Samarkand isn’t just about stunning mosques and ancient mausoleums—it’s also a place where food plays a central role in daily life. If you’re passionate about authentic cuisine or want to see how locals cook their traditional dishes, Samarkand offers some wonderful cooking experiences. We particularly enjoyed tours like the Cooking Class in the Village with Local Family because they combine hands-on cooking with a warm glimpse into everyday Uzbek life. These classes aren’t just about recipes—they’re about connecting with local people and understanding their culture through food.
Whether you prefer a short, focused workshop or a full-day immersion, there’s something for every culinary traveler in Samarkand. From market visits to family home-cooked meals, these experiences give you a taste of Uzbek hospitality and flavor.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of cooking classes and cultural food tours in Samarkand. Some tours feature home-cooked meals with local families, like the Uzbek Cooking Class in Samarkand with Return Hotel Transfers that combines city sights with authentic cooking, while others focus solely on teaching how to make iconic dishes like plov, samsa, and bread. Several tours include market visits, such as the Siyob Bazaar Tour, which lets you pick your ingredients before cooking. Budget options like the Village Tour with Plov Cooking Class offer a full cultural experience, complete with village scenery and family hospitality. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Cooking Class in the Village with Local Family in Samarkand
This tour perfectly captures the authentic Uzbek experience. You start your day at a lively local bazaar, where you browse stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, and local specialties, gaining insight into everyday shopping in Samarkand. Then, you head to a family home in the countryside for a hands-on cooking session. Here, you learn to prepare classic dishes such as plov (rice pilaf), shashlik (grilled meat), and samsa (savory pastries).
What makes this experience stand out is the personal touch—you’re welcomed into a family’s home, and the hosts share stories and traditions while you cook together. The tour lasts about five hours, making it a relaxed yet immersive half-day. The reviews are excellent, with a 5.0/5 rating from 11 travelers who praise its authenticity and warm hospitality. At $65 per person, it offers great value for those wanting a meaningful cultural experience.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for genuine Uzbek hospitality combined with cooking, this is one of the best options. It’s ideal for food lovers, culture seekers, and those wanting a unique, personal connection.
2. Cooking class in Samarkand with local life experience
This tour offers a deeper dive into local customs and traditions. Spend a day with a local family, visiting a neighborhood market to select ingredients, then cook traditional dishes like plov, bread, and salad in a home setting. The guide is skilled at sharing stories behind each dish, making it more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a cultural exchange. The 6-hour tour emphasizes personal connections and authentic insights into Uzbek daily life.
Rated 5.0/5 from 10 reviews, travelers praise the guide Akram for his interesting stories and the delicious food they made. One reviewer said, “This was a great way to see how people outside the obvious tourist destinations in Uzbekistan really love, and we ate some fantastic food!” At $78 per person, the experience is slightly longer and pricier but offers a balanced mix of culinary learning and culture.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want to interact directly with locals and gain a genuine understanding of Uzbek life through food.
3. Uzbek Cooking Class in Samarkand with Return Hotel Transfers
Guided by Shodiyor, a local with a deep knowledge of Samarkand’s history and cuisine, this class combines market visits and hands-on cooking. The tour begins with a private shopping trip to a traditional neighborhood market, where you pick fresh ingredients. Then, in a private home, you learn to make plov, bread, and salad, all from scratch.
Guests highlight Shodiyor’s friendly demeanor and the delicious results. Multiple reviews praise the experience for its personalized approach and cultural insights. For around 4 hours, you get a full introduction to Uzbek culinary techniques—perfect for foodies who want to learn authentic recipes in a comfortable setting. The cost is $72 per person, which includes hotel transfers, adding convenience.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided, all-inclusive experiences with a focus on local markets and culinary education.
4. Cooking traditional food in Samarkand with local people
This experience centers on exploring Siab Bazaar and cooking with a local family in the village. It includes transportation, a guided market tour, and a home-cooked meal. The tour offers a hands-on approach to Uzbek cuisine, emphasizing local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Rated 4.7/5 from 15 reviews, travelers enjoy the authentic village atmosphere and delicious food. The highlight is learning to cook plov and other regional dishes, all while experiencing Uzbek hospitality firsthand. This is a flexible, engaging experience for those wanting a cultural adventure at about $75 per person.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of local life, from market shopping to a village meal.
5. Samarkand Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar Tour
This tour combines a market visit with a family cooking experience. You start at Siyob Bazaar, exploring stalls and selecting ingredients, then move to a local family home to prepare traditional dishes like plov, shashlik, and samsa. The 6-hour experience is praised for its authenticity and personalized approach.
Rated 5.0/5 from 5 reviews, travelers emphasize the warm hospitality and the chance to learn recipes passed down through generations. One noted, “This was truly the most unique tour I’ve ever booked,” highlighting its depth and cultural value. Cost is $65 per person, making it a cost-effective choice for deep culture.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a comprehensive day of market shopping, cooking, and cultural exchange.
6. Samarkand: Uzbek Cooking Class in a Village Home
This class takes you out into the countryside, where you’ll learn to cook Plov over an open fire and Mantu, steamed dumplings. It’s a true rural experience, with the opportunity to explore the village, feed animals, and relax with tea. The hosts are eager to share authentic village hospitality, making it a memorable cultural outing.
With 3 reviews rating it 5/5, travelers love the genuine atmosphere and hands-on experience. For about $60, the class offers a peaceful escape from the city buzz and a chance to see Uzbek life at its simplest.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a rustic experience and a taste of village life.
7. Plov Cooking Class at Local Uzbek House
This class focuses exclusively on plov, the national dish of Uzbekistan. You will visit Siyob Bazaar to source ingredients before cooking in a traditional qozon (large cooking pot). The experience emphasizes centuries-old techniques and shared cultural stories.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, it offers intimate, focused instruction on this iconic dish. For $55, you learn traditional methods, then enjoy your homemade plov. This is a great pick for food purists who want to master one dish in depth.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in specialized cooking, particularly if plov is on your must-try list.
8. Cooking class of Samarkand Plov and Uzbek bread – Nan, Samsa
This class teaches making plov, Nan (bread), and samsa—the cornerstones of Uzbek cuisine. You’ll get a comprehensive look at preparing these traditional dishes, learning about their history and significance. It’s a master class that combines hands-on cooking with cultural storytelling.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, it offers a deep dive into national culinary traditions. At $105 per person, it’s more costly, but the focus on multiple dishes makes it worthwhile if you want a full Uzbek cooking experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a broad culinary education and are willing to invest a bit more.
$105 per person
9. Samarkand: Cooking class with local family
This experience is all about learning to cook traditional Uzbek foods while exploring the local bazaar. It offers an intimate setting with a local family, allowing you to see how people really live and cook. The tour’s flexibility and focus on authentic recipes make it a solid choice for culinary explorers.
While the price and duration aren’t specified, reviews suggest an enriching experience that emphasizes culture and cuisine. It’s perfect for food travelers wanting a personal, hands-on class.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a local family experience combined with culinary lessons.
$65 per person
10. Samarkand: Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar Tour
This tour offers a full immersion: start with a bustling bazaar visit to buy ingredients, then cook traditional Uzbek dishes with a local family. It emphasizes cultural exchange, with plenty of stories and shared meals. The interactive nature makes it stand out.
While review ratings aren’t provided, the detailed itinerary suggests a rich experience for those interested in culinary and cultural authenticity. The price is $60 per person.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who want hands-on market shopping and home-cooked meals in one day.
$60 per person
11. Samarkand: Village Tour with Plov Cooking Class & Home Visit
This is the most comprehensive experience, combining a village tour, a home visit, and a plov cooking class. You’ll explore traditional architecture, learn about village life, and cook the famous dish with local hosts. It’s ideal for cultural enthusiasts who want to see Uzbek life beyond the city.
Rated with no reviews yet, it offers a deep cultural insight and authentic hospitality for around $28 per person, making it one of the most affordable options.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventure-minded travelers looking for an all-in-one village experience.
$28 per person
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Samarkand
Choosing between these options depends on your interests and schedule. If you want a full family experience with a cultural story, the Village Tour with Plov or the Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar are excellent choices. For those seeking a more structured, guided class, the Uzbek Cooking Class with Return Transfers offers convenience and depth. Budget travelers might prefer the Village Tour or the Village Home Cooking, which include local hospitality at a lower price.
Consider your time availability—half-day classes are great for quick immersion, while full-day tours are perfect if you want to relax and explore more. Think about whether you want to focus on one dish or learn a variety of recipes. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel months, to secure your preferred experience.