Food History of Avaza Aqua Park, Turkmenbashi
Avaza Aqua Park is a modern tourist zone situated in the city of Turkmenbashi along the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan. The food scene within the park itself reflects the contemporary nature of the resort area, while also tying in with the wider culinary traditions of Turkmenistan which has rich nomadic and Turkic heritages.
Turkmen cuisine is largely influenced by the country's geographic position and its history as part of the Silk Road. This means that there is a blend of culinary traditions from various ethnic groups, including Russians, Turks, and Persians. Traditional Turkmen food often revolves around grains, dairy, and a variety of meats (besides cow meat, which is not traditionally consumed in large quantities due to religious and cultural reasons), with a particular emphasis on lamb and chicken. Vegetables, bread, and soups are also staples in the local diet. Avaza, being a modern development, takes these traditions and presents them in various restaurants catering to an international audience.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Avaza Aqua Park
- Plov (Non-Veg): A Central Asian rice dish made with carrots, onions, and mutton or chicken instead of beef.
- Chorba (Non-Veg): A hearty soup with lamb, vegetables, and herbs. There are also vegetarian variants available.
- Mantu (Non-Veg): Dumplings usually filled with minced lamb or chicken and onions, steamed and often served with a yogurt or tomato sauce.
- Ishlykly (Non-Veg): Skewers of marinated chicken or lamb, grilled over an open flame.
- Kutabi (Veg/Non-Veg): A pancake-like dish that can be stuffed with pumpkin (veg) or minced meat (non-veg) and greens.
- Borscht (Veg/Non-Veg): A beet soup of Russian origin, which can be prepared with or without meat.
- Shurpa (Non-Veg): Another variety of soup made with chunks of mutton, potatoes, and carrots flavored with cumin and other spices.
- Yaprak (Non-Veg): Vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful rice and meat mixture.
- Olivier Salad (Veg): A Russian potato salad that’s very popular in Turkmenistan, made with peas, carrots, potatoes, eggs, and mayonnaise.
- Tokmach (Non-Veg): A traditional noodle soup often made with chicken or lamb broth.
Top Famous Restaurants in Avaza Aqua Park
- Merjen Restaurant
- Address: Avaza Tourist Zone, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan
- Famous Food: Mantu (Non-Veg)
- Caspian Sea Restaurant
- Address: Near Avaza Sea Boulevard, Turkmenbashi
- Famous Food: Ishlykly (Non-Veg)
- Yildiz Restaurant
- Address: Inside Yelken Yacht Club, Avaza
- Famous Food: Plov (Non-Veg)
- Avaza Pizza & Grill House
- Address: Central Avaza Strip, Turkmenbashi
- Famous Food: Assorted Grilled Kebabs (Non-Veg), Vegetarian Pizza (Veg)
- Turkmen Traditional Cuisine
- Address: Zelyony Market Area, Avaza
- Famous Food: Kutabi (Veg/Non-Veg)
When visiting Avaza Aqua Park, it's essential for tourists to try these delicacies to experience the true flavor of Turkmenistan.