Food & Dining

Turkmen cuisine is hearty, meat-based, and influenced by Central Asian traditions. Meals often feature lamb, rice, and bread.

Traditional dishes to try:

• • Plov - rice pilaf with lamb, carrots, and spices
• • Shashlik - grilled meat skewers
• • Somsa - savory pastries filled with meat
• • Fitchi - flatbread stuffed with lamb
• • Chorek - traditional Turkmen bread
• • Fresh vegetable salads with tomatoes and cucumbers

Where to eat:

• • Ashgabat has upscale restaurants with international options
• • Hotel restaurants offer reliable quality
• • Regional areas have local cafes and chaikhanas (tea houses)

Alcohol is available, but consumption is moderate. Turkmenistan also has its own production of beer, wine, and vodka.