Bread
- Bread (non) is treated with great respect. Never put it upside down, on the floor or throw it away.
- The host or the eldest breaks the bread by hand and shares it out. Do not cut it with a knife.
- If a piece falls, pick it up and put it back on the table.
Tea
- The host pours, usually into small bowls (piala) filled only partly. It is a sign of care: the host wants to refill your cup again and again, and the tea stays hot.
- A cup filled to the brim can traditionally mean the host would like the visit to end.
- Take and pass the cup with your right hand; holding your left hand to your chest is a polite touch.
- Green tea is the default in most regions; in Tashkent black tea is common too.
In someone's home
- Take your shoes off at the door.
- Bring a small gift: sweets, fruit or something from your country.
- The most honoured seat is the one farthest from the door. Let the host seat you and give the best place to elders.
- Food keeps coming. Try a little of everything; plov usually arrives last, so pace yourself.
- Shake hands with men; with women, wait to see if she offers her hand. A hand on the heart with a slight nod works for everyone.
Hear every phrase
Open the phrasebook in UzGidAI: tap a phrase to hear it in Uzbek and show it full-screen.
Open the phrasebookToasts and alcohol
Many families do not drink, and you should never insist. At secular celebrations, especially in Tashkent, there may be long toasts; it is fine to raise a glass of juice or tea.
The end of the meal
At the end of a meal people often hold their palms up for a short blessing and then pass them down over the face, saying omin. You do not have to join in, but waiting quietly for the moment is respectful.
Visiting mosques too? See what to wear. Useful words: Uzbek phrases.