Central Asian Plov Center (Besh Qozon)
Tashkent's iconic culinary hub, serving up Uzbekistan's national dish, plov, in a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with an unforgettable open-kitchen spec...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the peak buzz
Central Asian Plov Center (Besh Qozon)
Best Time
Experience the peak buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tashkent's iconic culinary hub, serving up Uzbekistan's national dish, plov, in a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with an unforgettable open-kitchen spectacle.
"An absolute MUST! The pilav is second to none! Make sure to check out the courtyard where they actually make it."
🎯 Embrace the Bustle
Don't worry if it looks crowded; seating is fast! A table will be available soon.
👀 Watch the Plov Magic
Head to the courtyard to see how the famous plov is made. It's a highlight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Plov Masterpiece
Main dining area
Savor the iconic Uzbek plov, a flavorful rice and meat dish cooked to perfection. Tender meat and aromatic rice are a must-try.
Open Kitchen Spectacle
Courtyard
Witness the mesmerizing process of plov and bread being cooked in traditional large cauldrons. A true culinary theater.
Freshly Baked Samsas
Dining area or near kitchen
Enjoy moist and flavorful samsas, a delightful pastry often filled with meat or vegetables, complementing the plov.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Plov Experience
Beyond the Plov: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Bustle
Don't worry if it looks crowded; seating is fast! A table will be available soon.
👀 Watch the Plov Magic
Head to the courtyard to see how the famous plov is made. It's a highlight!
How to visit Plov Centre
💰 Restroom Fees
Restrooms are separate and may require a small payment.
⚖️ Portion Sizes
Full servings are generous; consider sharing if not extremely hungry.
Besh Qozon Lunch Timings?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Bustle
Don't worry if it looks crowded; seating is fast! A table will be available soon.
👀 Watch the Plov Magic
Head to the courtyard to see how the famous plov is made. It's a highlight!
💰 Restroom Fees
Restrooms are separate and may require a small payment.
⚖️ Portion Sizes
Full servings are generous; consider sharing if not extremely hungry.
📸 Sign Selfie
Snap a photo by the iconic sign out front for a classic souvenir.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Central Asian Plov Center, calling it an absolute must-visit for its spectacular plov and lively atmosphere. The open kitchen spectacle is a major highlight, offering a unique culinary experience. While the food is rich and portions are generous, the authentic flavors and efficient service make it a memorable dining destination.
"I believe every tourist visiting Tashkent will put this restaurant as their one of the place to go; and it was a right desicion. The restaurant is cozy, and the food was spectacular! The plov is perfect with tender meat and perfect salad! Recommended"
Hazwan Zakaria
"We came for lunch. It’s nice because you can go into the cooking area and see how they make the Plov, a rice and meat dish, and how the bread is cooked. The food is good. The samsas were moist and tasted good. The plov was also good. Unless you are super hungry, it’s a lot of food to get the full serving. Be sure to take a selfie by the sign in the front."
Ted Eckman
"Amazing taste, it might be a bit heavy due to fat, you need a long walk to burn it :)
The prices are fine, the environment is cool.
No toilet is available inside, just hand washing. The toilet is away from the restaurant, you need to pay."
R. B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Central Asian Plov Center (Besh Qozon) is a popular destination in Tashkent. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go, which are widely used and affordable in the city. Public transport options might be available, but taxis offer the most direct and convenient route for tourists.
Yes, the Plov Center is a well-known landmark. Most taxi drivers will know it by name. It's advisable to have the address written down or displayed on your phone in Cyrillic if possible, especially if you're not using a ride-sharing app with GPS.
For solo travelers, ride-sharing apps are highly recommended for their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and convenience. They eliminate the need for language barriers with drivers and provide clear fare estimates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase tickets to enter the Central Asian Plov Center. It operates as a restaurant, and you can walk in to be seated.
You can typically walk in and find an available table. The service is fast-paced, and even if it appears full, a table usually becomes available within minutes. Menus are often available in Uzbek and Russian, but pointing or using translation apps can help.
The Plov Center is generally open for lunch and dinner service. It's best to check current operating hours closer to your visit, as they can vary. It's a popular spot, especially during peak meal times.
There is no strict dress code. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable for visiting the Plov Center. Comfort is key, especially if you plan to explore the open kitchen area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The signature dish is, of course, Plov (also spelled Pilaf or Osh). It's a hearty rice dish cooked with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and spices. The Central Asian Plov Center is renowned for its authentic and flavorful rendition of this national dish.
While plov is traditionally meat-based, some variations might exist, or other dishes like samsas with vegetable fillings could be available. It's best to inquire directly about vegetarian options upon arrival.
The full servings of plov are quite generous and can be heavy due to the richness of the ingredients. Many visitors find it a lot of food, so consider ordering a smaller portion or sharing if you're not extremely hungry.
Besides plov, visitors often praise the samsas (savory pastries) which are described as moist and tasty. Salads are also a good accompaniment to balance the richness of the plov.
Some reviews mention that the plov can be a bit oily, which contributes to its rich flavor. If you're concerned about oiliness, you might want to ask for a less oily preparation if possible, or balance your meal with fresh salads.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are generally welcome to take photos inside the restaurant and especially in the courtyard where the plov is prepared. Capturing the vibrant cooking process is a popular activity for visitors.
The open kitchen area, with its large cauldrons and bustling activity, is a prime spot for photos. Don't forget to take a selfie by the prominent sign outside the entrance. The food presentation itself is also very photogenic.
While generally permitted, it's always polite to be mindful of other diners and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if someone appears uncomfortable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a lively and sometimes noisy environment, which can be good for families as it means a bit of extra noise won't be out of place. Portions are large, so ordering a shared plov or opting for individual samsas might be a good strategy. Remember that restroom facilities might be separate and require a small fee, so plan accordingly.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Tourists
Given its popularity, expect it to be busy, especially during peak meal times. Embrace the efficient, fast-paced service and don't be afraid to ask for help with ordering if needed. It's a fantastic opportunity to try the national dish and soak in the local atmosphere. Make sure to capture a photo by the famous sign!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Plov Preparation
Visitors are encouraged to explore this culinary theater. Watching the chefs skillfully layer ingredients, stir the massive pots, and manage the heat is a captivating experience. The aroma alone is enough to whet your appetite. This hands-on approach to food preparation is a significant part of the Plov Center's appeal, offering a glimpse into the heart of Uzbek cuisine.
Beyond the plov itself, the center also showcases the preparation of non (Uzbek bread) in traditional tandoor ovens. The sight of fresh bread being pulled from the fiery ovens adds to the sensory delight of the visit. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic Uzbek cooking.
Navigating the Dining Experience
When it comes to ordering, menus are usually in Uzbek and Russian. For those unfamiliar with the languages, having a translation app ready or pointing to dishes can be helpful. The portions of plov are substantial, so if you're traveling solo or have a lighter appetite, consider ordering a smaller size or sharing with companions. This ensures you can fully enjoy the flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
It's also worth noting that restroom facilities might be located separately from the main dining area and may incur a small fee. Planning for this small detail can make your visit smoother. Overall, the dining experience is about embracing the lively atmosphere and savoring the rich, authentic flavors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit