Your Comprehensive Guide to Vegetarian Food in Uzbekistan- Dining along the Silk Road

Uzbek Cuisine is a delightful fusion of Central Asian flavors. From soups to delicate sweets, the food here is worth drooling. Being a country naturally inclined towards meat, travelling to Uzbekistan as a vegetarian was a delightful surprise. The country’s rich culinary landscape offered a variety of delicious plant-based dishes, from savory samsa stuffed with vegetables to lentil soups. Even the hotels we stayed included good vegetarian options in breakfast.

However, here is a complete guide of what local dishes to eat and where to find Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan (V= Vegetarian friendly):

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Tashkent: Plov and Beyond

This bustling capital is known for its vibrant markets and diverse food scene. While PLOV, the traditional dish of Uzbekistan, is typically prepared with meat, many eateries provide a vegetarian version of it, topping it with vegetables, nuts and dried fruits. 

Must try eateries:

1. Beshqozon: Central Asian traditional Pilaf Centre, in the heart of Tashkent, famous for its ‘PLOV’. Choose from a variety of options and relish the best Plov in town here. They only serve non-vegetarian dishes. Also don’t forget to try Anor juice (Pomegranate) here. They serve in small bottles costing around 30000 Som ~ $2 .
2. Afsona (V): This is a good option for vegetarians, with beautiful outdoor seating. They serve limited vegetarian options but totally worth it. Try Fruit Plov which is fresh & delicious. Luckily I also had a Vegetable Samsa here.
3. Eco Café(V): This is a vegan restaurant. A good place with nice seating.
4. Raaj Kapur(V): Famous for authentic Indian Food.
5. Café 1991(V): Popular choice among travelers. They serve Lebanese, European and Uzbek cuisines.

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Savoring Samarqand

Samarkand, renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture and pivotal role on the Silk Road, presents vegetarian travelers with unique dining opportunities. Don’t miss trying “samsa,” savory pastries filled with spinach, potatoes, or pumpkin, which are readily available in local bakeries and cafes. Visit “chaykhanas,” traditional teahouses, where you can enjoy aromatic teas alongside “manti,” steamed dumplings filled with seasonal vegetables. Samarqand is also famous for its Bread, which is mostly served as a compliment with the dishes. But you can also buy some from Siyob Bazar for a quick bite.

Must try eateries:

1. Bibi Khanum Tea House(V): Located right next to Bibi Khanum Mosque, this is a popular choice among travelers. We tried Manti, Samsa, black and green tea here, and must say the food quality was good. Staff is friendly and speak English too.
2. Art Café(V): Adjacent to Bibi Khanum tea house, with more vegetarian options.
3. Platan(V): They offer vegan friendly dishes too. Mainly serving Eastern European and Uzbek cuisines.
4. The Indian Kitchen(V): Perhaps the only place in Samarqand with authentic Indian food.

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Bukhara Best Treats

Must try eateries:

1. Dilkor: Look no further for some authentic and affordable Uzbeki Food. This place is often crowded with locals rather than tourists. Try their signature dish ‘Lagman’ which generally comes with bread and sides. They have a good seating arrangement, and the manager is well versed with English. This happens to be slightly far from the city, so you might book a Yandex for it.(purely non-vegetarian)
2. Salom Namaste(V): After a week of travelling, I really started craving for Indian food, and we found this place, right on the street near our hotel. They serve authentic Indian food, and it was delicious. They have limited menu, but the quality of food is great and decently priced.
3. Minizifa Restaurant(V): They have vegan /Vegetarian options of Uzbek Cuisine. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, as this place tends to get crowded.
4. Old Bukhara Restaurant(V): One of the hyped and probably old as the name suggests, serves international and Asian cuisines.

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Khiva

There are plenty of restaurants in Khiva serving Vegetarian delights. Some of khiva’s specialties include Shivit Oshi  & Shashlik Kebabs.

1. Terrassa Café(V): Our favorite in Khiva with a gorgeous view and scrumptious meal of Course. Slightly expensive compared to others but the experience is totally worth it. Try to reserve roof top seating and visit around sunset. Try their Shivit Oshi (V), Tukum Barak (V, stuffed with pumpkin, spinach, potatoes or egg), Shashlik Kebabs(yum) and some fruit tea. The staff is friendly, and you will love your time here.
2. Khorezm Art Restaurant(V)
3. Bir Gumbaz(V)
4. Khiva’s bustling markets are perfect for indulging in non, the traditional Uzbek bread, which is either plain or stuffed with veggies.

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Tips for Travelers on finding Vegetarian Food in Uzbekistan:

• Selecting Accommodations: While planning your trip, keep in mind to book stays which serve a good breakfast spread including vegetarian options. (refer to our itinerary link below)
• Language Tips: While English may not be widely spoken, learn a few basic Uzbek or Russian phrases for vegetarian preferences.
• Customized Orders: Don’t hesitate to ask for vegetarian versions of traditional dishes. 
• Local Markets: Explore local markets such as Chorsu Bazaar, Siyob Bazaar for fresh fruits, nuts, and dairy products, ideal for journeys or light meals on the go.
• Carry Packed Food: In case you are a non-negotiable vegetarian, we would suggest carrying some packed food from your home country.

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This little country of Central Asia promises a delightful fusion of flavors and cultural heritage, ensuring that vegetarian travelers like me can savor its essence. 🙂

Hope you find our Guide to Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan useful!

Don’t forget to check our detailed itinerary: Your Ultimate 10 Days Uzbekistan Itinerary – Beyond the Silk Route