Traditional Uzbek dishes you have to try

Uzbek cuisine is hearty, fragrant, and full of comforting flavours shaped by centuries along the Silk Road. Expect rich rice dishes, handmade dumplings, grilled meats, and breads that are central to everyday meals. If you’re exploring Central Asian food, here are six Uzbek dishes you should definitely try. (unsplash)

Lagman: Lagman features hand pulled noodles topped with a rich meat and vegetable sauce. It’s hearty, warming, and packed with bold flavour. (wikimedia commons)

Manti: These steamed dumplings are usually filled with minced meat, onions, and seasoning. Soft, juicy, and comforting, manti are a staple across Uzbekistan. (wikimedia commons)

Non (Naan): Round and beautifully patterned, Uzbek non is more than bread, it’s an everyday essential. Crisp outside and soft in the middle, it’s served with nearly every meal. (wikimedia commons)

Plov: Often considered Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov is made with rice cooked alongside carrots, onions, spices, and meat. Deeply flavourful and filling, it’s the dish most people instantly associate with Uzbek cuisine. (wikimedia commons)

Samsa: Uzbek samsa are flaky pastries stuffed with meat, onions, or vegetables and baked until golden. They’re a favourite snack and often served fresh from clay ovens. (wikimedia commons)

Shashlik: Tender skewers of grilled meat seasoned simply and cooked over fire, shashlik is popular across Uzbekistan and perfect for sharing. (wikimedia commons)