Must-see restaurants in Dushanbe

  • Traktir Konservator

    Dushanbe

    In an unprepossessing alley near the Opera House, this surprisingly atmospheric restaurant is a treat both in terms of its rural Russian decor (think…

  • Rudaki Restaurant

    Dushanbe

    Offering a full à la carte menu in addition to an excellent buffet selection, the Rudaki Restaurant at the Serena Hotel is a popular choice for a…

  • Chaykhona Rokhat

    Dushanbe

    This grand Soviet-era, Persian-style, open-sided chaikhana (teahouse) is the Dushanbe classic – a great place to sip tea, slurp a bowl of noodles or enjoy…

  • Ghalaba

    Dushanbe

    For sweeping views over the city it's hard to beat the rustic, vine-draped open-air booths and thatch-covered chorpoy (bed-like platform) at Ghalaba…

  • Marco Polo

    Dushanbe

    This fun little venue, designed as an odd combination of stalactite-filled cavern with covered tables and cloth serviettes, provides a cool spot on a hot…

  • Izum

    Dushanbe

    Local fabrics and piled cushions lend an exotic aura to this trend-setting restaurant, with its intimate booths and hubble-bubble bar. The tablet menus…

  • Morning Star Café

    Dushanbe

    With a menu of choices popular among homesick travellers and resident expats, this welcoming cafe serves good locally roasted coffee, cakes, wraps and…

  • Sary Osyo

    Dushanbe

    This simple family-run restaurant in a vine-covered yard attracts a local crowd at lunchtime hoping to dine on Dushanbe's best plov (pilaf).

  • Café Merve

    Dushanbe

    This hugely popular bustling cafeteria makes a lively spot for Turkish breakfasts, kebabs, pizza, salads, cakes and instant coffee (but no alcohol).

  • Taj Mahal

    Dushanbe

    A range of well-prepared Indian dishes, cooked by an Indian chef, is served at brightly clothed tables in this ever-popular central favourite.

  • Arirang

    Dushanbe

    The smell of garlic hints at the authentic Korean food offered behind the misleadingly dreary facade of Arirang. Ropes, manuscript panelling and bundles…

  • Puppet Kurutob

    Dushanbe

    This unmarked outdoor eatery with striped awning serves a tasty kurutob and attracts a steady stream of customers. It is tucked round the side of the…

  • Oshi Abdurahman

    Dushanbe

    One of several unassuming venues to try the locally popular dish kurutob and other cheap and cheerful dishes. Closed during Ramadan.