Uchkuduk, one of my favourite Uzbek restaurants in Dubai, has moved from the Trident Grand Tower on Al Sufouh Road to the Indigo Building in Al Manara, right next door to the Infinity showroom on Sheikh Zayad Road. It is located inside the Bab Tuma restaurant, a novel cost-saving exercise. So, find Bab Tuma and you’ll have found Uchkuduk. Everything, from chefs to cutlery, has made the move across from the old restaurant. Make your way past the front part of the new restaurant, which is still operated by Bab Tuma, and enter the traditionally decorated Uchkuduk section…the same familiar faces will greet you with their warm, hospitable Uzbek smiles. Even if it’s your first time, you will be made to feel as if you are a returning regular.
Thankfully, the food at Uchkuduk hasn’t changed and is still among the best Uzbek/Central Asian you can get in town. I strongly recommend the hearty, 3-course ‘business lunch’ which includes a salad, a soup and a main; you choose from a selection. I stuck with my default combination of Spicy Carrot Salad, Borsch, and their superb Uzbek Plov. Of course, you also get a piping hot ‘non’ flatbread, or Lepeshka as the Russians call it, and a drink. At AED38 (for the whole lot) that represents amazing value. Especially when you consider portion size, quality of ingredients and taste. The only thing I did not have this time was their Manti, as it takes a minimum of half an hour to prepare. I couldn’t however, resist ordering a Beef Samsa to start with – it’s lovely.
The service at Uchkuduk is as delicious as its food. The entire staff speak fluent English and are happy to go through the menu, recommending what to order or what to match, with first-timers. So, whether you are simply interested in sampling the rich, colourful cuisine of Central Asia, or like me, love the food of that diverse region, then Uchkuduk is one of the better options in Dubai. And if you like shisha lounging, then their incubator, Bab Tuma is just a few steps away. Uchkuduk, definitely worth a visit.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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