Table of Contents

Tajik Cuisine

Osh (Plov)

Osh, also known as plov, is a staple dish in Tajik cuisine. It consists of rice cooked with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and a variety of spices. Osh is often garnished with dried fruits and nuts. 1)

Qurutob

Qurutob is a traditional Tajik dish made with pieces of flatbread soaked in a mixture of yogurt and water, then topped with a paste made from dried curd cheese (qurut), onions, and tomatoes. It's often eaten as a hearty breakfast or lunch. 2)

Shurbo

Shurbo is a hearty soup made with lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and spices like cumin and coriander. It's a comforting dish enjoyed during cold winter months. 3)

Sambusa

Sambusa are savory pastries filled with a mixture of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, and spices, then fried until crispy. They're similar to samosas and are often served as appetizers or snacks. 4)

Mastoba

Mastoba is a festive dish made with layers of rice, meat (usually lamb or beef), and vegetables cooked together in a large pot. It's seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and often garnished with herbs and nuts. 5)

Qalama

Qalama are skewers of grilled meat (usually lamb or beef) marinated in spices and served with flatbread and dipping sauces. They're a popular street food option in Tajikistan. 6)

Shashlik

Shashlik is a favorite dish in Tajikistan, consisting of skewered and grilled meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) marinated in vinegar, onions, and spices. It's often served with flatbread and pickled vegetables. 7)

Non

Non is a type of traditional Tajik bread, typically baked in a clay oven (tandoor). It's round in shape and has a soft texture, perfect for sopping up sauces and accompanying meals. 8)

Sumalak

Sumalak is a sweet dish made from sprouted wheat grains, which are cooked for hours until they form a thick, pudding-like consistency. It's often prepared during the Navruz holiday (Persian New Year) and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. 9)

Shakarob

Shakarob is a dessert made with strands of cooked dough soaked in syrup flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water. It's often served during special occasions and celebrations. 10)

Shavlya

Shavlya is a type of noodle soup made with thin noodles, meat (usually lamb or beef), chickpeas, and vegetables like carrots and onions. It's seasoned with herbs and spices and is a comforting dish enjoyed year-round. 11)

Borani Bonjon

Borani Bonjon is a dish made with fried eggplants (bonjon) topped with a garlic-yogurt sauce and garnished with herbs and spices. It's a flavorful vegetarian option in Tajik cuisine. 12)

Somsa

Somsa are similar to sambusa, but they're typically baked instead of fried. They're filled with a mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices, and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. 13)

Pashmak

Pashmak is a sweet treat made with spun sugar, similar to cotton candy. It's often flavored with rose water or saffron and is a popular dessert in Tajikistan. 14)

Chakka

Chakka is a traditional Tajik drink made from fermented grains (usually wheat or barley) and served cold. It has a slightly tangy flavor and is often enjoyed during hot summer months. 15)