Istaravshan, located in the Sughd province of Tajikistan, is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history that dates back more than 2,500 years. The area has been a melting pot of various cultures and civilizations, including Persian, Turkic, and Russian influences, each contributing to the region's culinary heritage. Traditional Tajik cuisine has been shaped by the agrarian lifestyle and the harsh mountainous climate, leading to a diet rich in grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meats other than beef, such as lamb, poultry, and fish.