Food History of Juma Mosque Khiva, Khiva, Uzbekistan

The Juma Mosque, situated in the ancient city of Khiva, is a site with a rich history that dates back to the 10th century. While the mosque itself is a place of worship and not a source of culinary tradition, the city of Khiva around it is steeped in the flavors and food heritage of Uzbekistan. Uzbek cuisine is characterized by its savory flavors, use of fresh ingredients, and hearty dishes, with a blending of traditional Turkic, Tajik, Mongolian, Russian, and other influences over the centuries due to the Silk Road passing through the region.

In the surroundings of Juma Mosque and throughout Khiva, staples such as pilaus (plov), fresh flatbreads like non, and skewered meats known as kebabs share historical ties with the Silk Road trade that brought spices, techniques, and food culture to the region. Additionally, Khiva has a tradition of vibrant bazaars that offer a variety of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and other staples that shape the local cuisine.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Khiva

1. Plov (Non-Veg) - The king of Uzbek cuisine, this rich rice dish is cooked with carrots, onions, and pieces of mutton or chicken.
2. Shurpa (Non-Veg) - A hearty soup made with chunks of lamb or mutton and a variety of fresh vegetables.
3. Lagman (Non-Veg) - A noodle soup served with pieces of meat, vegetables, and a spiced broth.
4. Manti (Non-Veg) - Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced meat (typically lamb or chicken) and spices.
5. Chuchvara (Non-Veg) - Small dumplings typically served in broth or topped with yogurt and herbs.
6. Non (Veg) - Traditional bread that's baked in a tandoor oven, often served with meals.
7. Somsa (Non-Veg) - Pastry filled with minced meat (often chicken or lamb), onions, and spices, then baked or fried.
8. Tukhum Barak (Veg) - Egg dumplings that can be considered a vegetarian dish if not served in a meat broth.
9. Dimlama (Non-Veg) - A slow-cooked stew consisting of meat, potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage.
10. Nasiba (Veg) - A vegetable dish named after a famous cook in Khiva; it is made without meat and includes eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Top Famous Restaurants in Juma Mosque Khiva

Terrassa Cafe

Address: Polvon-Qori, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Famous Food: Manti (Non-Veg)

Khorezm Art Restaurant

Address: 1 Pakhlavan Makhmud St, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Famous Food: Plov (Non-Veg)

Zarafshon Restaurant

Address: Pushkin Street, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Famous Food: Shurpa (Non-Veg)

Cafe Zarafshon

Address: K. Yakubova Street, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Famous Food: Non (Veg)

Rooftop Cafe of Islam Khoja Minaret

Address: Itchan Kala, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Famous Food: Lagman (Non-Veg)

Note: Local regulations and dining customs suggest verifying if specific restaurants serve a vegetarian version of the listed dishes as some might traditionally include meat or broth in their preparation.