Why Uzbekistan is the pick of the Silk Road, with amazing food and design
The Silk Road is calling. You no longer need a Bactrian camel, and with a fair wind, you can fly from London to Tashkent in the same time it would take you to travel by train to Penzance or Glasgow. For the first time in history, Uzbekistan is a viable destination for a long weekend.
Although often overshadowed by the UNESCO cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, Tashkent is building its reputation as a cultural hub, as well as being Uzbekistan’s political and financial capital.
The Centre for Islamic Civilisation and the Centre for Contemporary Art were picked by the BBC and TIME magazine for their most notable openings of 2026. Add into your itinerary striking Modernist architecture, designer fashion and art, and a diverse food scene, and you’ll fall in love with a city that’s proud of its past but powering into the future.
WHAT TO DO
Tashkent has a unique form of Brutalist architecture called Tashkent Modernism, and the collection of landmark monuments and mosaics is being nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Download the Tashkent Modernism app for a self-guided walking tour. Allow plenty of time for the subterranean art gallery which is Tashkent Metro and a beer with a view in the top floor bar at Hotel Tashkent.
Uzbekistan’s contemporary art scene is thriving. The new Centre for Contemporary Art is built around one of the few buildings in Tashkent to pre-date the Russian Revolution. It competes for attention with the latest exhibitions at Regeneration Art Gallery, HLMRDV Gallery, the Tashkent House of Photography and Ilkhom Theatre.
The Centre for Islamic Civilisation is gargantuan and over the top, but genuinely impressive. In spite of its name, it covers the entire history of Uzbekistan, including the fascinating Hellenistic, Zoroastrian, and Buddhist cultures which once thrived here
Silk Road for foodies: Where to eat
Uzbeks are obsessed with their national dish, plov. And rightly so. Everyone has a favourite recipe – usually involving rice, meat lamb, carrots and onions – and swears it is the best. Avoid causing a diplomatic incident and head to a branch of Besh Qozon, where you should order all five versions on the menu.
Portions start from £3, making Tashkent one of the world’s cheapest destinations for foodies. If you happen to be nostalgic for the Soviet Union – or at least for its decor, bric-a-brac, and finer dining – then Dom 29 is an excellent choice.
The English menu includes the history of many dishes, as well as literary references, and their Olivier salad is unbeatable. Look out for local wineries Chateau Hamkor, Uzumfermer, and MSA Family Winery.
Where to shop
Teplo Store (teplo.store) is a concept store with a mission. It is platforming the very best fashion, jewellery, and homeware designers from Uzbekistan. The hope is to make them accessible to a domestic and international audience.
For a taste of the Silk Road, head to Chorsu Bazaar. Dried fruits, nuts, spices, meat, and salads beneath the Soviet-era blue-tiled dome. Don’t miss the bakeries nearby, who make up to 10,000 loaves a day.
Where to stay in Uzbekistan
Farovon Tashkent (farovontashkent.uz; from £62) opened in spring. The dramatic facade takes its architectural inspiration from the UNESCO-listed Ark Fortress and Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara, and the interior blends vernacular design – including the hand-embroidered textiles and ceramics for which Uzbekistan is known – with modern comfort. Staff are attentive and warm, and the breakfast buffet is among the best in the city.
Visit the Silk Road: How to get there
Uzbekistan Airways (uzairways.com/en) flies from London to Tashkent from £530 return. Take the Friday evening flight from Heathrow and you’ll reach Uzbekistan in time for early morning coffee.