Must-Try Foods In Ashgabat Cable Car (Ashgabat) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Ashgabat Cable Car: Food History

While there isn't a specific food history associated with the Ashgabat Cable Car itself, it provides a scenic route to the surrounding mountains and offers a glimpse into Turkmen culture. The cuisine in Ashgabat, like many aspects of Turkmenistan, is influenced by the nomadic heritage of the Turkic people, as well as neighboring cuisines from countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Traditional dishes often include a variety of meats, rice, vegetables, and spices. However, it's essential to note that vegetarian dishes may not be as prevalent due to the strong focus on meat in Turkmen cuisine.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Ashgabat

1. Plov (non-veg) - A rice dish typically made with carrots, onions, and mutton or chicken, flavored with a blend of spices.
2. Manti (non-veg) - Dumplings filled with minced meat (usually mutton or chicken), onion, and seasoning, steamed and served with yogurt or butter.
3. Shurpa (non-veg) - A hearty soup made with chunks of meat, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs.
4. Yaprak (non-veg) - Grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice and minced meat, similar to the Turkish dolma.
5. Ishlekli (non-veg) - A pie that can be filled with meat, potatoes, and cheese s enclosed in a soft dough and baked or fried.
6. Gutap (veg/non-veg) - A Turkmen version of fried pies that can be filled with spinach, pumpkin, or meat fillings.
7. Baursak (veg) - Slightly sweet, deep-fried dough balls that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
8. Chal (veg) - A traditional fermented camel milk, although not a food dish, it's a unique beverage that visitors may want to try.
9. Samse (non-veg) - Baked pastry often filled with meat but can sometimes be found with vegetable fillings.
10. Kelem Dolma (veg/non-veg) - Cabbage leaves filled with rice and sometimes a mix of minced meat, steamed and served with a side of sour cream.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ashgabat Cable Car Area

1. Altyn Cynar Restaurant

   Address: Galkynysh Street, Ashgabat

   Famous Food: Plov (non-veg)

2. Berkarar Restaurant

   Address: Berkarar Shopping Mall, Ashgabat

   Famous Food: Manti (non-veg)

3. Aziada Restaurant

   Address: Olympic Village, Ashgabat

   Famous Food: Shurpa (non-veg)

4. Şäher Café & Restaurant

   Address: Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue, Ashgabat

   Famous Food: Ishlekli (non-veg)

5. Yyldyz Hotel Restaurant

   Address: Yyldyz Hotel, Ashgabat

   Famous Food: Gutap (veg/non-veg)

Note that the availability of vegetarian options may be limited, and it’s advisable for vegetarians to specify their dietary preferences when ordering. The Ashgabat Cable Car gives a unique view of the city and leads to areas where these traditional foods can be sampled in authentic settings.