Must-Try Foods In Nisa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) (Ashgabat) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Nisa, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The ancient site of Nisa, located near Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, has a rich history stretching back over 2000 years. While the site itself does not offer much direct evidence related to historical diets, the overall food history of the region reflects a blend of Turkic, Persian, Russian, and nomadic influences. Traditional Turkmen food often revolves around grains, dairy, and various meats. However, due to the historic Silk Road trade route passing through this area, there is evidence of the exchange of culinary practices and ingredients between different cultures.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nisa, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

1. Plov (Non-Veg): The quintessential dish of Central Asia, often made with rice, carrots, onions, and chicken or other meats in place of beef or lamb.
2. Manty (Non-Veg): Dumplings stuffed with minced meat (often chicken) and spices, steamed and typically served with sour cream.
3. Shurpa (Non-Veg): A hearty soup with vegetables and chunks of meat, often including chicken.
4. Borsch (Veg Option Available): A beetroot soup that can be made vegetarian and is commonly consumed with sour cream.
5. Samsa (Non-Veg): Baked pastries filled with minced meat (chicken or mutton), onions, and spices.
6. Echpochmak (Non-Veg): Triangular savory pastries with a filling of minced chicken, potatoes, and onions.
7. Kutabi (Veg Option Available): Stuffed flatbreads which can be filled with pumpkin or leafy greens for vegetarian options.
8. Lagman (Non-Veg): Noodle soup made with vegetables and pieces of meat, typically chicken.
9. Olivier Salad (Veg Option Available): Also known as Russian salad, often made with potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and mayonnaise.
10. Baklava (Veg): Sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Top Famous Restaurants in Nisa, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Altyn Cynar Restaurant

Address: Galkynysh District, Ashgabat

Famous Food: Plov (Non-Veg)

Merdem Restaurant

Address: Archabil Ave 70, Ashgabat

Famous Food: Manty (Non-Veg)

Kopetdag Restaurant

Address: Ashgabat

Famous Food: Traditional Turkmen Pilaf (Non-Veg)

Cafe Lachin

Address: G.Kuliyev Street, Ashgabat

Famous Food: Kutabi (Veg option available)

Saffron Indian Restaurant

Address: Magtymguly Ave 141/1, Ashgabat

Famous Food: Vegetarian Curry (Veg)

Zeytun Restaurant

Address: 80 Gorogly Street, Ashgabat

Famous Food: Selection of Mezze (Veg options available)

Bagt Koshgi Restaurant

Address: Chandybil Street, Ashgabat

Famous Food: Borsch (Veg option available)

Yyldyz Hotel Restaurant

Address: Ashgabat

Famous Food: International Cuisine with Turkmen Specialties (Veg options available)

Türkmeni Restaurant

Address: Ashgabat

Famous Food: Ashgabat Kebabs (Non-Veg, but vegetarian dishes are also available)