Food In Ashgabat

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: Food History

The food scene in Ashgabat reflects the country's rich nomadic and agricultural history. Traditional Turkmen cuisine has evolved from the country's position along the Silk Road, where various cultures influenced the local diet. Despite being a predominantly meat-eating society, due to religious and regional practices, there are still some delightful vegetarian options available within the Turkmen cuisine spectrum. Foods are often cooked in a 'tamdyr', a traditional Central Asian pit oven, and feature an abundance of grains, dairy, and vegetables in steppe-dwelling nomadic traditions.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Ashgabat

1. Ishlekli - A savory pastry filled with potatoes and onions, making it an excellent vegetarian option.
2. Gutap - A sort of fried pie that can be stuffed with spinach or pumpkin, perfect for vegetarians seeking authentic Turkmen flavors.
3. Borshch - A beetroot soup that is often made vegetarian, though sometimes it can include meat, so it's best to ask.
4. Shorba - A hearty soup traditionally made with meat, but vegetarian versions with lentils, chickpeas, or beans are not uncommon.
5. Olivier Salad - A classic Russian potato salad which is popular in Turkmenistan, usually vegetarian but sometimes has meat - check with the chef.
6. Samsa - Pastry pockets that may be filled with spinach or cheese for vegetarians, whereas meat fillings are quite common.
7. Yarma - Made from ground wheat and can be cooked into a pilaf with a variety of vegetables for a nutritious vegetarian meal.
8. Çörek - A type of Turkmen bread, often baked in a tamdyr and is naturally vegetarian.
9. Manty - Dumplings typically filled with meat but sometimes you can find vegetable versions. Be sure to specify if you want them vegetarian.
10. Ka'k - A type of traditional bread flavored with anise and sesame seeds, definitely suitable for vegetarians.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ashgabat

Altyn Cynar Restaurant

• Address: Berkararlyk, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Gutap (Vegetarian)

Chaikhana Teke

• Address: Bagtyyarlyk, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Ishlekli (Vegetarian)

Türkmeni Restaurant

• Address: Archabil Avenue, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Olivier Salad (Vegetarian)

Merw Restaurant

• Address: Galkynysh District, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Borshch (Can be vegetarian)

Dogan Café

• Address: 1939 Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Çörek (Vegetarian)

Aýdynlyk Café & Restaurant

• Address: Gurtly Residential Area, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Samsa (Vegetarian available)

Şäher Café & Restaurant

• Address: 10 Ýyl Abadançylyk, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
• Famous dish: Manty (Vegetarian available)

It's important to note that even in dishes that can be made vegetarian, cross-contamination with meat products in kitchens may occur, so strict vegetarians should communicate with restaurant staff accordingly.