Tashkent: Unveiling the Surprising Street Food and Underground Art Scene in Uzbekistan’s Capital

In today's world, it's rare to visit places that remain largely unknown to Western travelers. Uzbekistan, and specifically Tashkent, are examples of such hidden gems.

Situated in Central Asia, Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union until gaining independence three decades ago. In recent years, its rapidly growing population and diversifying economy have spurred a remarkable boom, with Tashkent at the core, home to about 2.5 million people.

Many visitors to Uzbekistan overlook Tashkent, opting instead to explore ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, famous for their Silk Road heritage. However, as the capital continues to develop, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Tashkent is a destination worth experiencing in its own right.

Tashkent’s international airport is surprisingly situated right in the city center. Upon leaving, you’ll immediately notice the spotless streets and sidewalks, thanks to the dedicated teams of workers in high-visibility uniforms. Another striking feature is the uniformity of the cars on the road, as more than 90% of vehicles in Uzbekistan were once Chevrolets.

The Plov Centre

One of the best ways to experience the soul of a city is through its food, and for many visitors seeking an authentic (albeit highly Instagrammed) taste of local culture, the Plov Centre (also called the Pilaf Centre) is an essential first stop.

This vast, sports hall-like venue is the ultimate spot to try plov, the beloved dish that Uzbek locals enjoy from dawn until midday. Don’t even think about ordering it after lunch—it’s not meant to be served.

Plov is made in enormous cauldrons at the Centre, with rice, carrots, lamb, and a medley of spices all simmered together. Take a seat, place your order (you can add boiled eggs and horse sausage if you like), and wait for your meal to arrive, often paired with a refreshing sweet tea.

Chorsu Street Food Market

Another essential stop for food lovers in Tashkent is the Chorsu street food market. Inside the sprawling covered market, you’ll find endless rows of stalls selling everything from savory meats to soft cheeses—a staple ingredient in Uzbek cuisine.

The market is also home to many stalls offering kimchi and other Korean treats. Though this may seem unusual amidst the more traditional Uzbek offerings, there’s a deep-rooted connection between Uzbekistan and Korea. In the mid-19th century, Koreans began migrating to Russia, and in 1937, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin ordered their mass deportation, fearing their potential ties to Japan.

Many Koreans were sent to Uzbekistan, where they have thrived, which explains the large number of Korean food stalls in the market.

Street food is incredibly popular, with skewered meats grilled over an open flame being the most sought-after dish. It’s somewhat ironic that this age-old method of cooking and serving food is now a trend replicated at trendy food markets from London to Los Angeles.

For those who aren’t into street food or communal dining, there’s no shortage of more traditional culinary options, including Italian, Georgian, and, naturally, Korean restaurants.

Going Underground and Growing Up

An unexpected but unmissable attraction in Tashkent is its underground stations. While metro systems worldwide tend to be purely functional, Tashkent’s stations—part of Central Asia’s oldest underground network—are a visual delight. Opened in the 1970s, they were originally designed as nuclear bomb shelters, but today they serve as art galleries with murals and mosaics celebrating the country's cultural icons.

Beyond its stunning underground, Tashkent is a city made for walking. From street level, you’ll see a skyline dominated by cranes and buildings swathed in scaffolding, giving the city an energy that suggests it’s rapidly evolving. Amid the modern shopping centers and high-rise towers, there are still glimpses of the city’s past.

Mosques and madrasas are a common sight, and within the Hast-Imam library lies the Samarkand Kufic Quran, widely regarded by experts as the oldest Quran in existence. Though Uzbekistan has been a secular state since gaining independence, about 80% of its population remains Muslim.

As Tashkent opens up to a new wave of visitors, its unique mix of old and new makes it a rising star in the travel world—soon to be a must-see destination for those seeking something distinct.