Tashkent has, in the last few years, seen a serious café boom. Ten years ago, there were approximately three places that had a casual atmosphere, a pleasant interior, and a modern menu. Today, Chaykof is a popular local mainstay. There are four locations, each providing similar pleasing elements for the eyes, ears, and taste buds.
One of the first Tashkent cafés to offer vegetarian as well as healthier options, it has a selection of vegetable-based dishes, as well as the traditional plates of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and meat dishes (this is Uzbekistan, there has to be meat!). Salads with berry jam, falafel bowls, and pepper steak can all find themselves on the same table at Chaykof. To drink, order any type of coffee, a selection of teas with fresh berries or fruits, lemonade, or a milkshake. To top it off, their desserts really are something - try the macarons! All the ingredients feel natural and nothing is over the top.
What is equally attractive is the atmosphere, with low-key music and a loft-like interior design. The creative director is an actor in the Ilkhom theater, so, unsurprisingly, the approach to design captures all the senses. Waiters wear t-shirts with van Gogh paintings and the table dressings change with the season.
Finally, (arguably) the best part: Chaykof not only sounds like the last name of the Russian composer Chaykovsky, but also sounds like the Russian words for tea and coffee put together!
Find your way with 90 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"AKSU Restaurant" in Tashkent is run by famous Uzbek chef Bahriddin Chustiy. You can try food from all over the world here - I love discovering the menu!
by
An unpretentious dining hall with only one main meal on the menu, and that's half of a young roast chicken, more commonly known here as tsiplyata tabaka.
by
Glancing at their shashlik window, you’ll spot all the usual Uzbek favourites. Skewered beef chunks, ground beef, mutton & liver are all very popular here.
by
Are these tired-looking blue-tiled buildings a relic of Soviet art and construction? Or an eyesore on the horizon of a fast-developing city?
by
Bibigon in a nutshell? Hotdogs, salads, burgers, pizza, breakfasts, desserts, coffee, tea, beer, vodka, and cigarettes.
by
Arrive there early to choose from beef, lamb, potato, or pumpkin-filled somsa. Uzbek-style samosas are eaten with a mildly spicy thin tomato sauce...
by
They take pride in serving customers quickly, and their pizzas take no longer than 90 seconds to cook in their authentic wood-burning ovens.
by
Just behind the statue is a small green area, not quite large enough to be considered a park but big enough to draw all kinds of of people passing by.
by
Whilst its competitors offer a one-size-fits-all flavour of coffee, Beanberry offers a variety. Brazil is my favourite for its tangy taste.
by
If, like me, you're sensitive to certain foods and eating sugary, processed foods makes you feel groggy, then this might be the place for you!
by
Professional cheese makers use Italian technology to produce five soft cheese varieties: mozzarella, burrata, stracciatella, caciotta, and ricotta.
by
"Jumanji" in Tashkent is a multicultural restaurant with food from all over the world. Come here and escape the hectic city vibe...
by
90 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 90 Insider Tips