Pilaf making in Samarkand

This tour offers more than just a cooking class; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Uzbek hospitality and tradition, all set in the picturesque outskirts of Samarkand. Guided by a local family, you’ll learn how to craft the iconic Uzbek pilaf (plov), taste homemade bread, and get a real taste of local life. It’s an immersive experience that combines food, culture, and warm hospitality.

What makes this experience truly special? First, the chance to prepare authentic Uzbek pilaf under the watchful eye of a master cook. Second, the opportunity to visit a traditional market in Samarkand, picking out fresh ingredients. Lastly, the intimate setting in a village home, offering genuine insight into everyday life—plus, tasting “Gilmindi”, a delicious homemade delicacy. The only possible downside? It’s a full-day commitment, so a bit of planning is needed if you’re short on time. But if you’re eager to see local Uzbekistan beyond the tourist trail, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, cultural exchanges, and authentic food. If you’re curious about Uzbek traditions, love cooking, or want a genuine story behind your trip, this is a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking: Learn to make traditional Uzbek pilaf, guided by a local family.
• Market Experience: Buy fresh meat, rice, and spices directly from a Samarkand market.
• Cultural Insight: Discover local life, hospitality, and culinary traditions in a village setting.
• Gourmet Tasting: Enjoy homemade bread, Gilmindi, and a dinner conversation about Uzbek culture.
• Authentic Setting: Experience life in a kishlak (village), not just the city.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with a “reserve now, pay later” option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a genuine taste of Uzbek life, combining culinary skill, cultural insights, and local hospitality. Starting in Samarkand, you’ll meet your guide—Sunnat, who is noted for being friendly and engaging—before heading to the bustling market. Here, you’ll select fresh ingredients like meat, rice, and spices, learning about the importance of each in traditional Uzbek plov.

The Market Visit: Visiting a typical Samarkand market is a highlight. You’ll see locals bargaining over spices, fresh produce, and meat, giving you a glimpse of everyday life. Sunnat explains how to pick the best ingredients, which is invaluable if you plan to replicate the recipe at home. The market also offers opportunities for souvenirs, so keep an eye out.

Travel to the Village: From the city, you’ll head about 20-30 minutes to Terakzor, a kishlak (village) on the outskirts. The drive alone offers scenic views of rural Uzbekistan, with fields and traditional homes. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a local family’s home, which is a rare chance to see how villagers live.

Cooking with a Master: Under the guidance of the family’s owner, you’ll participate in every step of making plov—from preparing the meat and rice to cooking it in a traditional tandoor or cast-iron pot. You’ll learn about the subtle techniques that make Uzbek plov unique, like the order of adding ingredients and specific cooking times. This hands-on approach was highly praised in reviews, with one guest noting, “I had a great time making plov and the bread.”

Bread and Gilmindi: Besides the pilaf, you’ll learn how to bake aromatic bread in a tandoor, adding to your culinary skills. The experience is complemented by tasting Gilmindi, a national delicacy made from lavash and cream, which the hosts prepare at home.

Dining and Cultural Exchange: After cooking, you’ll sit down in the garden for a relaxed meal, often accompanied by tea. This setting fosters genuine conversations about Uzbek traditions and hospitality. One review mentioned learning about the tea ceremony and the structure of Uzbek houses, which deepens the cultural connection.

The Food and Flavors

The highlight of this tour is, of course, the food. The pilaf (or plov) prepared is described as aromatic and flavorful, made with fresh ingredients and cooked with care. You’ll learn how each element contributes to the dish’s signature taste. Guests often mention that the experience enhances their understanding of Uzbek cuisine, which they plan to replicate at home.

You’ll also taste Gilmindi, a delicious homemade delicacy made from lavash and cream, providing a sweet contrast to the savory plov. The bread baked in the tandoor is another star, offering a fragrant, crisp crust that pairs perfectly with the meal.

The Cultural Highlights

This isn’t just about food—it’s about understanding Uzbek hospitality. The family hosts are warm and eager to share their way of life, giving you insights into everyday rural living. You’ll learn about bread baking traditions, the significance of tea ceremonies, and the structure of Uzbek houses—things that are hard to grasp from a city hotel.

Reviewers highlight how this village setting makes the experience more authentic. One mentioned, “While dining in the garden, I learned even more about the gastronomic traditions of the Uzbeks, about the tea ceremony and about the life of one big hospitable family.” It’s a rare opportunity to see how bread is baked in a tandoor and to get a behind-the-scenes look at family life.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour costs $85 per person and lasts about a full day. It begins with the market visit, followed by the trip to the village, and concludes with a communal meal. The group size tends to be small, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Transportation: The drive from Samarkand to Terakzor is included, and the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to most travelers.

Booking and Cancellation: You can reserve your spot with the “reserve now, pay later” option, giving you flexibility. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, which is useful if your plans change unexpectedly.

What to Bring: A camera is recommended to capture the moments, and since drones are not allowed, don’t plan to film from the air.

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What Reviewers Say

Based on the review from Sjoerd from the Netherlands, the experience was “very fun,” especially the mix of market shopping, cooking in a tandoor, and participating in all steps of the dish preparation. Sjoerd described Sunnat as “a very friendly and fun guide,” adding that he plans to try making plov at home. This positive feedback emphasizes the value of hands-on learning and warm local guides.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. If you’re curious about local Uzbek traditions, enjoy cooking classes, or love authentic cultural exchanges, this tour hits the mark. It’s suited for those who appreciate small-group experiences and are open to seeing village life.

While the tour is not suitable for those with food allergies, it’s perfect for adventurous eaters and culinary enthusiasts. The full-day schedule makes it a good choice for those wanting an in-depth look at Uzbek life, rather than quick city tours.

The Pilaf Making in Samarkand tour offers a genuine, hands-on way to connect with Uzbek culture through food. From shopping at the bustling market to cooking in a family home, every step provides insight into a world often hidden from travelers. The opportunity to learn traditional techniques, taste homemade delicacies, and enjoy warm hospitality makes this tour stand out.

At $85, the experience delivers excellent value for a full day of culture and culinary learning. It’s particularly well-suited for curious travelers eager to go beyond surface-level sightseeing and really understand the heart of Uzbekistan.

Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or simply someone wanting a memorable experience off the beaten path, this tour promises a genuine taste of Uzbek warmth and tradition.

Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is conducted in English, so a basic understanding will help you follow along and engage fully.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full day typically includes the market visit, village trip, cooking, and dining, making for a comprehensive, relaxed experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if needed.

What should I bring with me?
A camera is recommended to capture the moments, but drones are not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most travelers.

What makes the cooking class special?
You’ll learn from a local family who guides you through each step, and the techniques you acquire can be tried at home.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
This experience is not suitable for people with food allergies, so check with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

What is the location of the meeting point?
The tour begins in Samarkand at the coordinates 39.650794982910156, 66.96534729003906.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Yes, as long as there are available starting times—just check the schedule before booking.

This tour is a wonderful way to taste Uzbekistan’s genuine hospitality and culinary traditions. It’s perfect for those seeking an authentic, meaningful connection with local culture—an experience that stays with you long after the last bite.

You can check availability for your dates here: