“National Dishes of the Khorezm Khans” Festival Elevates Uzbekistan’s Gastronomic Heritage

The “Arda Xiva” complex in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region has hosted the International Gastronomic Festival “National Dishes of the Khorezm Khans”, celebrating the region’s centuries-old culinary traditions and promoting its rich gastronomic heritage on the global stage.

Organized under the decree of the president of Uzbekistan dated November 18, 2024, the festival is part of a broader effort to boost the tourism potential of the Khorezm region, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The festival’s primary goal was to introduce the unique flavors and culinary customs of Khorezm cuisine to international audiences, fostering growth in gastronomic tourism and increasing visitor numbers both domestically and from abroad. Khorezm’s cuisine, known far beyond Uzbekistan’s borders, gained renewed recognition through this high-profile event.

Attendees enjoyed a diverse program that included tastings of traditional dishes-from ancient recipes to contemporary adaptations-alongside masterclasses on preparing local specialties. The festival also featured vibrant folklore and cultural performances, including national dances, concerts, and DJ-led musical shows.

A scientific-practical conference on the future of gastronomic tourism further enriched the festival, drawing experts, media representatives, and food bloggers from across the region and beyond.

Significantly, the festival emphasized business development, providing a platform for catering enterprises and tourism stakeholders to forge partnerships, sign new contracts, and collaborate on future projects.

The event culminated in a culinary competition judged by experts from the Uzbekistan Chefs Association, honoring the best dishes with awards across several categories.

Guests were also treated to an engaging concert showcasing Khorezm’s master artists, singers, and musicians, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

The International Gastronomic Festival “National Dishes of the Khorezm Khans” successfully combined culinary excellence and cultural celebration, underscoring Khorezm’s growing appeal as a key destination for food tourism in Uzbekistan and the wider region.