The Tashkent Supermarket: A Taste of Central Asia in New York City

Stepping into the Tashkent Supermarket, particularly the bustling Brighton Beach location, is like a vibrant dive into Central Asian culture. The aisles brim with iconic foods like manty, a type of dumpling traditionally filled with minced meat and onions, along with the sweet, golden goodness of chak-chak, a dessert crafted from fried dough and honey. Then there’s kompot, a delightful beverage made by simmering seasonal fruits, which evokes memories of childhood for many who grew up in the region.

A Culinary Nostalgia

For those familiar with Kazakhstan’s culinary traditions, such tastes spark fond memories. Growing up, I fondly recall assisting my mother in the kitchen as she skillfully crafted manty, her deft hands rolling thin dough to encase juicy filling. While sugary sodas were a rare treat, homemade kompot made from our garden’s harvest was always available. Though I struggled to master chak-chak, the store-bought versions remained an indulgent delight. My travels across the former Soviet states revealed that no matter where I went—from Moscow to Tbilisi—I could count on finding beloved dishes like plov and samsas.

From Brighton Beach to the West Village

After moving to New York City in 2019, I found a piece of home at Tashkent, the leading supermarket specializing in Central Asian cuisine. Regularly, I ventured an hour and a half to stock up on essentials like grechka (buckwheat) before navigating the subway back to Manhattan with heavy bags in tow.

This year, that trek became less necessary with the opening of a new Tashkent location in Manhattan’s lively West Village. Not only is it conveniently located near public transportation, but it has also gained attraction on social media, thanks to food bloggers who have spotlighted the delicious offerings of Central Asian flavors. The hot food bar, featuring dishes like aromatic plov infused with cumin and veggies, along with flaky samsas, has quickly become a favorite among locals. Influencers and even prominent figures have shared their enthusiasm for the delicacies, drawing in a curious crowd eager to explore this rich culinary culture.

A Legacy of Flavor

The Tashkent Supermarket originated from the vision of Odiljon Tursunov and his family, who arrived in the U.S. in the early 2000s. Failing to find traditional Uzbek foods, they opened the first store in Coney Island shortly after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Since then, their chain has expanded to five locations in New York, along with a wholesale sausage operation and facility in New Jersey.

As of 2019, over 1.2 million individuals from former Soviet republics call the U.S. home. Tashkent’s strategic location choices cater to the sizable populations of Central Asian and Eastern European communities, such as Kazakhs and Uzbeks, ensuring they have access to ingredients that resonate with their cultural identity.

A Cultural Melting Pot

At the new West Village branch, the aim is to bring together loyal customers while welcoming newcomers to the vibrant tastes of Central Asia. Traditional diets reflect the nomadic lifestyles of people in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with their heavy use of meat and dairy. In contrast, settled populations in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan cultivated rice, carrots, and spices like cumin. Historically, the Silk Road’s influence and the eventual establishment of the Soviet Union played significant roles in shaping Central Asian cuisine, merging diverse culinary traditions and flavors.

Tashkent’s selection includes products from across the former Soviet Union, from Georgian cheeses to traditional Ukrainian breads. The supermarket stands as a bridge between American food products and beloved Central Asian ingredients.

Community and Connection

Despite rising real estate costs in Manhattan, Tashkent has adjusted its prices, sparking mixed reactions from patrons. Regular customers have noted that although prices may be higher than the Brighton Beach location, the shift introduces a broader audience to Central Asian culinary delights.

On a recent evening visit to the new location, the atmosphere was rich with diversity. Though fewer Central Asian languages echoed through the aisles compared to Brooklyn, the mingling of new and familiar faces brought a sense of warmth. Visitors explored classic dishes, like herring under the fur coat and olivier, staples often enjoyed during festive celebrations. This bustling environment showcased a blend of nostalgia and newfound curiosity, connecting people through a shared love for food and heritage.

Conclusion

The Tashkent Supermarket is more than just a grocery store; it’s a cultural hub that offers a taste of home to many and introduces Central Asian flavors to a curious clientele. As the culinary landscape becomes increasingly saturated with global influences, establishments like Tashkent serve as a reminder of the importance of heritage, community, and the joy of culinary exploration.