Uzbek food all the rage in Russia
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E-mail CNTV, April 9, 2013
Here's something to tickle your taste buds! We head to Moscow, where the cuisine of Uzbekistan is one of the latest food trends. From cook books to restaurants, nothing tops a hearty "plov" in the Russian capital. Let's see what's at the heart of some of these traditional delicacies.
The most well known Uzbek dish is "plov," made of meat, carrots, rice, and a mixture of dried apricots, nuts, and eggs.
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From cook books to restaurants, nothing tops a hearty "plov" in the Russian capital. Let's see what's at the heart of some of these traditional delicacies. |
Food writer and television personality Stalik Khankishiyev, says that plov dates back to the days of the Silk Road - when traders from China brought an interchange of cultures, ideas, and food.
Stalik Khankishiyev, Cookbook Author, said, "Uzbek plov was invented about 2,000 years ago. Rice and carrots were plentiful and grew there - especially this carrot with no carotene. They also grew garlic and onions, and sheep were found there too. It all came together in 'plov'.
Uzbek cuisine is appealing to all classes and ethnicities in Moscow, ranging from small eateries to posh restaurants for more affluent Russians. These are the same people who often snub Uzbek street cleaners or construction workers.
But things are gradually changing.
"As they learn about Uzbek culinary culture, the attitudes of Russians toward Uzbeks is changing. People make peace not war while eating together. People become friends after eating together." Stalik Khankishiyev said.
And one of the foods that's building bridges is the somsa, an Uzbek take on the meat pie.
Khakim Ganiyev, Chief & Food Writer, said, "Meat is baked here in the oven behind me. It's cut into pieces as if for a kebab, then threaded like a necklace and attached to the wall of the oven. Meat cooked this way cannot be compared to any barbeque, or any kebab, or any grill. The meat tastes very special, and whoever tries it simply falls in love with it."
Over two million Uzbeks have migrated to Moscow in search of work, bringing their unique culinary skills with them. And they have made a flavourful impression so far. Some experts say their food just as popular in Russia as Chinese and Mexican food are in North America.
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