This place is a wonderful Uzbeki restaurant! ???????? Taste of Samarkand in Queens serves fantastic selection of delicious central Asian dishes! Surprisingly, they are also Kosher. Definitely get the Olivie Salad , Bread , and Chicken Skewers! Staff is friendly, service is quick ⏲, and the place is beautifully decorated! They have lots of indoor seating. Reservation is recommended for large parties. I wish I came here earlier!
Overview
When you're craving authentic and flavorful Central Asian cuisine in the heart of New York, Taste of Samarkand is the place to visit. Located at 62-16 Woodhaven Blvd, Rego Park, NY 11374, this cozy restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary experience that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The menu at Taste of Samarkand is a delightful journey through traditional Uzbek dishes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and rich spices. The restaurant is best known for its hand-made lagman noodles, a classic dish from the region that’s both hearty and full of flavor. The noodles are prepared from scratch and served with tender beef or chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and a delicious broth that’s packed with depth. This dish alone makes a trip to the restaurant worthwhile.
Another popular item on the menu is the shashlik, skewered and grilled meat that’s marinated to perfection. Whether you choose lamb, chicken, or beef, the shashlik is a must-try for anyone who enjoys tender, smoky grilled meats. The combination of spices used to marinate the meat gives it a unique flavor profile that is unmistakably Uzbek.
For those who enjoy a heartier meal, the plov, a flavorful rice pilaf with lamb and vegetables, is the perfect choice. This iconic dish is prepared in a traditional style, using slow-cooked lamb and a generous mix of carrots, onions, and spices. The rice is perfectly cooked, absorbing all the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
One thing that sets Taste of Samarkand apart is their attention to detail. Each dish is carefully crafted with a focus on preserving the authentic flavors of Uzbekistan. The restaurant doesn’t just serve food-it serves an experience that reflects the rich history and culture of the region. Their homemade bread, which is baked fresh daily, is another standout. Served warm, it complements the meals perfectly and adds a traditional touch to the dining experience.
The atmosphere at Taste of Samarkand is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. The restaurant’s interior is cozy and decorated with subtle elements that evoke the spirit of Central Asia. The friendly staff ensures that guests feel welcome and well-cared-for throughout their meal, adding to the overall dining experience.
For those interested in exploring the flavors of Central Asia, Taste of Samarkand offers a variety of other dishes to try, from soups like shurpa, a rich and savory broth, to sweets like baklava, a delicious dessert that’s perfect for ending a meal on a sweet note. Their extensive drink menu includes traditional beverages like kompot, a sweet fruit drink, which pairs beautifully with the savory dishes.
The restaurant also receives rave reviews for its consistency in food quality and friendly service. Many customers rave about the authenticity of the dishes, noting how the flavors remind them of meals they’ve enjoyed in Uzbekistan or other Central Asian regions. The portion sizes are generous, making it a great place to bring family or friends to enjoy a meal together.
For those looking to try something different or explore new culinary horizons, Taste of Samarkand is an excellent choice. The restaurant combines traditional flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a beloved spot in Rego Park. Whether you're a fan of hearty rice dishes, succulent grilled meats, or flavorful soups, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this charming eatery.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ SportAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Table servicePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 907 reviews
The meat is amazing! The lamb and the beef is my favorite. The tea is very nice with nice tasting nuts to go with it. The dumplings are also full of flavor. The borsch can get a chef's kiss. The architecture is also very pretty and ancient giving. I really recommend this place for a family dinner.
It's not our first time with the food here having takeout before. We called last minute as we know reservations are almost a must. It was pack3d but we got seats. The food is authentic and flavorful. The kabobs were awesome, especially the steak. Prices are very reasonable in mho. The service started well, but we arrived later in the evening, and it went downhill as the night went on. I understand staff wanting to leave, but 20 minutes to get the check and then having to run down staff to pay it was over the top, especially so late. We wanted to leave also. We will likely return, but earlier in the evening and with reservations.
We had a reservation for a dinner party of 12 and thankfully we made it early because by the time we were leaving this place was packed. Once you try a bite of any plate you’ll understand why. The pilaf was one of the best cooked rice dishes I’ve ever had. The lamb was juicy, flavorful and cooked perfectly. The Samsa was one of the best I’ve ever had. I can’t wait to come back here.
I came here the other day to try Uzbekistan food for the first time, and let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed. My overall experience was absolutely amazing. My friends and I got a ton of different dishes to try out, and each of them blew my mind with how tasty and delicious they were. The potatoes and mushrooms dish and the potato salad were particularly my favorites, and the meat/bread were also very good. They even gave us live music, which was crazy. Will definitely come again one day.
The food was incredible and service was excellent. The bread was freshly baked, the dumplings were full of flavor but very light, the lamb chops were so succulent and perfectly cooked. The avocado salad and baklava were the best I’ve had and I recommend the Uzbek pilaf as well.
Let me tell you, it is SO worth going to this gem of a restaurant! Our queens food group arranged an ENORMOUS event, we had 50 people come so they sat us out back which was just as lovely. They have a huge amount of space so seating us was no issue! We had lagman soup, Korean salad, manti, samsa, baba ganoush, and an assortment of salmon, chicken, beef, and lamb kebabs! and I lost count, we had SO MUCH FOOD! But it was great because since everything was shared, we had a taste of everything! By the time we left, the place was crowded, and jumping with live music! Such a fun place and the food is so worth trekking to this part of queens! Did not get a lot of photos of everything because we were all so hungry! The best place for Uzbek food!
I absolutely love this restaurant for Uzebeki food! They do add a lot of dill (which isn't an issue for me!) and they're bread is always so soft and flakey! Customer service is amazing and the inside environment is too! Highly highly recommend! Make sure to get the chicken thigh skewer!