Food Review of Samarkand State Medical University: A Culinary Experience

When students embark on their MBBS journey abroad, one of the key concerns beyond academics is food. At Samarkand State Medical University in Uzbekistan, international students, particularly from India, often wonder about the quality, variety, and availability of food that suits their tastes. Let’s explore what the food scene is like around the university.

1. On-Campus Dining Options

Samarkand State Medical University offers canteens and cafeterias within the campus that provide a mix of local and international cuisine. These dining halls serve meals that are affordable for students, typically offering a variety of soups, salads, and traditional Uzbek dishes like plov (a rice-based dish with meat and vegetables), manti (dumplings), and shurpa (soup). The meals are nutritious and cater to different dietary needs.

However, the taste and availability of dishes that cater to specific Indian food preferences can be limited. For students accustomed to spicy and heavily seasoned food, the local Uzbek dishes might feel bland at first, though they can be an exciting new culinary adventure.

2. Indian Food Availability

Indian students are in luck, as Samarkand has several Indian restaurants and stores that sell spices and ingredients required to prepare Indian food. The university’s student community often arranges for self-cooked meals in their accommodations, and small groups of Indian students can frequently be found cooking together, ensuring that they don’t miss out on familiar flavors.

Some nearby Indian restaurants and eateries offer classic dishes like butter chicken, dal, chapati, and biryani, allowing students to take a break from campus food and enjoy a homely meal. There are also Indian grocery stores where students can find lentils, rice, and spices essential for cooking Indian dishes.

3. Local Markets and Street Food

For those looking to explore Samarkand’s culture through its food, the local markets and street food stalls offer a variety of Uzbek specialties. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread (especially the local non bread) are readily available and can be quite affordable. Street food like samsa (stuffed pastry) and lagman (noodles with meat) are popular and offer a quick, filling bite for students on the go.

4. Vegetarian and Vegan Options

While traditional Uzbek cuisine is heavily meat-based, vegetarian and vegan students do have options, though they might need to get creative with their meals. There are several vegetable-based dishes like salads, potato dumplings, and eggplant dishes that cater to vegetarians. Vegan options are fewer but can be found by sticking to fresh fruits, vegetables, and local bread.

Conclusion

Food at Samarkand State Medical University offers students a blend of local flavors with a few international influences. For Indian students, the availability of Indian restaurants and grocery stores provides a sense of comfort, while the affordability of local food allows students to stay within their budget. Exploring Uzbek cuisine can also become an exciting part of their study-abroad experience, offering them a taste of a different culture while fulfilling their daily nutritional needs.