MASTOBA

Soups are extremely popular in Tajikistan, and they are frequently so rich that they serve as a filling and satisfying lunch. In the country, people had several soups that were always delicious and full of fresh vegetables and herbs. In Tajikistan, ordering soup is almost always a good idea. Keep in mind that they are almost never vegetarian.

Mastoba is one of Tajikistan's most popular soups. A dish that is similar to Mastava, an Uzbek soup. Meat, vegetables, and rice are the basic ingredients. In Tajikistan, however, the soup is occasionally seasoned with local herbs and katyk (a fermented milk product).

Mastoba's traditional soup is made with meat, rice, and vegetables. It's usually made with seasoned chunks of beef or mutton browned with tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, sweet peppers, potatoes, spices, and rice, then simmered with water until the meat, rice, and vegetables are tender.

The soup, which is thick and filling, is traditionally served hot in an oval-shaped bowl known in Tajik as kasa, tavak, or pialah. It's typically served with a drizzle of katyk, a Tajik sour milk, and sprinklings of fresh chopped coriander and ground pepper on top.

Where to eat: You can find this soup in most local restaurants. It is suggested to have this dish in Dushanbe's Chaikhona rohat.