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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
GUIDE
Ingredients for cooking
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Guided tour of the village
Meals
PERSONAL EXPENSES
TIPS
Pickup included
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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