Tajikistan

Tajik cuisine is hearty and flavourful, heavily influenced by the country’s mountainous terrain and nomadic traditions. Rice is a staple, featured prominently in dishes like plov, a fragrant rice pilaf cooked with meat, carrots, and spices. Samsa, baked pastries filled with meat or vegetables, and qurutob, a bread salad mixed with yogurt and onions, are also popular. Meals often incorporate fresh herbs, dairy products, and seasonal vegetables, reflecting the Tajik emphasis on communal dining and the warmth of hospitality within their culinary traditions.