Sweet Treasures of Uzbekistan: Traditional Desserts You Can’t Miss!
Uzbek cuisine is famous. You might know iconic dishes like plov and lagman, but Uzbekistan is also renowned for its rich array of desserts. These sweet treats are like a treasure trove of stories passed down through generations of heartfelt hospitality and centuries-old traditions. Some are widespread throughout Central Asia, but there are also unique Uzbek desserts that can’t be found anywhere else — hidden in the depths of vibrant bazaars, on the home dastarkhan (Persian tablecloth for dining), and in the hearts of local people.
If you are planning a trip to Uzbekistan, here are 15 sweets that are impossible to resist!
1. Uzbek Halva
Halva is one of the main Eastern delicacies. It is made from wheat flour, sugar, butter, milk or powdered milk, and of course, nuts. In Uzbekistan, it comes in different types: halva made from sunflower seeds, tahini (sesame) halva, halva with the addition of various ingredients such as cocoa, vanilla, peanuts, pistachios, and so on.
Like most Uzbek cuisines, halva has regional varieties:
Kokand halva
Samarkand halva
Bukhara halva
Kokand halva stands out as the most popular. Known for its delicate crumbly texture and deep-rooted heritage, it holds cultural and spiritual significance, making it a favorite among locals and travelers.
2. Pashmak - Cotton-like Sweet
Pashmak is another distinct type of halva: an airy treat made from caramelized sugar and flour, pulled into thin threads and lightly roasted. In taste, it resembles cotton candy, but with a richer, buttery flavor. Pashmak is eagerly awaited at holidays and fairs by all lovers of sweet delicacies. If prepared properly, pashmak magically melts in your mouth.
3. Halvoytar - Liquid Halva
This is a unique variety of halva with a liquid, flowing texture and a rich flavor. It is made from roasted wheat flour in vegetable oil, then poured over with sugar syrup. The ready mixture is usually poured into small plates and served with hot tea as a symbol of comfort and homely warmth.
4. Navat - Crystallized Grape Sugar
Navat resembles a lollipop. It consists of amber colored crystals stuck together. It is made by boiling down grape juice with sugar syrup and adding spices. In Uzbekistan, it is served with tea, sucked like a candy, or added directly into the tea, as it is believed to alleviate bronchitis, sore throats, or simply to restore strength.
5. Parvarda - Sugar Pillows
Parvarda is something in between caramel and fondant. It is made from sugar syrup and citric acid, which are boiled together until thickened. Then, the mixture is rolled in flour and formed into rectangular "pillows." When fresh, it is soft and melts in the mouth. Later, as it dries, it hardens and becomes like candy. It is usually milky in color, but can also be dyed to bright, rainbow colors to delight children.
6. Bogirsoq - Sweet Fried Balls
Bogirsoq is pieces of dough that are deep-fried until golden brown, often sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. It resembles mini doughnuts, but lighter and crispier.
There are two ways to prepare bogirsoqs:
With melted fat or butter
With yeast. This type is sometimes called “Kazakh baursaks”.
In any version, it is a simple yet heartwarming treat that brings a sense of home and belonging.
7. Urama (O’rama) and Kush-tili - Sweet Fried Dough
Urama means “twists”, and Kush-tili means “bird tongues”. These are flat strips of unleavened dough that are twisted into spirals or diamond shapes, which are then fried and generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. It is served as a simple and tasty treat with tea, and can also be used as table decor due to their beautiful rose-shaped forms.
8. Candied Peanuts
Peanuts in sugar glaze (“hedgehog”) is a sweet treat that both children and adults enjoy. This confection consists of peeled peanuts, roasted and carefully dried to a crispy texture, then coated in a thin, loose, uneven sugar glaze that gives it the distinctive appearance of a hedgehog.
9. Kozinaki
A classic Eastern delicacy: roasted nuts (often walnuts or peanuts) are combined with honey and pressed into dense bars. The sweetness is rich, with a slight chewiness and a pronounced nutty aroma. Nuts in sugar and kozinaki are not just a treat, but also a perfect snack to take on the road or enjoy during a movie.
10. Behi dulma - Stuffed Quince
This special delicacy is a very aromatic dish. Ripe quince (a fruit) is peeled from the core and filled with a mixture of nuts, honey and spices, then steamed or baked until tender. It tastes rich, sweet and sour, with light spicy notes. This dish is served both warm and chilled, sometimes with syrup or melted butter. No visit is complete without trying this delicacy.
11. Nisholda - Whipped Sweet Mass
Meringue-like, this airy delicacy is made from whipped egg whites with sugar and herbs, most often with boiled soapwort root or licorice syrup. The airy, glossy, very sweet mass is traditionally served in small bowls or on a dish with spoons. Nisholda is a favorite treat not only of local children, but also of all adults.
12. Uzbek Baklava
Although baklava is famously Turkish, Uzbekistan has its own special twist. Uzbek baklava consists of dozens of layers of thin dough filled with whipped egg whites, crushed nuts, honey, sugar, vanilla, and sweet raisins. This sweet in Uzbekistan, as in other countries, is usually prepared both for special occasions like weddings or religious holidays, and for everyday tea gatherings.
13. Dried Melon
This sweet and rich delicacy is an Uzbek favorite in autumn and winter. Juicy melons from Fergana and Samarkand are sliced thin and dried naturally in the open air. As they lose moisture, they retain sugar, aroma, and delicate texture. In Uzbekistan, dried melon is enjoyed on its own, with tea, or on a road trip to boost energy.
14. Bekmes - fruit honey
This delicacy is made from the juice of fruits and berries by simmering it for a long time until it thickens. As a result, a natural fruit honey is obtained. Since this sweet treat is made completely without sugar, it is also a healthy snack alternative.
15. Sumalak
The special spring dish of the Navruz holiday. The main ingredient in sumalak is sprouted wheat — a symbol of new life and the awakening of nature. After being grounded and strained, the wheat is mixed in a large cauldron with oil and flour. Then, a long simmering begins — anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, with constant stirring. Stones or nuts are added to the mixture for good luck, and to prevent burning. As a result, a thick, dark, and sweet paste with a rich caramel flavor is formed. Sumalak is not just a dessert, but a unifying ritual: it is prepared by the whole family and friends with songs, prayers, and wishes of goodness.
From liquid halva to airy pashmak - the sweets of Uzbekistan are not just a dessert after the main course. They are part of Uzbek culture, traditions, and history. So the next time you’re drinking tea in a chaikhana (tea house) or strolling through the bazaar, don’t miss the chance to try these sweet masterpieces!