Restaurants in Tashkent: Cuisine, Neighborhoods, and Price Guide

Introduction

Tashkent is the best place to begin exploring modern Uzbek cuisine: markets and family-style restaurants sit alongside contemporary cafes and international kitchens. This guide breaks down what to eat, which neighborhoods serve the dishes you want, and how to match your budget to the right places.

Must-try dishes

Plov: Uzbekistan’s signature rice-and-meat dish, served at markets, small eateries and celebratory tables.
Shashlik: Skewered grilled meat available at street stalls and grill-focused restaurants.
Samsa: Baked pastry pockets filled with meat, pumpkin, or cheese—a popular on-the-go snack.
Lagman: A hearty noodle stew with vegetables and a savory broth, common in cafes across the city.
Non (flatbread) and tea: Bread is central to meals and is usually offered with tea or before the main course.

Dining districts at a glance

Old City and Chorsu Bazaar area: Expect lively market stalls, casual teahouses, and family-run restaurants where traditional preparations are common. Ideal for sampling street food and quick lunches.
Central Tashkent and the modern city center: This area hosts a range of mid-range restaurants and international cuisine—useful if you want a familiar menu or a more polished dining room.
Parks and pedestrian streets near main squares: These corridors have cafes and small bistros good for daytime coffee, pastries, and light meals.
Hotel clusters and business districts: For late-night dining, hotel restaurants and nearby eateries often provide extended service and more international choices.

Where to eat by budget

Budget: Market stalls, samsa stands, and small canteens are where locals grab fast, inexpensive meals. Portions are generous and flavors are straightforward.
Mid-range: Independent restaurants and chain cafes in central neighborhoods offer sit-down service, a wider menu, and a comfortable atmosphere for groups or families.
Upscale: Modern restaurants and hotel dining rooms focus on presentation, larger menus and often require reservations for weekend evenings.

Practical ordering and payment tips

Menus: Many places have menus in English in tourist areas; at smaller or market vendors, point at the display or ask for recommendations.
Payment: Cash is commonly accepted; larger restaurants usually take cards. Have small bills or local currency for markets and taxis.
Reservations: For popular mid-range and upscale restaurants, book ahead—especially on weekends or during festivals.

Dietary notes and special diets

Vegetarians: Uzbek cuisine is meat-forward, but there are plenty of vegetable dishes, salads, breads and egg- or dairy-based options. Ask staff about preparation methods if you avoid meat.
Food safety: Choose busy establishments and freshly cooked items to reduce risk of stomach upset. Bottled water is widely available.

Timing and crowds

Lunch is often the busiest service in market areas; dinner peaks in the early evening at sit-down restaurants.
If you prefer calmer dining, aim for late-afternoon cafes or weekday evenings.

Etiquette and local customs

Bread is treated with respect; avoid placing it upside down or discarding it casually.
Sharing plates is common for groups. If you’re invited to a family meal, accepting at least a small portion is polite.

Sample day of eating

Start with samsa and tea for breakfast from a market vendor, a midday plov at a family restaurant, an afternoon pastry and coffee at a central cafe, and finish with grilled shashlik or a more elaborate multi-course dinner at an upscale spot.

Final tips

Carry some local currency for markets, check opening hours when planning to visit specific restaurants, and use the city center for the widest range of international menus. For a deeper dive into traditional dishes, combine restaurant visits with a walk through the main food markets.

Call to action

If you’re putting together a Tashkent itinerary, pair dining stops with nearby attractions to make the most of travel time between meals.

FAQ

Is tipping expected in Tashkent restaurants?

Tipping is appreciated but not always required. In casual cafes a small tip or rounding up the bill is common; in mid-range and upscale restaurants a modest tip is a polite gesture. If service is included on the bill, avoid adding a second tip by default.

Are there good vegetarian options in Uzbek restaurants?

Although many traditional dishes include meat, you can find vegetable salads, egg and dairy dishes, soups, breads and noodle options. Ask staff about how dishes are prepared, and choose vegetable-focused restaurants or cafes in central neighborhoods for wider choices.

What are the usual meal times in Tashkent?

Lunch is typically served from late morning through early afternoon and is a busy time in market areas. Dinner service begins in the early evening at most sit-down restaurants; cafes and bakeries operate throughout the day. Adjust plans if you want quieter dining times.

Can I pay by card at restaurants?

Larger and mid-range restaurants commonly accept major credit and debit cards, but small market stalls and some family-run eateries prefer cash. Carry local currency for smaller purchases and confirm card acceptance before ordering.

Should I make reservations for restaurants in Tashkent?

Reservations are recommended for popular mid-range and upscale restaurants, especially on weekends or during local events. For casual cafés and market stalls, reservations are typically unnecessary.