note the desire for novelty in local cuisine. The national color has evolved over the centuries, absorbing the best traditions of farmers and pastoralists, drawing inspiration from the customs of the Persian and Tajik peoples, while not forgetting to listen to the peculiarities of religion.
Dishes such as pilaf, lagman and manti are similar to the cuisine of other Asian peoples, but it is worth noting that the Uzbeks prepare them in a special way.
When visiting restaurants in Uzbekistan, you will notice that the first thing on the table is a flat cake (local bread), which enjoys special respect and respect here. After they start serving snacks, these are mainly vegetables, sour-milk drinks, greens, and only then they bring the main course.
Wandering through the mazes of old cities
National dishes are present on the menu of both an elite establishment and an outdoor cafe. Restaurants of Uzbekistan, competing in the sophistication of the interior and originality of design, allow guests to feel as much as possible the beauty of oriental hospitality and color. But as experienced travelers say, you can learn the real traditional cuisine of the Uzbek people only by wandering through the labyrinth of historical cities, where small cafes await their guests in the shadow of old and magnificent oaks (they are called “choykhona” here). Of course, they are unlikely to be visited by famous restaurant critics and they will never receive a Michelin star, but it is they who will treat you to a real pilaf, for which gourmets and connoisseurs of Uzbek cuisine are ready to give the last money.
Tashkent Restaurants
“Bahor” - for half a century of its existence, this institution has become the personification of luxury and elegance. Every day, showing its best side, the institution is gaining confidence not only among the local population, but also among guests of the capital. Visitors appreciated the originality of the interior and the excellent work of the design team, who were able to create a harmonious interweaving of oriental ornaments and European comfort. The ceilings are decorated with crystal chandeliers, the furniture is made of mahogany, the windows are decorated with elegant curtains - all this together will involuntarily take you to another reality. The menu offers a wide range of Arabic, European, Mediterranean and national cuisines.
“12 chairs” - the setting of this establishment will remind you of the plots of the famous film of the same name. Here you will not for a second leave the charming atmosphere of the modest bourgeoisie, and its convenient location makes the restaurant an ideal place for wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. The menu offers only the best dishes of Russian, Jewish and Ukrainian cuisines.
Musicians who are considered local celebrities will give a wonderful mood even on the most cloudy day. Therefore, if you want to spend the evening in a warm atmosphere, then you are here.
Art restaurant for lovers of unusual surroundings
The capital of Uzbekistan gives a wonderful opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the nomadic peoples of Kyrgyzstan. So, the art restaurant "Manas" includes 3 yurts, which are located in the courtyard and surrounded by a garden.
The place seems mysterious and mysterious, having crossed the threshold, you will understand that everyday life has remained outside the institution. The decoration demonstrates the harmony of oriental style and European comfort. All home furnishings, except outdoor furniture in the courtyard, are dated to the last century. It is worth noting that this is the only art restaurant in the capital that serves national Kyrgyz cuisine, so because of the high attendance, it is advisable to book a table in advance.
Oriental tale in the capital of Russia
“Uzbekistan” is a restaurant in Moscow, which was opened back in the 50s of the last century and was very popular. From the first day, the chefs delighted the guests with friable pilaf, golden, like the sun, samsa, aromatic kebab and other national dishes.
Today, the culinary of the Uzbekistan restaurant is delicious and popular oriental delicacies. As for the interior, it resembles the fairy-tale palace of the famous fairy tale “A Thousand and One Nights,” thereby allowing everyone to be a dear guest of the Sultan or even feel like a padish, enjoying the mysterious atmosphere.
Kitchen, interior and a little about the "White Sun of the Desert"
Already at the entrance, looking at the wooden doors with oriental ornaments and torches, you feel under the protection of "higher forces". Hookahs brought from Syria are not only a decoration of the hall, but also a pleasure for those who like to “raise it”.
Rarely, in popular and public places you can see carpets on the floor, but this restaurant is an exception. The abundance of these objects, woven from threads of silk and wool, speaks of the luxury and elitism of the institution.
The next door hospitably opens another restaurant called “White Desert Sun”. In fact, this is “Uzbekistan”, but only with a different “sauce”. Each summer, both establishments open a terrace, where a fountain makes a noise and gives its coolness, while a walking peacock decorates and delights visitors with its presence.
Restaurant "Uzbekistan": menu, prices and reviews
Real representatives of the Uzbek people work in the kitchen - those who learned the basics of culinary art in their sunny homeland. So what kind of dishes does the restaurant “Uzbekistan” offer? The menu has changed significantly over the years, and today you can try dishes not only of Uzbek cuisine, but also of Azerbaijani, Chinese and Arabic. But despite the changes, the kebab is also cooked in the open air and served at the table with coals, the lamb is baked on a spit, the fragrant cakes are baked in the tandoor.
What do visitors think about the restaurant "Uzbekistan"? Prices, according to residents of the capital, are acceptable. For example, a barbecue costs from 980 rubles, the cost of 1 samsa with a loin cooked in a tandoor is 540 rubles, and you can refresh yourself on a hot day with a glass of real cold ayran for 190 rubles. The restaurant's kitchen was delighted, especially lamb, which just melts in your mouth, was especially appreciated.
What I want to say at the end: if you want to feel the national oriental flavor while still not leaving Russia, then by all means take a walk to Neglinnaya Street, where you will find a restaurant-palace called “Uzbekistan”!