National Cuisine
and Foods of Uzbekistan

     Though Uzbekistan as a country is relatively new, gaining independence only after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, its culture is one of the most ancient and refined in Central Asia. One particulary distinctive and well-developed aspect of Uzbek culture is its cuisine. Unlike their nomadik neighbours, the Uzbeks have had a settled civilization for centuries. Between the deserts and mountains, in the oasis and fertile valleys, they cultivated grain and domesticated livestock. The resulting abundance of products allowed the Uzbeks to express their strong tradition of hospitality, which in turn enriched their cuisine.

     The seasons, specifically winter and summer, greatly influence the composition of the basic menu. In the summer, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are ubiquitous. Fruits grow in abundance in Uzbekistan - grapes, melons, apricots, pears, apples, cherries, pomegranates, lemons, figs, dates. Vegetables are no less plentiful, including some lesser known species such as green redishes, yellow carrots, dozen of pumpkin and squash varieties, in addition to the usual eggplants, peppers, turnips, cucumbers and luscious tomatoes.

     The winter diet traditionally consists of dried fruits and vegetables and preserves. Hearty noodle or pasta-type dishes are also common chilly-weather fare.

     In general, mutton is the preferred source of protein in the Uzbek diet. Fatty-failed sheep are prized not only for their meat and fat as a source of cooking oil, but for their wool as well. Beef and horsemeat are also consumed in substantial quantities. Camel and goat meat are less common. Uzbek dishes are not notably hot and fiery, though certainly flavorful. Some of their principle spices are black cumin, red and black peppers, barberries, coriander, and sesame seeds. The more common herbs are cilantro (fresh coriander), dill, parsley, celeriac, and basil. Other seasonings include wine vinegar, liberally applied to salads and marinades, and fermented milk products.

     Tea is revered in the finest oriental traditions. It is offered first to any guest and there exists a whole subset of mores surrounding the preparation, offering and consuming of tea. Green tea is the drink of hospitality and predominant. Black tea is preferred in Tashkent, though both teas are seldom taken with milk or sugar. An entire portion of their cuisine is dedicated solely to tea drinking. Some of these include samsa, bread, halva, and various fried foods.

     The "choyhona" (teahouse) is a cornerstone of traditional Uzbek society. Always shaded, preferably situated near a cool stream, the choyhona is a gathering place for social interaction and fraternity. Robed Uzbek men congregate around low tables centered on beds adorned with ancient carpets, enjoing delicious palov, kebab and endless cups of green tea.

     Placed on the historic crossroads of cultural exchanges Uzbek cuisine is still developing, sometimes taking the best from Russian, Tartar, Dungan, Korean, German, and Tajik cuisines. In general there was a strong Russian influence: borsh- is a beetroot soup, entrecote is beef steak, cotlet are grilled meat balls. Pel'meni- very similar to ravioli, but originated in Ukraine, basically small boiled dumplings of meat and onion, sometimes served in a vegetable soup.

     We hope that all above provided you to a colorful introduction of the exciting world of Uzbek cuisine.

     Enjoy your Uzbek meal!

Travel Agency RoxanaTour offers you the following kinds of services:

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Roxana Tours & Travel Co.
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Tashkent, UZ
Uzbekistan

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