Where to Stay and What to Eat in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a unique fusion of Soviet-era planning, Islamic heritage, and Central Asian hospitality. As one of the oldest cities along the Silk Road, Tashkent has grown into a modern metropolis while maintaining its rich culinary traditions and welcoming spirit. If you’re visiting this cultural hub, knowing where to stay and what to eat will greatly enhance your trip. This guide offers a complete overview for travelers looking to experience the best of Tashkent’s accommodations and food scene.

Where to Stay in Tashkent

Tashkent offers accommodations for every kind of traveler, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury international hotels. The key is choosing a location that keeps you close to the city’s main attractions while offering comfort, safety, and accessibility.

Top Neighborhoods to Stay:

1. Yunusabad
A residential area favored by expats and business travelers. It’s quiet, safe, and offers high-end hotels and access to shopping centers.

2. Chilonzor
A more local district with budget accommodations, ideal for adventurous travelers wanting to explore authentic Tashkent life.

3. Shaykhontohur (Old Town)
Close to historical sites like Khast Imam and Chorsu Bazaar. Great for cultural immersion.

4. Mirobod
A central area popular with tourists. Offers a balanced mix of hotels, cafes, and shopping.

Recommended Hotels in Tashkent:

- Hyatt Regency Tashkent
A 5-star luxury hotel with modern amenities, rooftop dining, spa, and pool. Located in Mirobod near popular attractions. Great for travelers who want Western comfort.

- *Hotel Uzbekistan
A Soviet-era hotel in the heart of the city. While dated, it offers affordable rooms and unbeatable location near Amir Timur Square.

- Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace
Known for its elegant design and historical significance. It’s right across from the Navoi Theater and a short walk from metro lines.

- Art Hostel Tashkent
Perfect for backpackers and solo travelers. Offers dorms and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and helpful local staff. Located near metro stops and local cafes.

- Ichan Qala Hotel
A boutique hotel offering traditional Uzbek architecture and hospitality with modern comforts. Located near the airport.

Booking Tips:
- Use local booking platforms in addition to international ones for better rates.
- Book early in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) which are peak travel seasons.
- Check if your hotel offers visa support, which is helpful for some nationalities.

What to Eat in Tashkent

Uzbek cuisine is a rich mix of hearty stews, baked breads, rice dishes, and kebabs. Tashkent is the culinary capital of the country and offers both traditional fare and modern fusion.

Must-Try Dishes in Tashkent:

1. Plov (Palov)
Uzbekistan’s national dish—a rice pilaf cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and sometimes quail eggs or garlic. Best enjoyed at lunchtime when it’s freshly made.

2. Lagman
A hand-pulled noodle soup with beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Often spicy and served in generous portions.

3. Shashlik (Kebabs)
Grilled skewered meat, usually lamb or beef, marinated and served with onions and flatbread. You’ll find shashlik at nearly every restaurant and street stall.

4. Somsa (Samosa)
Triangular pastries filled with minced meat, pumpkin, or potatoes, baked in clay ovens.

5. Manti
Large dumplings filled with meat and onions, often served with sour cream or tomato sauce.

6. Non (Uzbek Bread)
A round, flatbread that accompanies nearly every meal. Traditionally stamped in the center and baked in tandoor ovens.

7. Chuchvara
Small boiled dumplings served in broth or with a yogurt-based sauce—comfort food at its finest.

8. Shurpa
A hearty soup made with lamb, carrots, potatoes, and herbs. Served as a starter or main dish.

Best Places to Eat in Tashkent:

1. Caravan Restaurant
Decorated with traditional Uzbek artifacts and textiles, Caravan serves up excellent versions of plov, lagman, and manti in a setting that feels like a cultural museum. Great for both food and atmosphere.

2. Afsona
An upscale option with a modern twist on classic Uzbek dishes. Try the lamb ribs and their house-made lemonades. The ambiance is relaxed and perfect for evening dining.

3. National Food Restaurant
Popular with tourists and locals alike. Large dining hall, affordable pricing, and extensive menu covering all Uzbek favorites. Located in the Mirobod area.

4. Plov Center (Besh Qozon)
If you want the most authentic plov experience, this is it. Massive cauldrons of plov are cooked daily by master chefs. Arrive before noon—once it’s gone, it’s gone.

5. Chaykhana Anhor
Traditional tea house-style restaurant serving comfort food like shurpa and kebabs. Sit in open-air gazebos or cushioned platforms.

6. Ikra
One of the trendiest restaurants in Tashkent, combining international cuisine with local flavors. Ideal for digital nomads or travelers looking for a break from traditional fare.

7. Central Asian Plov House
Another great alternative for a hearty plov fix. Slightly more modern ambiance than Besh Qozon.

Street Food in Tashkent:

For a true taste of everyday Uzbek life, don’t miss these street food treats:

- Grilled corn on the cob
- Hot samsa from market ovens
- Fruit juices from mobile carts
- Chickpea salad (nuhut salat) with tomato and herbs

The best places to sample street food are:
- **Chorsu Bazaar**: The most iconic and oldest bazaar in Tashkent. Great for fresh produce, dried fruits, street snacks, and spices.
- Alay Bazaar: A bit less touristy and great for daily local flavors.

Coffee, Tea, and Sweets

Tea culture is central to Uzbek hospitality. Green tea (kok choy) is often served plain or with lemon. Black tea is also popular.

Try these local sweet treats:
- Halva:
Made with sesame or sunflower seeds and sugar.

- Navat:
Crystallized sugar often added to tea.

- Pashmak:
A kind of cotton candy-style sweet.

Recommended cafés:
- Breadly Café:
Excellent pastries and coffee in a cozy, modern space.

- Café Bon:
Stylish spot with cappuccinos, desserts, and indoor/outdoor seating.

- Sunduk Café:
Artsy ambiance and fast Wi-Fi. Great for digital nomads.

Food Etiquette in Tashkent:

- Always greet with “Assalomu alaykum” before ordering or interacting.
- Use your right hand to pass or accept food.
- It’s polite to accept tea or snacks even if you don’t plan to stay long.
- Sharing food is common and encouraged.
- Tipping is appreciated (5–10%).

Vegetarian and Dietary Needs

While Uzbekistan is meat-heavy, you can find options like:
- Pumpkin or potato samsa
- Fresh salads
- Lentil soups
- Yogurt dips and vegetable sides

Some modern restaurants cater to vegetarian and vegan travelers, especially in the Mirobod area.

Where to Stay if You’re a Food Lover

- Lotte City Hotel Tashkent Palace: Near several local restaurants and walkable markets.
- Art Hotel: Budget-friendly and located near Chorsu Bazaar.
- **Hyatt Regency**: Home to restaurants offering both Uzbek and international cuisines.

Best Times to Visit for Food:

- Spring (March–May): Markets are full of fresh produce, herbs, and plov ingredients.
- **Autumn (September–October)**: Best for grape, melon, and tomato harvests.

Seasonal specialties include:
- Melons:
Especially during late summer.

- Pomegranate dishes:
Common in autumn.

- Lamb dishes:
Winter is the best time for slow-cooked meat stews.

How to Find the Best Eats:

- Join a food tour through platforms like GetYourGuide or local tour companies.
- Ask your hotel for neighborhood recommendations—they often know local gems.
- Use platforms like Google Maps or Yandex for user reviews.

Conclusion

Tashkent is a dynamic city where ancient Silk Road flavors meet modern hospitality. Whether you're sipping tea in a quiet chaikhana, tasting authentic plov in a market, or indulging in comfort at a luxury hotel, this capital will surprise and satisfy you. Knowing where to stay and what to eat helps transform a trip into a full cultural experience—and in Tashkent, that experience is both warm and deeply flavorful.