Vegetarian dishes you must try when in Uzbekistan
As a vegetarian or vegan, you may deter traveling to a few countries with cuisines heavily based on non-vegetarian offerings. While many may put Uzbekistan on the same list of destinations, searching for delicious and authentic vegetarian Uzbek food comes easily as you will find a medley of dishes in every nook and cranny of the country. Sample the following on your next trip.
Uzbek lepeshka
Uzbek lepeshka is a flat and round bread that is baked in a clay oven, giving it a toasty and crunchy appeal. Sometimes, locals add onions and herbs to the dough to accentuate the taste of the bread. Interestingly, they never cut it with a knife as it is considered disrespecting the bread. Instead, it is broken into pieces by hand before consuming.
Chalop
This traditional and healthy dish will help you explore the seasonal and fresh produce of Uzbekistan as it is loaded with authentic herbs and spices. The cold yogurt soup is made with an array of vegetables and dressed with fermented milk, the flavor of garlic and basil stands out for many. Locals prefer having it on a hot day to beat the heat.
Sumalyak
This one is an ancient dish that is believed to restore health during the winter and is available in a host of versions. Also called samanu, it features germinated wheat and water as the only ingredients. The wheat is soaked for days and the entire dish takes days to be ready. Historically, it was a festive or party dish for women.
Samsa with pumpkin
This food will take you back to India as it is an Uzbek version of our favorite street food samosa. Featuring a sweet and spicy filling of pumpkin, the dough is greased with sheep fat instead of butter and is baked in a clay oven. It is soft, puffed up, and chewy, which makes it a popular offering in the country's local cuisine.
