Samarkand isn’t just a city of stunning architecture and ancient sites; it’s also a place where you can get your hands dirty in the kitchen or craft your own Uzbek masterpiece. We love the hands-on cooking classes that bring you into local homes, like the Cooking Class in the Village with Local Family, which offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to learn traditional recipes directly from Uzbek families. These experiences stand out because they go beyond sightseeing, giving you genuine insights into local life and a taste of authentic hospitality. Plus, with consistently perfect ratings, they’re a reliable choice for immersive cultural sharing.
Along With culinary delights, Samarkand offers artisan arts workshops such as ceramic and scarf pattern classes, which allow you to create a keepsake of your trip. Whether you’re interested in learning to bake plov or trying your hand at Uzbek ceramics, the city’s workshops provide memorable ways to connect with the local craft scene. Below, we’ve compiled the 12 best workshops and classes, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Cooking Class in the Village with Local Family in Samarkand
At number 1, this 5-hour experience immerses you in both local markets and a family home. Starting at the vibrant Siyob Bazaar, you’ll explore stalls full of fresh produce, spices, and Uzbek specialties. Then, you’ll join a local family to prepare plov, shashlik, and samsa, learning traditional techniques. What makes this tour stand out is the authentic home-cooked atmosphere and the chance to chat directly with locals. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 11 reviews, travelers praise the friendly hosts and the delicious food they help create. The cost is $65 per person, making it a great value for a genuine cultural experience.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxed, friendly way to learn Uzbek cooking hands-on, this tour offers a perfect window into local life.
2. Cooking class in Samarkand with local life experience
Ranking at number 2, this 6-hour tour invites you to spend a full day with a local family, gaining authentic insights into everyday Uzbek life. The highlight is not just cooking; it’s sharing stories, learning about traditions, and engaging with a community. The guide, Akram, makes it memorable with his engaging personality. The class includes making two traditional dishes and interacts with locals in a way that feels more like visiting friends than a tourist activity. Costing $78 per person, it’s slightly longer and more immersive than other options.
A reviewer noted, “This was a great way to see how people outside the tourist spots really love. Plus, it was delicious.” This experience suits those eager for deep cultural exchange rather than just cooking.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a personal, authentic connection with Uzbek families and their daily routines.
3. Uzbek Cooking Class in Samarkand with Return Hotel Transfers
Landing at number 3, this roughly 4-hour class offers both cultural storytelling and practical skills. Shodiyor, the local guide and host, guides you through shopping at a neighborhood market before teaching you to cook plov, bread, and salad. The class includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it especially convenient. Guests love Shodiyor’s warmth and humor, and many mention how the experience feels like cooking with family. At $72 per person, it offers a lot of value considering the personalized approach and comprehensive market tour.
Review quote: “The food was delicious, and the host was wonderful. It felt like being part of the family.”
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience with a focus on local flavors.
4. Samarkand Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar Tour
At number 4, this 6-hour tour combines a market visit at Siyob Bazaar with a home cooking experience. You’ll start by wandering among vendors, learning about local ingredients, and then head to a family home to prepare traditional Uzbek dishes like plov or shashlik. The tour’s biggest strength is the balance between market exploration and home cooking, offering a full picture of local food culture. With 5 reviews and glowing feedback, this tour’s value for $65 per person is hard to beat.
Highlight: The chance to learn from locals and participate in cooking vegetarian options as well.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience in one day.
5. Samarkand: Uzbek Cooking Class in a Village Home
Number 5 takes you to a village setting near Samarkand, where you learn to cook Plov and Mantu directly over an open fire. This experience is about authentic rural life, providing a rare glimpse into traditional village hospitality. The class is small and intimate, emphasizing hands-on cooking and garden exploration. Participants rave about the genuine warmth of the family and the opportunity to feed animals and relax with a cup of tea afterward. The price is modest at $60 per person.
Bottom line: A superb choice for travelers wanting an immersive, rural Uzbek experience.
6. Plov Cooking Class at Local Uzbek House
Coming in at number 6, this 4.5-hour class focuses on making Plov, the iconic Uzbek dish, in a traditional household setting. You’ll shop at Siyob Bazaar, select fresh ingredients, and cook in a traditional qozon. Guests especially appreciate the cultural exchange and friendly atmosphere. The class costs $55 per person and delivers a full hands-on experience that culminates in sharing a home-cooked meal.
Highlight: Learning centuries-old techniques and sharing stories with the host makes this a memorable cultural activity.
Bottom line: Great for those interested in culinary tradition and authentic cooking methods.
7. Cooking class of Samarkand Plov and Uzbek bread – Nan, Samsa
Number 7 offers a deep dive into two essential Uzbek staples—Plov and traditional breads like Nan and Samsa. Priced at $105 per person, this is a more comprehensive masterclass perfect for food lovers wanting to master national dishes. The class provides an understanding of traditional preparation methods and the history behind each dish, with a chance to taste your creations.
Bottom line: Best suited for culinary enthusiasts wanting an in-depth, hands-on experience with Uzbekistan’s signature foods.
$105 per person
8. Handmade Uzbek Arts Class (Ceramic Art, Scarf Patterns etc)
Number 8 is a craft-focused workshop, offering classes in ceramic art, scarf patterns, paper and knife production. For $105 per person, you get to create your own art piece, whether it’s a painted scarf or a ceramic bowl. These classes highlight Uzbek craftsmanship and are perfect if you want a tangible souvenir of your trip. Many participants find the experience memorable and inspiring, and some even give their handiwork as a gift.
Highlight: It’s an opportunity to learn traditional artisan skills and take home a handcrafted item.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in art and craft, or those seeking a unique gift.
$105 per person
9. Samarkand: Cooking class with local family
Number 9 offers an interactive cooking experience with a local family. You’ll explore the bazaar, shop for ingredients, and then cook traditional Uzbek foods together. This tour emphasizes learning about local culture through culinary practices and family stories. Price details and reviews are not specified, but the focus on local interaction makes it a popular choice for travelers wanting an authentic slice of Uzbek life.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting direct engagement with local families and their food traditions.
$65 per person
10. Samarkand: Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar Tour
Number 10 combines a market visit with a home cooking session, allowing you to see everyday Uzbek life up close. The experience includes strolling through Siyob Bazaar, chatting with vendors, and then preparing traditional dishes with a local family. The tour offers a comprehensive cultural snapshot and is well-reviewed for its warm hosts and lively atmosphere.
Highlight: Perfect for travelers eager to understand local life through food.
Bottom line: Suitable for those looking for an immersive cultural cooking experience.
$60 per person
11. Samarkand: Pilaf & Tandoor Bread Class and Ceramic Workshop
Number 11 blends culinary and artisan experiences. You’ll learn how to cook pilaf and tandoor bread in a local family setting, then visit Konigil Village to see artisans making handmade paper and ceramics. This full-day experience costs $120 and provides a well-rounded look at Samarkand’s living heritage.
Key highlights: Making tandoor bread and handcrafted ceramics in a single day creates a rich, educational experience.
Bottom line: Best for art and foodies seeking a comprehensive cultural day.
$120 per person
12. Village Tour with Plov Cooking Class & Home Visit
Finally, number 12 offers a guided village tour combined with home cooking and a plov class. This experience emphasizes traditional village life, with opportunities to learn about architecture and local customs. It’s a simple, authentic way to see rural Uzbekistan while learning about its culinary traditions.
Bottom line: A straightforward choice for travelers wanting rural charm and homemade food.
$28 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Samarkand
When selecting a workshop, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you’re passionate about cooking and want an authentic family experience, options like the Village Cooking Class or Siyob Bazaar combined tour are excellent. For those who love art and handmade crafts, the art classes provide memorable souvenirs.
Think about your time availability—some tours are shorter, like the 4-hour Plov House class, while others extend to a full day. Budget-wise, most options hover between $55 and $78, offering good value considering the personalized nature of the experiences.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot in these popular classes. Remember, the best experiences in Samarkand often involve local interactions, so choose a tour that aligns with how deeply you want to engage.
Final Thoughts
Samarkand offers a fantastic variety of workshops and classes—whether you’re eager to learn authentic Uzbek recipes, try traditional crafts, or learn about local life. For food lovers, the cooking classes are a clear highlight, especially the home-based experiences that create genuine bonds. Art and craft sessions, like those in ceramics and scarf-making, give you a tangible souvenir of your visit.
For different travelers, options like the Cooking Class in the Village provide a warm, personal experience, while the Pilaf & Ceramic Workshop offers a well-rounded cultural day. No matter your interests, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these enriching, authentic activities in Samarkand.