




Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Uncover the rich tapestry of Uzbek cuisine during a hands-on cooking class in a traditional village home near Samarkand. Under the guidance of a skilled local cook, learn to prepare Plov, Uzbekistan’s beloved national dish, and handcraft Mantu, delicate dumplings filled with savory meat. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of a local family as you explore their beautiful garden, feed the animals, and sip tea under the shade of grapevines. This immersive experience offers a genuine taste of rural life and the chance to connect with the heart of Uzbekistan’s culinary traditions.
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Samarkand
Discover the soul of Uzbek cuisine with a cooking class in a traditional village home near Samarkand. Learn to make Plov or Mantu, and experience the hospitality of a local family.
Plov Pickup included
GUIDE
Ingredients for cooking
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guided tour of the village
Pick up and Drop off
Coffee and/or Tea
Meals
PERSONAL EXPENSES
TIPS
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Navigator305925,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I booked this experience through Get My Guide.E mailed the company the evening before the experience as I had had no contact on joining details. I received an email mail back at 10 pm asking me to book a different date .As I was leaving the following day this wasn't possible.I told them this and was told to cancel. I was then left to go through the hassle of cancelling via GMG as they apparently could nt .
Gözde H,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I always do cooking classes whenever I visit different countries because I feel like it’s one of the most authentic ways to experience a culture and understand how people truly live. That’s why I booked this class, and honestly, it exceeded all my expectations. First, he picked me up from where I was staying. On the way, we stopped by a local grocery store to buy meat and vegetables needed for the cooking. Then we drove to his village. The village was incredibly cozy and peaceful, and it mostly belonged to his extended family members. When we arrived at his house, his mother, father, and little niece welcomed me with open arms. We drank tea together and had meaningful conversations about Uzbek culture in a very open and enlightening atmosphere. Then we started cooking. He showed me how to cut the vegetables and taught me unique techniques for preparing the meal. His mother also joined and helped us. What I appreciated most was that it never felt like a typical tourist cooking class where one person cooks and you simply watch. Instead, they explained why things were done in certain ways, sharing the cultural meaning and traditions behind the food. It felt like I was gaining genuine insight and knowledge, not just following instructions. We cooked the plov in a traditional oven, which gave it an even richer and more delicious flavor. Afterward, we sat down together to eat and continued chatting about Uzbek lifestyle, traditions, and daily life. I think Bekdon is a very open-minded and kind person who is genuinely proud of his heritage and happy to share it with others. At the same time, he is also open to learning from different people and cultures himself. This experience helped me understand not only Uzbek cuisine, but also how important food is as a way of bringing people together and sharing stories, values, and traditions. That’s why I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Samarkand. Go to the village, learn how to cook authentic plov, but most importantly, spend time talking with the people there — because that experience can open your mind to ways of life and perspectives you may have never encountered before.







Abdumalik Y,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an amazing cooking class experience in Samarkand with our family! Bekjon was an excellent guide and a wonderful host. From the very beginning, he made us feel like special guests in his village. The atmosphere was warm, authentic, and full of positive energy. We learned how to cook traditional Uzbek plov (pilaf) step by step. It was not just a cooking class — it was a true cultural experience. Bekjon explained everything clearly and with great passion. Spending the day in his village was unforgettable. We felt like part of the family, not just tourists. I highly recommend Bekjon to anyone visiting Samarkand who wants a real local experience and the best plov cooking class!







Z486YN,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was my first time traveling abroad alone to deeply immerse in local customs – a truly fascinating experience. As a foreigner, I ventured into authentic village life and thoroughly enjoyed it. Special thanks to the young hostel owner for his warm hospitality and excellent English skills. It was an engaging and safe adventure from start to finish.


Bekjon N,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Visiting the village to learn how to cook Uzbek Plov was one of the most memorable parts of my trip. The hosts were incredibly warm and welcoming, sharing not just cooking tips but also stories about village life, traditions, and local culture. The hands-on cooking session was fantastic — I got to chop vegetables, season the rice, and cook the meat over a real fire. The aroma of Plov cooking outdoors is unforgettable! It’s not just about making food; it’s about feeling connected to the local way of life. Eating the Plov together after cooking, while chatting with the hosts, made the experience feel very personal and special. I also loved seeing how the village functions, from the small canals to the traditional home setup.

John N,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — An Unforgettable Village Experience Yesterday my family and I spent a wonderful day in the village, and it’s an experience we will always remember. The atmosphere was peaceful, authentic, and full of warmth. We felt welcomed from the very first moment. The highlight of our visit was the plov cooking class. It was absolutely marvelous! We learned each step of preparing traditional plov, from selecting the ingredients to cooking it slowly over the fire. The hosts explained everything with such patience and love that the process became not only educational but also incredibly fun. When the plov was finally ready, the taste was simply unforgettable — rich, fragrant, and truly homemade. Sharing this meal with my family in the fresh village air made the moment even more special. If you’re looking for a genuine cultural experience, delicious food, and warm hospitality, this village visit is the perfect choice. We enjoyed every minute of it!

292wafim,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Overall amazing Samarkand local life experience! It was a fantastic experience started with an on-time pick-up from our hotel in Samarkand (the host drove all the way from his village, around 1-hr drive) and we were welcomed with a true smile and a full guide on Samarkand city while driving to the village, great information and facts, stories and traditional connections discovered. when we arrived to the village house, the family embraced us with smile and warm welcome .. had a quick tour on the sections of the house and the farm. That was followed with a nice, beautiful arrangement of delights. the cooking class led by the both the mother and the son was very rich and we felt really home. the Pilaf was sooo delicious and we all loved it ... we had the lunch along with the family and enjoyed the conversations and how cultures talk to each other and connect. i would like to thank you on behalf of my family for all the warm welcome and the cooking class. Thank you for driving us back to our hotel all that way. Everything was just perfect. We will repeat it again ... and the price is nothing compared to what you get out of such amazing experience...
Operated by UniqueUz Travel