Sofiya is one of my favorite spots for Central Asian food. I grew up eating this kind of food, so I can tell when it's done right -- and here it really tastes like home. Everything I've tried has been so good, fresh, and full of flavor. The service is also great. The waitresses are always super nice, attentive, and make you feel welcome. I come here almost every week, and whenever my friends visit from out of town -- especially the ones who know and love this cuisine too -- I always bring them here. Everyone always leaves happy and full. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food. Such a great place, and I always recommend it. read more

I've only had Central Asian food a handful of times, and Sofiya is definitely one that stands out. From the decor to the food, it really transports you straight to the heart of the Silk Road. We started with the Ajabsandali, a smoky, savory vegetable stew that set the tone for the Sofiya Salad. But the real stars? The Uyghur Lagman had that perfect hand-pulled noodle chew, and the Lamb Chops were melt-in-your-mouth tender. read more

First time trying central asian cuisine and I am in love! The inside is really nice, it feels upscale and cozy at the same time. Service is friendly and considerate, our server was really great at making recommendations to help us get a diverse selection. Please get the plov, the stewed beef is so tender and it was the star of the show! I also got the lamb kebab to try but it paled in comparison (and was a little on the tougher side) but the smashed potatoes (can sub for rice) were a pleasant surprise. The appetizers were great as well, overall flavorful and the puff pastry/skin had standout texture. I spent $80 for two entrees and 2 apps so it is on the pricier side (for me) but would definitely go back and recommend to my friends. read more

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I came here with a girlfriend because she raved about it and it was very delicious but I will say the two things that we ordered were both very heavy so I would say this is the place that's good for groups not just two girls. I favored the Qurutob with the beef. I really enjoyed the coolness of the yogurt with a heaviness of the beef. Something I did notice is when you walk into the restaurant it does smell like cigarette smoke, which threw me off. The service was great and attentive and it's a pretty big restaurant so I would say it's good for groups. read more

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A unique dining experience in Lower Nob Hill! We ordered the plov, manti with beef, Acharuli Khachapuri, and honey cake. The plov was flavorful and not too oily (which I've found with some other places), with tender beef and served with a cold salad with tomatoes and onions. I wish it had some more of the savory toppings like carrots and quail eggs. The manti was my favorite dish - chewy wrapping and juicy filling - delicious! The khachapuri was made fresh, and I was pleasantly surprised by the fulsome distribution of cheese. The honey cake was a nice flavor but not noteworthy. We also had a refreshing pitcher of creamy ayran (salty yogurt drink) to share. Ambiance was pleasant, with traditional music and garments and lamps decorating the interior. Service was friendly but not the most attentive (we ran out of water, check took a while, etc). read more

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My first time here and 100% ready to be a repeat customer!! The service was so good and the food was even better! Drinks ordered: Kompot (10/10): I regret only getting a glass because I could easily have a whole pot myself. It's just that good Ayran (9/10): personally not for me since it's sour and almost gamey to me but my boyfriend LOVES this Food ordered: Cheburek with mushroom and cheese (9/10): an amazing combination I will be getting again Barak (10/10): my favorite thing of the entire meal! Not gamey at all and the filling was delightful Chicken kebab (7/10): I thought this was good but not amazing in comparison to the other dishes. The side tomatoes were really yummy though! Acharuli Khachapuri (10/10): the gooey cheese? SO GOOD Manti (7/10): too gamey for me for some reason, I liked the barak more Napoleon (7/10): good flakiness I definitely want to come back again for the honey cake! We came right at opening but it got super busy after so I would definitely recommend going early! read more

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Good halal food. Takes a bit of time to cook and serve. The soup and salad kept us fed until the main course arrived. Portion size was good. Went with family on a weekend for lunch. read more

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Ahhhh order envy... As the megruli khachapuri (a Georgian cheese stuffed bread) arrived at the table across the way, I was craning my neck to ogle all the hot ooozing cheese AND cheese pulls. I'll be back for you! After drinks at Propagation, we were looking for a place within walking distance and I remember bookmarking Sofiya, one of two Uzbek restos in the city. On a weeknight, we arrived to a quiet resto with one other table. M E N U Central AZN, Uzbek cuisine with sprinkling of Georgian dishes. Uzbek is best known for their hearty meat and rice dishes. Food is halal. F O O D * Manti: Steamed dumplings w/ chopped beef and onions served with chakka (4 pc-$19.99): https://tinyurl.com/4caa53yn Largest manti I've had, these jumbo XLB-like dumplings had a thin, chewy skin with a savory beef filling. Wish it was juicier and the accompanying chakka: labneh had more tang tho. * Plov: Roasted Beef w/ rice, steamed carrots, chickpeas, fresh herbs, quail eggs, homemade qazy ($21.99): https://tinyurl.com/yckch4ua National dish of Uzbek, I found this rendition of plov underwhelming. While a rich, hearty dish with tender beef and a pronounced earthy sweetness from the carrots and tang from the barberries, it was hard to enjoy with the hard rice. I'm a qazy (horse sausage) virgin and plan to stay that way. Lol! * Braised Lamb Shank w/ potatoes, broth ($27.99): https://tinyurl.com/y77d3ubj OG homestyle dish with fork tender braised lamb and veggie medley over a bed of mashed potatoes (a bit grainy) alongside shurpa (broth). It low key reminds me of something you'll find at Garden Club in SSF. * Lula Kebab: Minced Beef Skewers w/ rice, marinated onions ($21.99): https://tinyurl.com/3cztp75n Saving the best for last, this was the standout of the night! The kebabs were well-spiced and hella juicy with the onions and tomatoes adding a fresh sharp tang. Unlike the plov, the rice pilaf in this dish was perfectly cooked, tender with a bite with a deliciously rich savory flavor. If you like kofta, koobideh, or seekh...GET THIS! S E R V I C E Warm with prompt service. A M B I A N C E Cozy and inviting with traditional low tables and floor seating, decorative plates adorning the wall, and vibrant ikat fabrics. P A R K I N G Extremely difficult street parking in the TenderNob. Overall, if you're looking for a hearty, satisfying meal give Sofiya a try! read more

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According to Yelp, this was my second experience with Uzbek cuisine. My first was five years ago in the same corner location under its previous identity, Halal Dastarkhan (review: https://yelp.to/MubkAEHGLA). I'm not sure if the ownership has changed since then, but the Central Asian menu still looked pretty appetizing, especially if you have a hankering for kebabs and breads with fillings. I was by myself, so portion control prevented me from being able to try a couple of their heartier signature items, Plov (beef stew with quail eggs over grain rice) and Acharuli Khachapuri (boat-shaped bread with melted cheese). Instead, I ordered the $16.99 Tashkent Salad, a unique mix of julienned daikon radish, slivers of beef tongue, egg, crispy onion, cherry tomatoes, and mayo (Photo 10). I liked the contrast in texture in this entree-size salad but could've had more substantial pieces of tongue and definitely less mayo. I also decided to try the $5.99 Pumpkin Samsa, a fairly standard turnover made with a flaky sesame-covered dough and filled with a pumpkin purée (Photo 9). An Uzbek version of samosa. It appears there are plenty of other options to consider from the Uzbek kitchen. FOOD - 4 stars...flavorful albeit with some execution issues AMBIANCE - 4 stars...atmospheric with traditional Uzbek crafts and clothing on the walls SERVICE - 4 stars...efficient TOTAL - 4 stars...Uzbek anyone? RELATED - Exploring Nob Hill? Here's a collection of places l've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/zEm98Gr48F read more

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While in San Francisco for a conference, I was craving Khachapuri for dinner one evening (weird, craving I know). I opened Yelp and was pleasantly surprised to see that there was a restaurant near my hotel that served Khachapuri. I placed my order for delivery and eagerly awaited its arrival. When it arrived, I dug in! I ordered a classic Khachapuri - boat-shaped bread filled with cheese and topped with an egg, baked to golden cheesy goodness. I also ordered mastava - a beef soup with veggies. Both were absolutely delicious and packed full of flavor. The Khachapuri definitely hit the spot and satisfied my craving and the mastava was warm and comforting. If you have never tried this cuisine before, I highly recommend it. read more

Such a hidden gem! Such a cute restaurant and such good food. This was my first time trying Uzbeki food and I'm so glad I came! I visited on a Saturday for lunch and was seated immediately. I got the cumin lamb, which was super good, flavorful and tender, but just a bit on the salty side so I'd pair it with rice for sure! Food is prepared super fresh and everything tasted high quality. Definitely recommend checking this place out! read more

Sofiya - Cumin Lamb - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

Excellent surprise for our evening in SF. Friendly service, delicious food. Restaurant has an authentic feel to it. I've had Uzbek food in the past and this was superior to other restaurants. Must try!! read more

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Love this place, always had great experience. The food was delicious, especially the plov, just like in my hometown, it was flavorful nd perfectly cooked. Staff were very hospitable nd friendly. I would definitely recommend Sofia Restaurant and will be coming back again! read more

Sofiya - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing restaurant! We ordered Dushanbe salad, beef samsa, qurutob, Lula kebab, kompot, and ayran. Standouts were the kompot - it's a fruit juice made of apple, hibiscus, berry, mint, and cherry. Was so good we ordered another glass. Qurutob was amazing - I love the chewy flatbread mixed with yogurt! Service was fast, waiters were friendly. Restaurant was adorned with authentic Central Asia decorations. This place exceeded our expectations. We would definitely come back! read more

This an amazing uzbek restaurant. Their food super delicious and service is super good. I always take my family to this place.

Super cool spot for those who are uninitiated into western asian food (in this case Uzbek). On the corner of Sutter and Larkin sits an unassuming restaurant with no eye catching decoration. We decided to try this spot after spending an afternoon in Union Square and walking around to find a spot - and it's the happiest accident we've had when it comes to food! When you walk in, you're transported to west Asia. Not many people have had exposure to western asian culture, so the decor and employees gives it an extra point in culture and authenticity. People eating inside are also of similar descent, and that's where you know you came to the right place for ethnic food. The menu has a lot of things I've never seen before, so I ended up checking on Yelp and asking service what to order -- DEFINITELY get the Qurutob with Beef and Plov as main courses. If you're here, you're here to try unique ethnic food - and these 2 are the must tries, with the Qurutob being their national dish. The qurutob was amazing and refreshing - it's basically flatbread on the bottom with yogurt, layered with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and beef on top. The taste really unique with a flavorful profile being savory yet refreshing. The plov was a good order since it had carbs (rice), and it being paired with soft carrots and the most tender beef in the world made it a perfect dish to top off you belly on. Service was amazing, and some employees even wore traditional clothing. Food came out around 10-15min, so our starving tummies didn't wait too long. They had what I assume was Uzbek TV playing with music from said country, with traditional clothing hung up and other decor placed around. This place, though unassuming, is truly a hidden gem. Prices are fair, service is good, food is great (and authentic I've heard), what more can you want? read more

Sofiya - Qurutob with Beef - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I had the opportunity to eat at Sofiya with my coworkers before the Holidays. The food was amazing and full of flavor with Mediterranean spices. I ordered the Beef Kebab Plate and shared the Megruli Khachapuri. The service and ambiance was awesome I especially liked the chandeliers throughout the restaurant. Until next time, Enjoy! read more

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Highly recommend the plov, lyula kebab, and honey cake. Everything was flavorful and fresh. I liked how the plov and kebab each came with a side of salad. And of course, the meat was very tender. The place has an authentic feel and it's accommodating for large groups. Since the menu has a lot of options, it'd be perfect for a family-style feast. read more

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Been here a few times now and I think the service and food has only continued to improve. My fav dishes include the house bread, Tashkent salad, plov, manti, and lyula kebab. Definitely order some kompot with your meal as well, not too sweet and very complementary! read more

Summary: Hit or miss Uzbek eats Details: While personally not a place I'm likely to go back to (and historically more a 2 star from me), I think there are probably a subset of dishes here that are more likely to be solid all around, paired with the fact that Uzbek food is somewhat uncommon for the area. We were one of two tables in the entire restaurant when we arrived, whether that was due to lack of interest, or just the later post-lunch hour (2-3pm) we ate. Of the dishes we got, the plouf and manti (somewhat akin to momos in size, shape, texture and flavor) were pretty enjoyable, while the beef lagam soup was forgettable, and the Dushanbe salad was almost borderline unpleasant (a warm salad that becomes increasingly sweet as you eat it). Accessibility: There are several "floors" to the restaurant, with each separated by a couple steps of elevation, but a good majority of the venue is accessible. read more

I've never had Central Asian food before, and this was incredible! I saw a video of this place and wanted to give it a shot. Our party of 7 got there at 7:00 PM, and the restaurant was not too busy and we got seated immediately. The waitstaff were super nice and the food all came out within 15 minutes, which was incredible given the volume of food we ordered. We got the Plov, Manti with Beef, Qurutob, Fried Lagman, and Cumin Lamb as well as Fruit Tea. Plenty for our big party! Plov: 5/5, a favorite! The beef was so tender and juicy, and the carrots provided some sweetness while also soaking in the flavors of the dish as well. I also loved the eggs! Manti with Beef: 4/5, surprisingly large! We were not expecting them to be so big, even half of one was a good size to eat so we all shared. The beef was well-flavored and the skin of the dumpling was nice and thin. Qurutob: 10/5, we had no idea what this was when we ordered it, we ordered it only because a review for this place recommended it. You HAVE to order this -- this was everyone's favorite dish! Layered flatbread with labbeh may not sound super exciting, but the flavors were tangy and cool while the flatbread was warm and fluffy, all of it combining to one of the best first bites I've had in the city. A surprise new favorite! Fried Lagman: 4/5, very good noodles with good chew! The flavors were tomato-dominant and savory. If you like spice, definitely don't skip out on the chili sauce that comes with it. Cumin Lamb: 3/5, solid dish! I wish the lamb had more cumin coated on it to really pack in the spicy, but the lamb was well-cooked! Fruit Tea: 4/5, I've never had it before and it was great! A beautiful pink color that comes in a carafe served in beautiful tea cups. I'm so glad I tried this place out! Definitely will be back just for the Qurutob alone -- it's a must try. Would definitely recommend! read more

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Delish food, great variety, so courteous service and management, and the ambiance is unbeatable in SF area. Parking may be challenging but it is worth every step walking to this halal and tayyib food. read more

We came here for lunch with friends as my friends visited Uzbekistan recently and we wanted to try it. My friend had parking karma and parked on Sutter neat the restaurant. The restaurant opens at 12 noon and we got there at 11:58 am and the door was open so we went in. The restaurant is located right on the corner of Sutter and Larkin. The decor is beautiful and cozy inside. We waited a few minutes before someone came out of the kitchen and he asked us to wait a few minutes and the server was late and he didn't speak much English. We ordered 4 dishes pictured below and they were all tasty and delish. The first one was the crispy pastry with beef inside #11, next was the Plov and the meat was very tender and tasty served with sliced tomatoes, 3rd dish was the the dumpling like dish filled with beef, Manti, which was big and tasty and 4th dish was a bread with cheese and egg yolk on top called Acharu Khachapuri. Very tasty but filling. The food is delicious and I would come back to try other dishes read more

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Sofiya is wonderful! We have been twice, and have enjoyed a delicious meal each time that fills us up and feels like home. From the yogurty drink to the traditional dishes you are sure to find something flavorful and new. We keep filling ourselves up to have room for dessert but everything we have had is divine! read more

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We visited Uzbek Sofiya Restaurant and had a mixed experience. The shurpa and plov were very tasty -- definitely the highlight of the meal. Atmosphere is also good, clean and quiet. read more

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Had a pleasant experience from start to finish. Servers were nice and checked in with me at just the right amount of intervals. The place was clean and had a positive atmosphere (lots of seating too). Tried the kompot drink and it was great. Pretty good amount of food too, and the quality was solid too. Can't go wrong with this pick honestly read more

Sofiya - 42. Plov - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing fresh quality food. Highly recommend the lamb shank. Great staff and clean place. read more

Sofiya - 44. Lamb Shank - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Today my family, friends, and I visited this amazing place in the heart of San Francisco, and we absolutely loved it. The restaurant has new management and a new owner, and it truly shows in every detail. This is a halal restaurant with an authentic Tajik / Central Asian cuisine atmosphere. We ordered shashlik, and it tasted exactly like in Kazakhstan, juicy, flavorful, with that perfect smoky aroma. The lagman and mastava were incredible, rich in flavor, and very comforting. The samsa deserves a special mention easily one of the best in the city. Huge thanks to our waiter for the excellent and attentive service we felt very well taken care of. We were a group of 9 people, and the total bill came out to only $260, which is very reasonable considering how much food we ordered and how full everyone was. Great value, great food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended. We will definitely be back! read more

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Great newly updated Central Asian cuisine restaurant in San Francisco. Place itself, service and food - everything is top notch. My favorites are plov, samsa with beef and green tea with lemon. Highly recommend if you want to try a new cuisine. read more

Sofiya - Plov - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

The space is quite large with two levels! We made a reservation though just in case. I got the chicken kebab and was absolutely obsessed. It was super juicy and tender, and it was just the perfect amount of food. I did feel like overall it was on the pricier side, but would still come again just for that juicy juicy kebab! read more

Sofiya - My kebab is in the bottom left corner. - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

We recently placed a catering order for our clinic staff, and everything was fantastic. The food was fresh, delicious, and a big hit with everyone - it didn't last long at all What really stood out was the exceptional service from the owner. He accommodated our order, included a complimentary salad, and even personally delivered the food himself. That level of care and hospitality really made the experience special. A lot of staff were asking about the restaurant and took down the details, so I'm sure you'll be getting some new customers. Highly recommend for both the food and the service. Thank you! read more

Sofiya is a restaurant in Lower Nob Hill that opened a few months ago in September, and I wanted to try it after having it heavily recommended to me! I've never had Uzbek cuisine so was especially excited to check them out. We came in on a Wednesday evening and were able to get seated immediately; the restaurant is super spacious and brightly lit. We ordered the Plov and Qurutob--both dishes were phenomenal. The beef in the Plov was super tender, and the rice was incredibly flavorful. The tomatoes and onions added the perfect level of freshness to each bite. I also really liked the Qurutob, which felt refreshing with the labneh and variety of vegetables. I honestly really enjoyed combining the Plov and Qurutob together in each bite, which was just a burst of flavors. The service was also super friendly! My only thing was that it gets pretty quiet with not that much white noise, so I feel like my conversation with my friend could be super easily heard by everyone else. However, I highly recommend this restaurant and am so happy to have tried it. read more

Sofiya - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Went with a couple of friends to check out the plov)) Ok, so the plov itself was very decent, I'd say 8 out of 10. The traditional Uzbek bread served with it was fantastic, 10/10 and an appetizer from eggplants was 7/10. The desert, Napoleon cake was 15/10, even though it has nothing to do with Uzbekistan. I'd love to see some traditional sweets instead. The biggest disappointment was the tea. I was expecting to see a traditional Uzbek tea pot and instead it was served in a random french press with not enough tea leaves in to taste like a real tea... Other than that it was good. read more

I brought a very beautiful lady here for our first date earlier this week and the food was amazing! I got the cumin lamb and sofiya salad while my date got the chicken kebab plate. Only reason I give 4 stars and not 5 is because when we first got there (early evening), there was this absolutely INSANE noise coming from the top ceiling panel closest to the entrance of the kitchen. If I didn't know any better I would say it sounded like some critters, but it calmed down after a minute and some concerned looks from staff. Also, towards the end of my plate I found a long hair in my cumin lamb (my hair is no longer than an inch), but decided against saying anything especially considering how much I liked the food and hoping to avoid any unnecessary drama. Overall good experience and I am looking forward to coming again when I get the chance. read more

Everything is amazing! When you walk in the door it's like going through a portal to another world compared to the surrounding area. The decor is bright and beautiful. It's very welcoming and peaceful. Service is prompt and courteous. The food is the best lamb shank I have ever had! Greek salad is hi read more

Sofiya - 44. Lamb Shank - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I need to write this review now so I remember to try and get my friends to come here for this coming week. Lol The Plov was recommended by the server and I love it! The meat is super tender and the dish tastes homemade. I will definitely be back! read more

Sofiya - Salad w/ entree - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Very disappointed with Sofiya Restaurant. The plov portion was so tiny for $21. It was the tiniest plov portion I have ever seen -- felt like I was begging for food at someone's home. The shurpa soup's broth was decent, but the potatoes tasted so old and unpleasant. And the Napoleon cake was far from fresh -- soggy, stale, and disappointing. You really should pay more attention to dessert freshness when one slice costs $9.99. Overall, for nearly $60, the taste, freshness, and portion sizes simply do not match the prices. Sadly, I wouldn't recommend this place! UPD: If I could give 0 stars for customer service, I would. The owner's reply was shockingly rude -- instead of accepting feedback, he accused me of "bad intentions" and "misleading photos." That's not how you talk to your customers. My review was honest and based on my actual experience, and their response only proves how little they respect their guests. I'll gladly take the refund they mentioned, because I'd never spend another dollar in a place that treats customers this way!!! UDP no.2: Wow, what a professional way to handle customer feedback -- attacking and making assumptions! You actually don't know me, and this was only my second visit (and definitely my last). Instead of writing essays accusing customers of "spreading lies," maybe try improving your portions, freshness, and attitude. I didn't realize honest feedback was such a threat. But thanks for confirming I made the right choice not to come back!!! UPD no.3: Still haven't received the refund the owner promised in his defensive response below. It's been days, and despite his long message about "happily returning my money," there's been zero follow-through. Says a lot about how they actually treat customers once you point out issues!!! read more

Sofiya - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have never had Uzbek or Tajik food before. In fact, I was googling it a few months ago and a video on my Insta advertised this restaurant to me this past week. So while in the city today, we decided to stop by and try it. The location was relatively easy to find. It's a smaller restaurant with some very unique decorations. The service was attentive and the menu has many options. Being vegetarian, we were able to find a few nice options. The food was tasty and well presented. I love supporting local and underrepresented restaurants- I will be back! read more

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got takeout. solid dishes, liked lyula slightly more than lamb kebab. lamb kebab needed a bit more salt, cumin, and chili powder. will be back to dine in sometime read more

Sofiya - lamb kebab - Halal Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Excellent food with great flavors, textures, portions and decent prices. Recommend: Acharuli Khachapuri, Sofiya salad, Dushanbe salad, Fried Lagman, Ajabsandali, Cumin Lamb, Lamb Kebab, Pumpkin Samsa, the house special bread, Cesar salad with Chicken, Lamb Shank, and the national dish which is Plov. Loved the food and some of us had leftovers. A gem in the city! read more