### Food History of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan
The cuisine of Turkmenbashi, a coastal city on the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan, is influenced by both the maritime culture and the traditional Turkmen lifestyle. Historically, the diet of the Turkmen people was primarily based on what the semi-nomadic tribes could hunt, gather, and cultivate in the harsh desert climate. With the Caspian Sea providing a wealth of fish and seafood, Turkmenbashi has incorporated these into its cuisine, blending them with the rich flavors of Central Asian culinary traditions. Grains, dairy products, herbs, and vegetables are staples, with a variety of cooking techniques passed down through generations.
### Must-try Top 10 Food Dishes in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan
1. Plov (Non-Veg) - The national dish of Turkmenistan, plov is a hearty rice dish cooked with mutton, carrots, and onions, flavored with various spices.
2. Manti (Non-Veg) - These are dumplings filled with minced meat (usually lamb) and onion, then steamed and often served with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top.
3. Ishlykli (Non-Veg) - A traditional pie stuffed with minced meat (can be chicken or lamb) and onions, baked until golden and crisp.
4. Kutlet (Non-Veg) - Similar to a meat cutlet or patty, made from minced meat mixed with spices, bread, and sometimes potatoes, then fried.
5. Chebureki (Non-Veg) - Deep-fried turnovers filled with juicy minced meat and onions, a popular fast food throughout Central Asia.
6. Borscht (Can be Veg) - A soup of Ukrainian origin, often prepared with beetroot, giving it a distinctive red color, served with sour cream; meatless versions are available.
7. Turkmen Bread (Veg) - A staple in Turkmen cuisine, these round loaves have a unique pattern and are known for their crispy crust and soft inside.
8. Shashlik (Non-Veg) - Skewered and grilled chunks of marinated fish or chicken, a type of kebab that is especially popular in coastal areas like Turkmenbashi.
9. Gutap (Can be Veg) - These are fried pastries that can be filled with meat, pumpkin, or spinach, allowing for vegetarian options.
10. Dograma (Veg) - A cold soup made from yogurt, wheat, and herbs, usually consumed in the hot summer months and can be entirely vegetarian.
### Top Famous Restaurants in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan
- Turkmenbashi Sea Port Restaurant
Address: Sea Port, Turkmenbashi
Famous Food: Fresh Caspian fish dishes (Non-Veg)
- Cafe Lido
Address: Awaza Zone, Turkmenbashi
Famous Food: Grilled fish and seafood platters (Non-Veg)
- Awaza Restaurant
Address: National Tourist Zone Awaza, Turkmenbashi
Famous Food: Local Turkmen cuisine with various meat dishes (Non-Veg)
- Caravan Restaurant
Address: Center of Turkmenbashi City
Famous Food: Traditional Turkmen dishes including a variety of kebabs (Non-Veg)
- Merw Restaurant
Address: Business Center, Turkmenbashi
Famous Food: Plov and vegetarian options of Central Asian dishes (Veg and Non-Veg)
- Olga's Café
Address: Near Awaza Beach, Turkmenbashi
Famous Food: European cuisine with some vegetarian dishes (Veg and Non-Veg)
Each of these restaurants offers a mix of local Turkmen cuisine along with international dishes, with many providing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to cater to the diverse preferences of visitors.
