Traditional Uzbek Cooking Class

If you're eager to master the art of cooking the traditional dishes of Uzbekistan, this cooking workshop in Samarkand is perfect for you. Step into the role of a chef for a day and create a delightful pilaf.

Details of the Cooking Workshop

We will gather at Registan Square, where we'll commence with a brief introduction before making our way to the Samarkand market. As we arrive, the vibrant atmosphere surrounds us with the enticing scents of spices, an abundance of rice, and fresh meats, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure!

In this lively market, we'll discover how to select the finest ingredients for our main dish, pilaf, which holds a significant cultural status in Uzbekistan and is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Fascinatingly, there are more than 100 variations of this dish in Samarkand!

Following 30 minutes at the market, we'll embark on a 30-minute journey to the residence of a local family, where we will be warmly welcomed, reflecting the true essence of Uzbek hospitality. Here, equipped with the necessary ingredients and tools, we will explore the step-by-step process of making pilaf or plov. This includes sautéing meat and onions, incorporating julienned carrots and rice, all enhanced with cumin and whole garlic cloves—sure to tantalize your taste buds!

As the aroma signals the dish is complete, we will move to enjoy our meal in the garden. Additionally, we will sample traditional baked bread from a tandoor oven and savor homemade sweet delights like gilmindi, crafted with delicate layers of lavash and cream. During our meal, experience a comforting tea ceremony while we listen to captivating tales about rural life in Uzbekistan.

Once we have relished this wonderful dining experience, we will make our way back to the original meeting spot in Samarkand, concluding our journey after 5.5 hours.