Host offerings
Dilnoza loves to cook and share her Uzbek culinary knowledge with travelers. A doctor by profession, Dilnoza is passionate about cooking and always finds time to travel and cook. As is traditional in Uzbekistan, Dilnoza learned to cook from her mother, grandmother and mother-in-law after she got married. She is delighted to share her home cooking with travelers, especially her version of “palov”, the Uzbek national dish of meat, rice and vegetables delicately spiced with caraway. Dilnoza lives with her family in a traditional house located near White Mosque in Tashkent.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal (1 - 4 guests) Meet your host Dilnoza at her home. When you arrive, you will be greeted with and participate in a ceremonial handwashing tradition. Dilnoza welcomes you into her home where you will enjoy a welcome drink of green or black tea and Uzbek snacks like dried fruit compote and slices of kazi, a traditional smoked meat snack or kurt, cheese. Next, gather around a traditional Uzbeki dining table, located low to the ground. Your traditional meal includes bread, a salad of tomato, cucumber, onion and basil in a lemon dressing and a main of palov, a traditional Uzbek dish of slow-cooked meat, rice, vegetables and spices. Your meal will conclude with a local sweet like halva, pashmak (candy floss) or kazinaki. On days that her husband and children are home, they will join you for your meal.
Cooking experience (1 - 4 guests) Join your host Dilnoza at small home kitchen to learn to cook an authentic home-cooked Uzbek meal from recipes that have been passed down through generations of Dilnoza's family. Your Tashkent cooking class involves learning to make a traditional salad and the main “palov” from scratch and will last about 2 hours. Palov is a heartwarming rice dish made with slow-cooked meat, vegetables and exotic spices like saffron and caraway, that is traditionally simmered in a cast-iron pot called kazan over an open flame. Each family prepares palov, the signature dish at every festival or wedding, according to their own family recipe. Learn how to prepare a traditional Uzbek meal before you sit down at the table to share the meal you helped prepare with your host Dilnoza.
Notes: Since Dilnoza works during the week she only offers experiences on weekend evenings.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffaa5a19e40>
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
I had a great time with Dilnoza. I was taught how to cook dishes of Uzbekistan. We ate together and drank wonderful local drinks, and then I was treated to delicious coffee. Dilnoza spoke about the interesting places that can be seen in Tashkent. I really enjoyed being a guest in her home. Her house is very nice and comfortable, in a quiet location not far from the city center. It is very easy to get here by taxi, because a taxi is not expensive. The atmosphere was friendly, with many smiles and laughter. I highly recommend an experience with Dilnoza!
Elena, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | Not offered | $55 | Not offered |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | Not offered | $65 | Not offered |
| Alcohol | $15 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | 6:30pm - 08:30pm | |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 5:00pm - 08:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
