Moshkichiri va Mastava

Moshkichiri va Mastava is a neighbourhood cafe on Samarkand Darvoza Street in the Shaykhontohur District of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, named for two traditional dishes: moshkichiri and mastava. Moshkichiri is a comforting preparation of mung beans and rice, often cooked with carrots and onion and sometimes served with yoghurt, while mastava is a rice and vegetable soup, typically made with meat, tomatoes and root vegetables, and regarded as a classic home-style Uzbek soup. The cafe's specialty is these traditional lentil-and-rice soups, and shurpa, the clear lamb and vegetable broth, rounds out the menu. This is food associated with family kitchens rather than banquets, so the cafe appeals to travellers who want to taste the gentler, everyday side of Uzbek cooking, away from the heavier meat dishes that dominate many restaurant menus. The setting is a plain neighbourhood eatery, quiet to moderately busy, with simple tables and an unhurried feel. There is no dress code. Tea is the standard drink, and the beverage list is basic. Prices are among the lowest in the city at roughly 35,000 to 70,000 UZS (about $2.9 to $5.8) per person. Reservations are not needed, as seating is usually available on arrival. Opening hours are roughly 10:00 to 21:00 daily and should be verified. The Samarkand Darvoza Street location is in the traditional old-town area of Tashkent, close to older neighbourhoods and markets, which suits visitors exploring on foot who want a light, inexpensive meal. Because the dishes are soups and rice-based, they are also a practical choice for travellers wanting a lighter lunch or an easy introduction to local flavours.