Trips fade with time, but the things we bring home keep the story alive. You’ll see many items marketed as the best Uzbek souvenirs. So, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to buy in Uzbekistan: vibrant suzanis, silky ikats, or hand-painted ceramics!
But don’t worry; you’ll learn what to bring and what to skip in different cities of Uzbekistan. I’ll share the best things to buy in Uzbekistan, including food, textiles, and handicrafts that bring back faces and Silk Road stories. I’ll also share tips for shopping in Uzbekistan without tourist traps, in different cities.
What To Buy In Uzbekistan: 20 Best Souvenirs from the Country
When shopping in Uzbekistan, consider buying these souvenirs from the country:
- Ceramics from Samarkand and Bukhara.
- Rishtan ceramics from Rishtan workshops near Fergana.
- Ikat fabrics with bright patterns from Margilan.
- Suzani embroidery for walls or beds.
- Copper plates and trays, hand-chased in Bukhara.
- Samarkand paper goods, like bookmarks and paintings.
- Bread stamps from Chorsu or Siab markets.
- Carved wood boxes and stands from Bukhara or Khiva.
- The Chust knives with patterned blades and handles.
- Dried fruit and nuts from bazaars.
- Sweet Samarkand wine.
Top 5 Uzbek Textile Items and Homeware to Take Home
The best Uzbek textile souvenirs to take home are Ikat, Suzani, papers, table runners, and rugs.
1. Uzbek Ikat Fabric
Ikat, also called atlas or adras when mixed, is a special cloth. Its threads are tie-dyed before weaving, which creates soft, painted-looking patterns with blurry edges.
True ikat from Margilan and the Fergana Valley is made of natural silk or silk blends. It feels smooth and fancy, unlike printed copies. Bukhara also has a large variety of Suzanis and Ikat cloth.
Many vendors sell ikat in the bazaars and old madrasah buildings across Uzbekistan.
If you want a real Silk Road fabric to wear in Uzbekistan or sew at home, choose ikat. Before buying, check the fabric width. Ask the seller if it is adras (silk-cotton) or full atlas (pure silk). Pick cloth with uneven dye spots that show it was made by hand, not machine-printed.
2. Uzbek Suzani
Suzani is a Persian loanword commonly used across Uzbek markets. fabric with hand embroidery. It has big flowers and vine designs. These often show pomegranates and suns. The stitching is done with silk thread on cotton or silk.
Suzani from Bukhara or Samarkand have special colors and sizes. They make great wall, bed, or table decorations. Check the back to see the hand stitching. Choose silk-thread suzanis for a shiny look. Always fold a corner to find knots and loose threads that show it is hand-made.
3. Uzbek Samarkand Paper
Samarkand paper is handmade from mulberry bark. It may have petals or silk threads added. This paper is special to Uzbekistan. Locals keep the old technique alive in workshops. You can also take a paper-making workshop at Meros Paper Mill.
Buy it for light gifts like journals, bookmarks, or lampshades. These items tell a unique local story. Check for even thickness. Ask if it was sun-bleached or natural. Carry it flat in a laptop sleeve to avoid bent corners.
4. Uzbek Table Runner
A table runner is an easy and useful way to add Uzbek patterns to your daily life. You can find runners with suzani embroidery, ikat weaving, or mixed crafts with tassels and trims showing local designs.
Buy an Uzbek table runner if you want a quick Silk Road style that fits in your luggage. Measure your table or note its length before buying. Ask about the fabric to know how to wash it. When packing, fold the runner between shirts to keep the embroidery or weave safe.
5. Uzbek Small Rug
Small rugs from Bukhara and Samarkand bring the warm look of Central Asian carpets without the high price or shipping of big rugs. These rugs are hand-knotted using camel wool, sheep wool, or silk blends.
A small Uzbek rug is perfect for a chair or bedside because it is easy to roll and carry. When buying, check the knot density, fringe quality, and how well the dye holds. Also, take a photo of the label with size and fiber details for customs, resale, or repairs.
Top 9 Uzbek Handicrafts That Travel Well With You
The best artistic souvenirs to buy in Uzbekistan are ceramics, wood carving, copper plates, miniatures, and bread stamps. You can also get knives, puppet dolls, national figurines, and jewelry items in the country.
1. Uzbek Ceramics
Rishtan ceramics and Samarkand-painted pottery use local glazes. The firing traditions give plates their bright green-blue and cobalt tones. The glaze style, known locally in Rishtan workshops, is distinct from Samarkand and makes a beautiful decorative piece.
Buy ceramics if you want a colorful, tactile souvenir. Tap the rim for a clear ring to test firing quality. Wrap pairs face-to-face with cardboard to reduce breakage.
2. Uzbek Wood Carving
Hand-carved wooden boxes, Quran stands, and picture frames come from walnut, elm, or mulberry. They show deep, varied tool marks that mass-produced items lack. Uzbek wood carving is valued for its small-scale precision and regional motifs.
So, buy carved pieces for durable, functional souvenirs. Check hinge work, feel the smoothness of joinery, and look at even stains. And yes, pad carved parts with tissue for packing.
3. Uzbek Copper Plate
Uzbek chased copper uses the chekanka technique to create raised patterns and sometimes enamel accents. This hand-chased art is a signature of Uzbek places like Bukhara and Khiva.
Buy a copper plate or tray if you want a statement wall piece that echoes centuries of metalwork. Ask whether the finish is lacquered. Protect the surface from scratches by wrapping it in a soft cloth and keeping it in a separate bag.
4. Uzbek Miniature Painting
Miniature paintings show poets, caravans, and city scenes in fine gouache and ink. They come from artisan lanes around the Registan. These lightweight images are ideal Uzbek gifts because they frame easily and present local stories on a small scale.
Buy Uzbek miniatures when you want a framed keepsake. Just check the pigment stability under light, and pack flat between cardboard sheets.
5. Chekich: Uzbek Bread Stamp
Chekich is a small carved stamp that presses patterns into the Non bread. Non is a flat Uzbek bread that makes rosettes, stars, and shapes. This helps bread bake evenly and stick to the oven. It is a very famous Uzbek thing to buy.
Non and Tandir baking are key to food culture in Uzbekistan. Market designs and handles show old local use, not just decor. Buy a Chekich if you bake or want a useful kitchen item. Pick a smooth walnut handle, choose even iron or brass pins (avoid loose ones). Check the deep carving that holds the pattern.
6. Pichak: Uzbek Knife
The Pichak is a traditional Uzbek kitchen knife that doubles as a souvenir. It’s a wonderful gift, especially the forged ones in Chust and Shahrixon. The best pichaks balance blade width, a secure handle, and proper tempering.
Buy an Uzbek Pichak if you want a durable kitchen tool with history. But pack it in checked luggage with a sheath and light oil on the blade. And ask the maker about the steel type and handle material to avoid surprises at customs.
7. Uzbek Puppet Doll
Handmade Uzbek puppet dolls wear local clothes and have painted, expressive faces. They come from the Bukhara and Khiva workshops. Buy for kids or decor memory. Pick sewn clothes and solid joints and avoid glued parts. Pack in a small box and protect noses and costumes.
8. Babaychiki: Uzbek National Figurine
Babaychiki are fun ceramic figures that show characters with bread, melons, or teapots. They showcase the Uzbek market’s humor and hospitality. Buy the Babaychiki for a bright, local conversation starter. Check glaze adhesion and weight to avoid thin mass-produced copies. And wrap them in cloth to protect painted faces.
9. Uzbek Jewelry
Uzbek silver jewelry set with carnelian or turquoise shows centuries of regional design. It also reflects a living tradition of silversmithing in Bukhara and Samarkand.
Buy jewelry if you want wearable Uzbek craft. Insist on seeing a hallmark for silver purity (800–925) and ask about stone origins if it matters to you. Carry in a hard case and stop bent hooks or crushed parts.
Top 6 Food Souvenirs from Uzbekistan: What To Buy In Uzbekistan Supermarket
The best food souvenirs from Uzbekistan are dried fruits, nuts, tea, spice mix, and deserts like halva. Uzbek wine and preserves are also good finds in the country.
Consider taking this Tashkent food and metro tour to taste authentic plov, local snacks, and Uzbek specialties and explore metro stations. This way, you can decide on which food souvenirs you’d like to take home.
1. Uzbek Dried Fruit
Uzbek dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, raisins, and prunes, taste concentrated and sun-like. The reason is that growers dry them with traditional methods. They are prized across Central Asia, not just in Uzbekistan.
Buy dried fruit for a long-lasting, shareable taste of Uzbekistan. Prefer sealed packs for travel. And pick fruit that is evenly colored and slightly supple, not rock-hard, to ensure freshness.
2. Uzbek Nuts
Walnuts and pistachios from Uzbek markets taste fresh and full of flavor, thanks to the local soil and climate. They are an easy gift that everyone enjoys. Get small sealed bags for airplane travel, ask for newly picked ones.
3. Uzbek Tea
Kuk-choy (green tea) is part of daily life in Uzbekistan and shows a warm welcome to guests. Pick loose leaves from good stores or tins from special shops for a real scented gift with a fresh green smell. Put tea tins around the sides of your bag to keep them safe.
4. Uzbek Spice Mix
Uzbek spice blends for plov rice and soups mix cumin, coriander, turmeric, barberries, and special local tastes that make food feel truly from the area.
Choose a tightly closed pack to make Uzbek dishes at home, ask sellers about the salt amount and pack date, and hide spice packs in shoes or books for travel.
5. Uzbek Halva and Sweets
Uzbek halva, pashmak, and other treats use old local recipes and make great food gifts that share taste and history. Buy from trusted sellers only (you can ask some locals) and ask how fresh the halva is. And store Uzbek desert boxes in a cool spot or sealed to stop melting.
6. Uzbek Wine and Preserves
Local wines and fruit jams in Uzbekistan hold the taste of the area’s grapes and fruits. Even if Uzbekistan is not a big wine place, you can get fun bottles and jars from homegrown types.
Pick Uzbek wine and preserves for a taste of the land. Pack in checked bags with soft clothes around. And don’t forget to check your country’s rules for bringing alcohol and food home.
Price Table: Price Ranges for Popular Uzbek Souvenirs
Use this table as a quick planning tool only. Prices of Uzbek souvenirs depend on market, quality, and bargaining.
| Uzbek Souvenirs | Price Range (USD) | Best City to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried fruit and nuts (kg) | $4 – $16 | Tashkent and Samarkand | Bazaar vs packaged. |
| Tea (box and tin) | $3 – $8 | Tashkent and Samarkand | Loose-leaf pricier. |
| Spice mixes | $2 – $6 | Tashkent bazaars | Small, light, great gifts to take home |
| Bread stamp (chekich) | $3 – $12 | Samarkand and Tashkent | Hand-carved vs tourist. |
| Small ceramics | $5 – $25 | Rishtan, Samarkand, and Khiva | Wrap well. |
| Ikat fabric (m/yard) | $5 – $40 | Margilan and Samarkand | Depends on the silk content. |
| Suzani runner | $7 – $150+ | Bukhara and Samarkand | Size & silk raise price. |
| Small rug | $30 – $250+ | Bukhara and Samarkand | Knot density and fiber matter. |
| Copper plate and charger | $50 – $160 | Bukhara | Chased vs stamped. |
| Silver jewelry | $12 – $150+ | Bukhara and Tashkent | Check the hallmark. |
| Chust knife (pichak) | $16 – $100+ | Fergana Valley and Bukhara | Pack in a checked bag. |
| Miniature paintings | $8 – $60 | Samarkand | Local artists vary in prices. |
| Puppets and figurines | $3 – $45 | Bukhara and Khiva | Size affects price. |
| Wine and preserves | $5 – $20 | Samarkand and Uzbek supermarkets | Check customs rules. |
Guide to Quality Shopping In Uzbekistan Cities
Good souvenir buying in Uzbekistan changes by city. Prices, selection, and bargaining power shift throughout the day. And weekdays feel calmer than weekends in Bukhara and Khiva. Use the notes below to match your wish list to the right stop.
What To Buy In Tashkent, Uzbekistan?
Tashkent is your Uzbek shopping hub for supermarkets, modern malls, and large bazaars like Chorsu. Buy dried fruit, nuts, spices, tea, bread stamps, and small ceramics here. Hazrati Imam complex and nearby craft courtyards sell embroidery and silver.
The best place to buy Uzbek food gifts and everyday bowls is Tashkent. The big handmade textiles are priced better in Samarkand and Bukhara.
Tip: Many scarves come from India or China — buy them for color, not origin.
What To Buy In Samarkand, Uzbekistan?
Samarkand balances price and quality. Registan lanes and Siyob Bazaar offer ikat yardage, suzani runners, miniature paintings, and Samarkand paper. Buy runners, paper, bread stamps, miniatures, and small ceramics in Samarkand.
Tip: Some rugs called “Samarkand style” might actually be Afghan. Check the edges and ask where they come from.
What To Buy In Bukhara, Uzbekistan?
Bukhara’s trading domes have carved wood, chased copper, and suzani blankets. They also offer silver, hand-forged knives, puppet dolls, and the Babaychiki. Opening asks run higher, so compare domes before closing. Bukhara is best for copper and large textiles.
Tip: Some lookalikes and imported textiles are made to look old by tea staining, but are new. Check the stitching on the back and smell for fresh dyes to spot fakes.
What To Buy In Khiva, Uzbekistan
Itchan Kala’s small streets offer ceramics, carved frames, camel-wool scarves, and bread stamps. Bigger copper items and large textiles also come from Bukhara. Makers often work at their stalls, so you can inspect the quality. Khiva is great for small gift ceramics, picture frames, and bread stamps.
Tip: Some scarves that look like wool are actually acrylic blends. You can buy them if you like the price and feel.
Where To Buy Silk In Uzbekistan?
You should buy Uzbek silk in the Fergana Valley, especially Margilan.
These are some key places:
- Yodgorlik Silk Factory — shows traditional weaving methods and sells ikat.
- Gold Silk showroom — higher-end silk ikat.
- Kumtepa Bazaar — large local market with textile stalls.
The Yodgorlik factory also offers a tour and has a showroom (in case you want to visit).
The silk materials differ, with adras being a silk-cotton blend and atlas a shinier silk fabric. Fabric is easy to carry, while plates have moderate portability. Fabrics are packed in rolls; ceramics need cardboard for packing.
For buying pottery in Uzbekistan, visit Rishtan for the Ishkor glaze bowls and chargers.
Tip: Machine-printed ikat lacks thread blur on the back, always check the reverse side.
FAQs about Uzbek Souvenirs
Let me answer a few questions about buying souvenirs in Uzbekistan.
How to Bargain in Uzbekistan?
In Uzbekistan, haggle politely in bazaars, markets, and with taxi drivers. Start your bargaining with a low offer. Show your money without being offensive and walk away if the price stays high.
Bargaining is normal in Uzbekistan. It’s not a trick, it can be fun and friendly. Do it for souvenirs. Skip it for top artisan items or food at local markets.
Before You Start Bargaining in Uzbekistan
Bargaining is a normal part of transactions in many places in Uzbekistan. It shows respect, not distrust. Research realistic prices by checking other shops or asking locals. Carry local cash since cards may not work.
During Price Negotiation in Uzbekistan
Show interest without seeming too eager when bargaining in Uzbekistan. Keep it friendly with smiles and back-and-forth talk. Buy multiple items for discounts.
After Haggling in Uzbekistan
Accept a fair price, especially for quality goods. Stay polite and persistent without aggression. Thank the seller for a friendly deal.
What To Order At Uzbek Restaurant
To order at an Uzbek restaurant, begin with the Non bread and green tea. You must try Plov, the national dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables. You can also have Shashlik, which is grilled meat on skewers.
Other popular dishes are Manti (steamed dumplings), Lagman (noodle soup or stir-fry), and Samsa (meat-filled baked pastries). For dessert, choose halva or fresh seasonal fruit.
Vegetarians can enjoy soups, salads, and vegetable plov. You can also order by pointing to the Uzbek food dishes you want. This Tashkent Vegan Street Food Tour will help you explore vegetarian options (so you can choose what to buy later).
Is Gold Cheap In Uzbekistan?
No, gold is not cheap in Uzbekistan. The price of gold follows global markets, so it stays quite expensive. When shopping, it’s best to check for a hallmark and ask for a receipt that clearly shows the metal and labor costs.
Buying from Uzbek bazaars comes with risks. Avoid sellers on the street corners since they may not be reliable. It’s safer to buy from established shops, like those in Chorsu Market, where you can return or verify the seller later.
Jewelry there often contains about 58.5% gold (585 standard). And you can pay a small fee to test the metal quality with an X-ray machine. While some cheap necklaces are available at $20, they usually have very low gold content.
What Gemstones Are Found In Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is famous for its gemstones, particularly lapis lazuli, turquoise, and carnelian, which have been used there for centuries. The Central Asian country also has emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, garnet, and beryl.
Besides gems, Uzbekistan produces gold, silver, copper, and other industrial minerals. Local jewelry often features carnelian and turquoise. Check where the stones come from and their purity.
What To Buy In Uzbekistan Cheap?
For cheap souvenirs in Uzbekistan, you can buy food items like dried fruits and nuts, handcrafts like miniatures and ceramic figures. Other affordable options include small puppets, a tea box, or halva. Here are more famous but affordable Uzbek souvenirs:
Affordable Uzbek Food Options
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Spices in small packets
- Sweets like halva
- Traditional bread stamps
Budget Handicrafts in Uzbekistan
- Miniature paintings
- Small ceramic figures
- Carved wooden items
- Doppi hats or embroidered textiles
Quick Affordable Gifts to Buy Under $10 in Uzbekistan
- Small puppets
- Spice sachets
- Postcards
- Fridge magnets
Easy Gift Ideas
- Pair a tea box with halva. Or choose a Samarkand postcard and plov spice for a story.
What Not To Bring To Uzbekistan?
Do not bring narcotics, psychotropic substances, or strong medications without prescriptions to Uzbekistan. Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and drones (without permits) are also banned.
Avoid importing fresh fruits, seeds, wild plants, or animals due to biosecurity rules. Prohibited items also include extremist and religious propaganda materials, and pornography.
Declare cash over $10,000 USD; undeclared excess may be seized. Check airline and border rules for other restricted goods like certain electronics.
What to Buy in Uzbekistan (Best Souvenirs to Take Home)
Match souvenirs to cities for smart shopping. Limited space? Prioritize these: ikat in Margilan (Fergana Valley), suzani and copper wares in Bukhara, runners plus bread stamps in Samarkand, frames and ceramics in Khiva, tea and spices in Tashkent.
Prices from 2025 reports vary by season, crowds, and craft quality across these hubs. Haggle confidently at bazaars like Chorsu (Tashkent) or Siyob (Samarkand).
Check airline rules for blades and liquids. Keep receipts and declare food items while at the airport.
