Tashkent is a city that surprises many visitors with its unexpected culinary scene. Unlike other Central Asian capitals, it offers a mix of traditional dishes, lively markets, and even plant-based options that defy stereotypes of heavy meat consumption. We love tours like the Tashkent Vegan Street Food Tour because they show a different side of the city—one that champions delicious plant-based dishes amid bustling bazaars and winding alleys. It’s a chance to taste local flavors without the meat, all while learning about the city’s everyday life.
What makes Tashkent such a great destination for food tours? Its markets burst with fresh produce, the street vendors serve up iconic dishes like plov and manti, and the city’s architecture and culture are woven into every bite and corner. Whether you’re a foodie eager to explore Uzbek cuisine or just curious about local life, there’s something for all here.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best food tours in Tashkent covers a wide range of experiences, from vegan street food adventures to comprehensive cultural and culinary journeys, and even a metro tour combined with food tastings. Each offers a unique way to get under the skin of this city’s flavors and traditions. Here’s what we’ve included:
- Vegan street food tours (Tour #1)
- Cultural, craft, and pottery masterclasses (Tour #2)
- Tasting tours focused on iconic dishes like manti and plov (Tour #3), (Tour #4), and more
- Unique experiences like the Food and Metro Journey
- Private city and food tours (Tour #8)
- Special vegan-focused tours (Tour #9)
Now, let’s look at each of these tours in detail.
1. Tashkent Vegan Street Food Tour
At number 1, this Tashkent Vegan Street Food Tour stands out for its focus on plant-based options in a city renowned for its meat dishes. For just $72 per person, you’ll spend about four hours exploring two markets—the Chorsu Bazaar in the old town and the bustling Oloy Market in the city center. What makes this tour special is the personal touch: the guides are vegans themselves, born and raised in Tashkent, and they’ve curated the best vegan-friendly spots to show off local flavors. They introduce you to dishes like potato pastries in rich tomato sauce and Uzbek round bread stuffed with Korean salads, which are popular among local school kids.
The tour mixes market visits with strolls through narrow alleys, offering a glimpse of local life that’s often missed by travelers. The highlight is ending at a local restaurant that has adapted traditional Uzbek cuisine into vegan-friendly dishes—a rare find in a city so meat-centric. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and personality, saying it’s a wonderful way to see Tashkent through a different lens.
Bottom Line: Perfect for vegans or curious eaters wanting an authentic, personal introduction to Tashkent’s food scene, with plenty of local stories along the way.
2. Tashkent: Uzbek Culture, Food, Crafts & Pottery Masterclass
Number 2 on our list, this immersive experience combines a guided tour with a hands-on pottery masterclass. For $85, you explore Uzbekistan’s craft heritage, learn about the Silk Road’s influence, and create your own piece of traditional pottery. The tour takes you through cultural sites, before spending time with artisans who teach you the craft techniques handed down through generations. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch that completes your cultural deep dive, and you get to take home your handiwork.
What sets this experience apart is its blend of tangible crafts and culinary traditions, giving you a meaningful souvenir and a new appreciation for Uzbek artistry. It’s ideal for those who appreciate cultural exchanges paired with authentic food. Reviewers rave about the hands-on aspect and the opportunity to learn directly from local artisans.
Bottom Line: A creative, educational experience that’s perfect for art lovers and curious travelers eager for an interactive day in Tashkent.
3. Ten Bites Adventure Food Tour in Tashkent
Number 3 offers a culinary journey through Tashkent’s best bites, for about $129.14 per person. Led by guide Tatiana, the tour lasts roughly four hours and covers the city’s culinary highlights like manti and Tandoori bread. The focus is on authentic local dishes, but it’s also a cultural walk that takes you through the streets and markets where locals shop and eat. Guests mention how well Tatiana balances food tastings with storytelling—she shares insights into Uzbek traditions and how food fits into daily life.
The tour includes stops at markets, family-run restaurants, and street vendors. Reviewers highlight the generous portions and the thoughtful organization, with one noting she “learned a lot from Tatiana and left very full.” It’s suited for travelers with a hearty appetite who want a full day of eating and exploring.
Bottom Line: For those keen on understanding Uzbekistan’s cuisine deeply, this tour packs flavor and culture into a compact four-hour package.
4. Food tour in Tashkent
Number 4 takes you into the heart of Tashkent’s food scene, priced at $99 for about four hours. It’s a classic tasting tour that showcases iconic dishes like plov, lagman, and shashlik, at some of the city’s most popular eateries and markets. The journey begins at Nomdor Somsa Osh Markazi, famous for juicy meat pastries, and continues through the lively Chorsu Bazaar, where vendors sell everything from dried fruits to freshly baked bread. The highlight is the visit to “Besh qozon,” where traditional plov is prepared in large kazan pots, offering a true taste of Uzbek hospitality.
Guests appreciate the mix of street food, market culture, and visits to renowned restaurants, making it an authentic experience. Some mention that the tour is slightly fast-paced but offers excellent value considering the variety of food tasted. It’s most suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to the city’s culinary staples.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, flavor-rich tour that balances market exploration with stand-out local dishes.
5. Tashkent Food and Metro Journey
At number 5, this $120 experience combines food tastings with a tour of Tashkent’s famous metro stations—an architectural sightseeing highlight. Over 4-5 hours, you’ll sample Uzbek dishes like plov and local snacks, then explore metro stations decorated with mosaics, marble, and artwork that tell their own story. The metro stops are a highlight, showing the city’s history and design prowess. Guests mention the beautiful stations as a memorable backdrop to the food experience.
This tour appeals to travelers interested in both cuisine and architecture, offering a multi-layered perspective of Tashkent. It’s especially good for those who want a more varied experience that goes beyond just eating. Reviewers note the guide’s knowledge and the unique combination of sights and tastes.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if you want to see Tashkent’s artistic side while indulging in its culinary delights.
6. Tashkent: Culinary Tour with Food Tastings and Souvenir
Ranked 1/5 with only one review, this tour offers a guided journey through Uzbek cuisine with a focus on local flavors, including plov, lagman, and shashlik, at local eateries. For just $49, it’s a budget-friendly option that includes hands-on activities like bread-making demonstrations and visits to markets. The tour emphasizes learning about the cultural significance of food in Tashkent and engaging with local vendors.
While it’s cheaper and shorter, some reviews indicate it’s less comprehensive or polished than others, but it could suit budget travelers or those short on time with a keen interest in the food scene.
Bottom Line: A good starter option if you’re on a budget and want a taste of Uzbek staples with some local stories.
$49 per person
7. Tashkent: 4 Hour Food Tour and Metro Journey with a Guide
This tour combines food and architecture in about four hours, for $100. You sample authentic dishes, explore the stunning metro stations, and visit busy bazaars like Chorsu. It’s a practical way to experience both the culinary and visual beauty of Tashkent quickly. Although the ratings are not provided, reviews often mention the excellent coordination and knowledgeable guides, making it suitable for first-time visitors eager to see a lot in a short period.
The tour is especially recommended for travelers who want a taste of local flavors and the city’s design without spending a full day. It’s good for those who value structure and variety, with the convenience of hotel pickup.
Bottom Line: An efficient way to combine Tashkent’s food and architecture highlights in a manageable day.
$100 per person
8. Private Tashkent city & Food tour with John
Number 8 offers a fully customizable private experience lasting up to 8 hours, at $52 per person. Starting at 10 am, John guides you through iconic sites like Khast Imam Square, Tashkent TV Tower, and Amir Timur Square, all with tailored stops for food and sightseeing. The flexibility makes it ideal for travelers who want to focus on specific interests or combine sightseeing with culinary exploration.
Guests comment on the personal attention and the ability to ask questions freely. The tour is best suited for those who want an in-depth, personalized day with options to include cooking classes or shopping. The main downside is the longer duration, which might be more than some travelers want, but it’s worth it for a thorough experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, flexible tour that combines city landmarks with food stops.
$52 per person
9. Tashkent Vegan Street Food Tour with Local Guide
Closing our list at number 9 is a vegan option with a local guide, priced at $143 per group. It’s a shorter, four-hour tour that explores markets like Chorsu and Oloy, focusing on plant-based versions of local dishes, including the potato pastry Khanum and Korean-style stuffed bread. The tour is customizable and offers snacks and tastings in a small group, making it intimate and flexible.
Reviewers note the tour’s focus on vegan cuisine in a typically meat-heavy city, providing a different perspective on Uzbek flavors. The tour’s strength is its tailored approach and the chance to taste traditional dishes with a plant-based twist.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for vegans or anyone curious about plant-based Uzbek dishes in a small, personalized setting.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Tashkent
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and how deeply you want to explore. If you’re strictly vegan or vegetarian, the Vegan Street Food Tours are unmatched for their focus and personal stories. Budget travelers might prefer the Culinary Tour with Food Tastings and Souvenir, while those seeking a comprehensive cultural experience might opt for the Pottery Masterclass.
If architecture and city sights are important, combining a Food and Metro Journey offers a unique perspective. Private tours like Tour #8 suit travelers who want flexibility and personalized time.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and tour size. Many tours include hotel pickups, making planning easier.
To sum it up, Tashkent’s food scene has matured beyond stereotypes. Whether you prefer a quick tasting walk, a cultural craft experience, or a private day exploring the city’s sights, there’s a tour that fits your style. Consider your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend, then book in advance—these unique experiences fill up quickly. Happy eating and exploring in this vibrant, surprising city.