Samarkand Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar Tour
Spend a half-day with a warm local family in Samarkand. Begin with a guided visit to Siyob Bazaar to select fresh ingredients, then join the family in their home for a hands-on cooking class where you prepare traditional Uzbek dishes such as plov, shashlik, and samsa. Vegetarian options can be prepared on request. The activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off and uses an air-conditioned vehicle.
In Collaboration with Search My Guide. Updated on July 3, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Search My Guide, inspired by the tour Samarkand Local Family Cooking Class and Siyob Bazaar Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided visit to Siyob Bazaar (Bibikhonim St.)
- Hands-on cooking class in a local family home
- Shared home-cooked lunch with vegetarian options available
Explore all itineraries in Samarkand.
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup from your hotel at the confirmed time. The sample schedule below uses a 10:00 hotel pickup and finishes approximately 6 hours later; transfer time (total ~1 hour) is included in the timings.
Siyob Bazaar (Siyob Bozor) — Market visit
Visit Siyob Bazaar on Bibikhonim Street to see local produce, spices, breads, and snacks. You will walk the stalls with your guide and pick ingredients to use later in the family cooking class.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry small bills in Uzbek som (UZS) for purchases; many vendors prefer cash and give change in small denominations.
- The market is busy and uneven underfoot — keep children close and avoid using a stroller in the busiest aisles.
- Public toilets are limited near the market; plan short breaks at a café or ask your guide to point out a facilities option.
Local family home — Hands-on cooking class & lunch
Join a local family in their home for a practical cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes (plov, shashlik, samsa); vegetarian dishes are available on request. Share the prepared meal with the family and learn about daily life and customs.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm any dietary restrictions to the operator at booking; vegetarian preparations can be arranged in advance.
- Wear comfortable, modest clothing and closed-toe shoes appropriate for a home kitchen; you may be asked to remove shoes indoors.
- Ask permission before photographing family members; hosts often welcome photos but prefer to be asked first.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 2 |
| Activities Types | Shopping, Experience |
