The Independence Monument in Ashgabat is a significant landmark that commemorates Turkmenistan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. While the monument itself is a political and historical symbol, the food culture around Ashgabat has deep roots linked to Turkmen traditions and the Central Asian culinary landscape. Historically, Turkmen cuisine has been influenced by the semi-nomadic lifestyle of its people, with a strong emphasis on dairy products, grains, and vegetables. Sheep were the primary source of meat, but since you've indicated to exclude cow non-vegetarian food, we'll focus on the vegetarian aspects which include an array of bread, dairy products like cheese and yogurts, and fruits and vegetables that are central to the Turkmen table.
1. Içlekli - Often compared to dumplings, these are pastry pockets filled with spinach or pumpkin, making it a vegetarian dish.
2. Gutap - A vegetarian-friendly flatbread filled with mashed potato, herbs, and sometimes a mix of pumpkin or spinach.
3. Somsa - Baked pastries usually filled with meat, but vegetarian options can be found stuffed with pumpkin or cheese.
4. Manti - These dumplings are traditionally filled with meat, but for a vegetarian option, they can be found filled with cheese or vegetables.
5. Pilav (Plov) - Although usually made with meat, vegetarian versions of this iconic rice dish can include carrots, chickpeas, and raisins.
6. Echpochmak - A triangular pastry that's similar to Somsa, and can be filled with potatoes and herbs for vegetarians.
7. Borsch - This well-known beetroot soup is a vegetarian dish but can sometimes include meat, so it's advisable to ask before ordering.
8. Shurpa - A hearty vegetable soup, which can be made without meat for a vegetarian option.
9. Turkmen Çörek - A vegetarian traditional bread which is often enjoyed with tea or as a part of any meal.
10. Baklava - A sweet dessert pastry filled with nuts and honey, completely vegetarian.
Address: Bitarap Turkmenistan Ave, Ashgabat
Famous Food: Turkmen Çörek and Gutap - Vegetarian
Address: Gorogly Street, Ashgabat
Famous Food: Içlekli and vegetarian Pilav - Vegetarian
Address: Magtymguly şaýoly, Ashgabat
Famous Food: Vegetarian Somsa and Echpochmak - Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options
Address: Ashgabat
Famous Food: Manti with vegetable fillings - Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian options
Address: Berkarar Shopping and Entertainment Center, Ashgabat
Famous Food: Vegetarian Borsch - Vegetarian
Note: It is advisable for travelers to inquire about the ingredients before ordering, to ensure the dishes align with their dietary preferences, especially since traditional Turkmen dishes may have variations that include meat.
Religious Places (1)
Historical Places (5)
Museums (1)
