Food In Awaza National Tourist Zone

Food History of Awaza National Tourist Zone, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

The food in Awaza is greatly influenced by the traditional Turkmen cuisine, which is a combination of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and other regional culinary traditions. Turkmenistan's close proximity to the Caspian Sea heavily contributes to the use of fish in the local dishes around the Awaza National Tourist Zone. With a significant emphasis on dairy products, bread, cereals, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, the cuisine is adapted to suit the semi-nomadic lifestyle of many of Turkmenistan's people. In recent years, Awaza, being a tourist hub, has also started incorporating a range of international cuisines, catering to the diverse tastes of its visitors.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Awaza, Turkmenbashi

1. Ishlykli - This savory pastry is typically stuffed with lamb or other meats, but there are vegetarian versions that use pumpkin or potato fillings. (Vegetarian option available)
2. Plov - Although traditionally made with rice, meat, and carrots, vegetarian plov substitutes the meat with a range of vegetables. (Vegetarian option available)
3. Tutmaç - A non-meat version of this soup can be made substituting the lamb with an assortment of beans and vegetables. (Vegetarian option available)
4. Manti - These dumplings are commonly filled with meat but can be found with pumpkin, which is a popular vegetarian alternative. (Vegetarian option available)
5. Okroshka - A cold soup that’s traditionally made with meat, there are also non-meat versions that use vegetables and kvass or kefir as a base. (Vegetarian option available)
6. Shurpa - Vegetable-based shurpa is rich with hearty root vegetables and spiced with local herbs. (Vegetarian version)
7. Baursak - These are small pieces of bread fried in oil, enjoyed as a snack or side dish, often with tea. (Vegetarian)
8. Gutap - It is a kind of flatbread pie that can be filled with spinach or herbs for a vegetarian twist. (Vegetarian)
9. Turkmen Pilaf - It can be made with chickpeas and dried fruits instead of meat for those looking for vegetarian options. (Vegetarian option available)
10. Samsa - Puff pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, the vegetarian versions may use cheese, potato, or greens. (Vegetarian option available)

Top Famous Restaurants in Awaza, Turkmenbashi

Balkan

Address: Awaza Ave, Awaza, Turkmenbashi

Famous Food: Manti (can be vegetarian)

Food Type: Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian

The Caspian

Address: Coastal Street, Awaza, Turkmenbashi

Famous Food: Fish dishes (for non-vegetarian) and Vegetarian Okroshka

Food Type: Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian

Arzu

Address: Near Hotel Row, Awaza, Turkmenbashi

Famous Food: Turkmen-style Vegetarian Pilaf

Food Type: Vegetarian

Sahil

Address: Seafront promenade, Awaza, Turkmenbashi

Famous Food: Gutap with spinach or herbs (vegetarian)

Food Type: Vegetarian

Before planning a visit to any of these restaurants, it's important to check their current operational status, as the availability and opening hours can vary. Moreover, travelers interested in specific vegetarian dishes should communicate their dietary requirements to the restaurant staff to ensure the meal meets their expectations.