Recently we told you about places in Tashkent where the interior does not look like it is from an Instagram feed — but that does not stop them from being loved by locals and tourists alike. We have gathered ten more spots that people choose not for the design but for the flavour: Khorezm cuisine, homestyle samsa, tabaka chickens, and their own recipe for manti.
"Sazanchik", @sazanchik_greenpark
A family restaurant serving Khorezm and European cuisines. Khorezm cuisine differs from Tashkent cuisine — the plov is different, the flatbreads are different, the presentation is "Sazanchik" lets you try it without travelling to Khiva. A leisurely atmosphere, the aroma of dishes from the grill, interesting flavour combinations — perfect for lunch or dinner with loved ones.
Shedevr Garden, @shedevrgardenuz
A spacious restaurant with a varied menu: plov, steaks, grilled fish. The main feature is a large green area with a garden where you can take a stroll while your order is being prepared. In summer, this is one of the few places in the city where it is pleasant to be both outdoors and at the table. People choose this spot for large groups and family outings.
Olot Somsa, @olotsomsa
An establishment that has bet on a single product. Here, samsa comes in several varieties — with meat, pumpkin, potatoes, and herbs — each with its own character and flavour. The dough is flaky, the filling is juicy, and they are taken straight from the tandyr. It is for this homestyle taste that both city residents and guests keep coming back.
Buyuk Istanbul, @buyuk.istanbul.505
Turkish cuisine at reasonable prices, not adapted to the local palate, but prepared by chefs from Turkey. The menu offers juicy meat dishes, kebabs, and appetisers. Portions are designed for a large company, and the atmosphere is unpretentious. A place for those who want to try authentic Turkish food without paying extra for the decor.
Mazami, @mazami.uz
A chain of PanAsian cuisine spots focusing on rolls and sushi. This is a popular citywide cuisine at fair prices. The rolls are fresh, the portions are generous, and delivery works quickly. It is chosen by those who want PanAsian food without overpaying for interior design and concept.
“Ugolok”, @ugolok.tashkent
A legendary spot in the centre of Tashkent with a history that every local knows. For years, "Ugolok" has relied on a single dish — tabaka chickens. Crispy skin, the right marinade, open fire. The interior is simple, there is sometimes a queue, but people come back again and again for this flavour.
Bursa Doner, @bursadoner_uz
A family restaurant of Turkish cuisine: kebabs, pide, authentic appetisers. Here, pide comes in several versions — with meat, cheese, and egg. Portions are large, prices are fair, the atmosphere is warm. A good choice if you want Turkish food in a calm setting.
Afsona, @afsona_restaurant
Uzbek cuisine in a modern interpretation without losing the taste. The lagman here is considered one of the best in the city — rich, fullbodied, with the right balance of spices. Plov is prepared according to a traditional recipe, tandyr flatbreads are served hot. Afsona is chosen by both locals and tourists — not for the interior, but because the food is consistently good.
Retro Milliy, @retromilliy
A family establishment serving national Uzbek and Turkish cuisines. The menu is wide, the presentation is unconventional for a simple restaurant — the dishes look neat, without unnecessary decoration, but with attention to detail. Live music in the evenings. A place for those who want to eat good food in a calm atmosphere without restaurant pretension.
Mandu Manti, @mandu_manti
An establishment with a single specialisation — manti. Five types of filling: beef, chicken, potatoes, pumpkin, and a signature "mandu" filling. The dough is rolled by hand, cooked in large wooden steamers — the process is visible from the dining area. Locals recommend trying the pumpkin or beef. The interior is modest, seating is limited, and there is sometimes a queue at lunchtime — but these are exactly the kind of places worth hunting for in Tashkent.
