Food & Culture in Bukhara

Bukhara's Cuisine

Bukhara has its own culinary traditions, distinct from Tashkent and Samarkand:

• Osh-i-Sofiy (Bukhara Plov): Bukhara Plov is made with green mung beans instead of chickpeas and is slightly lighter than the Tashkent version.
• Jiz: Lamb offal (liver, heart, lung), quickly fried with onions. A Bukhara classic that the brave should definitely try.
• Sumalak: A sweet wheatgrass dish that is cooked for days for the Navruz festival (March 21). The preparation is a communal ritual — women cook and sing all night.
• Bugursak: Small fried dough balls, served with honey or powdered sugar. The perfect accompaniment to tea.

Where to Eat?

• Lyabi-Hauz Restaurants: Restaurants line up around the pond. Touristy, but the atmosphere in the evening is unbeatable. Main course 3–8€.
• Old Bukhara Restaurant: Traditional cuisine in a beautiful historic house with a courtyard. One of the best restaurants in the city.
• Chaikhana Sahil: Directly at Lyabi-Hauz. Tea, shashlik, and plov by candlelight by the water.
• Bazaar Food: The small bazaar in the old town has stalls with samsa, non, and fresh fruit.

Crafts & Shopping

Bukhara is the craft center of Uzbekistan:

• Suzani Embroideries: The famous hand-embroidered textiles with floral motifs. Prices: 20–500€ depending on size and quality. Note: Machine-made Suzanis are available for 5–10€ — the difference can be seen on the back.
• Silk Scissors (Bukhara Scissors): Hand-forged scissors in the shape of a stork. A classic souvenir (5–15€).
• Miniature Painting: Persian miniatures painted on silk paper. In the Taki-Zargaron and in the Nadir-Divan-Begi Madrasah.
• Carpets: Bukhara carpets are world-famous. In the Taki-Sarrafon and specialized shops. Shipping to Germany is often arranged.