Gastronomy |
Uzbek cuisine is influenced by the general agriculture as in most nations. There is a good deal of grain agriculture in the nation so breads and noodles are of importance. In discussing the cuisine of Afghanistan, The Village Voice mentions the "noodle-rich cuisine of Uzbekistan." In meats mutton is popular and is a part of various dishes served in the country.Important or national dishes include soups like sho'rva and norin; main dishes like palov, manti, chuchvara, dimlama, various kebabs and somsa; and finally laghman (also spelled lagman), which can be a soup or main dish.The most popular beverage in the nation might be green tea, and teahouses (chaikhanas) are of cultual importance. Ayran, a chilled yogurt drink is popular in summer. Alcohol might be less popular than in the West, but wine is comparatively popular for a Muslim nation as Uzbekistan is largely secular. The wines of the nation include Gulyakandoz, Shirin, Liquor Kaberne, and Aleatiko. Samarkand is perhaps the city best known for having a winery.