Ubiquitously Uzbekistan – The Silkroad Teahouse in Bukhara

The sandstorm cleared up a bit but we still wanted to save the touring for another brighter day. In the afternoon we decided to visit a teahouse in Bukhara.

It seemed to us that the Silkroad Teahouse, which is on the way to the Kalon Mosque ensemble, is a very popular choice locally and for tourists. On this gloomy afternoon the teahouse was quite full. A few of the tables were reserved but we could get a table for two luckily.

We came into an ambience brimming with Central Asian vibes. At first glance of the venue there is certainly a kind of peace. Uzbek-woven tapestries line the supremely tall brick walls. The wooden tables were very spacious and comfortable.

Tea drinkers hover their heads over a steamy cup of tea, enjoying the sensory pleasures of a spicy, tangy potion that comes with a distinctly Central Asian character. Yet one can also sense the resonation of a steady energy in this space, as the roof openings let in whatever sunshine there was in this gloomy day. There were the sounds of hushed chit chats humming in the air. At that point I knew that we found the right place for a late afternoon respite.

The Silkroad Teahouse

Many of the teahouses in Bukhara are family-run businesses and the Silkroad Teahouse is no different. The owners of Silk Road Spices claim to have been in business since 1400, and they also run the Silkroad Teahouse.

Tea drinking has had a long history in Bukhara, and it is said that coffee is finally making its way into the café culture there. The Silkroad Teahouse has embraced this trend. It offers Turkish coffee with cardamom, which really is an Uzbek take on coffee.

For me, when it comes down to tea or coffee, I almost always opt for coffee. But on this day I was ready to savor one of the most cherished tradition in Bukhara, so I chose the cardamom and saffron tea.

Ordering at the Silkroad Teahouse

All of the items for order at the Silkroad Teahouse come in a set. Each tea set costs 500,000 SOM. There is unlimited refill of hot water for your big tea pot. There are the regular teas such as black tea, mint tea and green tea.

I was quite prepared to broaden my tea drinking horizon and so I chose the cardamom and saffron tea. The selection of spiced tea certainly is a novelty for a non-local like myself.

On the side is a full platter of delightful sweets. I particularly liked the sesame collection, which is something that I am familiar with. The sesame treats did taste like what I have back home in Hong Kong. Their Silkroad Confection, which is the unique menu item at the Silkroad Teahouse, was not really my cup of tea. I find them to be too sweet for my liking. Finally, there is also a plate of walnuts with raisins and I liked the nuttiness that went very well with the pungency of the spiced tea.

In fact, I liked my cardamom and saffron tea so much that I bought these ingredients at the spice shop in a very local bazaar in Bukhara the next day. Although the Silkroad Teahouse does feature these same ingredients with which they make their tea, and they are for sale, I had a feeling that the price there would have been a little expensive, but of course, I did not fact check on that.

My friend and I each minded our own business as we sipped our tea, having our moments of solitude together. I might have had about two refills of hot water.

It is said that the Silkroad Teahouse is “worth a visit for the aroma alone,” (TourCentralAsia) and I must say I fully concur with this statement.

Sources

Sophie Ibbotson, Uzbekistan, Bradt Travel Guide (2020) at 231.

TourCentralAsia, Spiced Tea And Sweets At Bukhara’s Silk Road Tea House.