20+ Best Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan : A Shopping Guide

Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by admin

Wondering what to buy from Uzbekistan? Which are the best Uzbek souvenirs to take back home as gifts and keepsakes? This shopping guide will help you make the right choice with names of best bazaars to choose and how much to bargain. Here is a list of best Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan.

Souvenirs are great reminders of the trip gone by. They take you back to the happy memories you created on a vacation. Whether it is refrigerator magnet, outfits, a tea cup or a keychain, these affordable souvenirs are a great keepsake for the home and as a gift for your friends, family and colleagues. 

I absolutely love carrying a piece of the country I have visited and showing it off proudly. 

However, I was not prepared with the number of souvenirs options on my Uzbekistan trip. Each city in Uzbekistan has something unique. The cities and the nearby villages have master craftsmen with unique options – such as the ceramists of Gijduvan and Rishtan, the blacksmiths of Bukhara and Chust, the weavers of Margilan, and the winemakers of Samarkand.

SOUVENIRS TO BUY FROM UZBEKISTAN | SHOPPING IN UZBEKISTAN

Let’s get straight to the options because they are too pretty to not shop!

Ceramics

The world of ceramics is especially beautiful in Uzbekistan. There is a sea of options to choose from such as tea sets, planters, plates, mugs, bowls and everything in between! Which is why the answer to souvenirs to buy in Uzbekistan ends here!

Tourists will be spoilt for choice in design and colours as there are aztec patterns, dot paint mandala patterns and many modern designs as well. The popular blue tiles of Uzbekistan pattern are also seen on some of the Uzbek ceramics.

The shops generally pack it well with bubble wrap but if you are weary, just ask them to add an extra layer to avoid breakage.

Cost of ceramics in Uzbekistan: Depending upon what you buy, the price will vary. A tea cup and saucer set will approximately cost 60,000 som ($5) while plates or tea pot + 4 cups + 4 saucer set will cost 2,00,000 som ($15).

Ikat fabrics and outfits

Ikat forms a very important form of fabric used by everyone here. Ikat or Ikkat is a style of dyeing cloth to produce specific patterns. Ikat patterns are weaved in cotton or silk and stitched into jackets or scarves.

Ikat fabrics are famously found and used in India, Indonesia and many South Asian countries. 

The jackets or shrugs are famously worn by women tourists in Bukhara. 

Cost of Ikat in Uzbekistan: Depending upon the type of fabric (cotton, silk or cotton blend) and whether it is a scarf, shrug or stole, the rate ranges from 20,000 som ($2) to 5,00,000 som ($40-50).

Uzbek caps (Doppa)

Doppa is the traditional cap, generally worn by men in Central Asian countries. The doppa is a square or round skullcap that generally has an intricate design or embroidery on it. The cap is made in different fabrics such as cotton, silk, velvet.

Cost of Doppa in Uzbekistan: Depending on the fabric, Doppa cost ranges from 20,000 ($2) to 1,50,000 som ($15).

Bread Stamps

One of the most unique souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan, bread stamps locally known as “chekich” are stamps that make decorative patterns at the centre of bread. Each bread stamp is different depending on the baker and the pattern signifies his signature. These patterns are not mere decorations; they carry deep cultural significance, often representing the sun, prosperity, and family unity. 

The bread stamps are made of walnut wood with iron pins arranged into floral patterns.

Cost of Bread Stamp: 40,000-60,000 som ($4-5).

Jewellery (Kashgar Boldak)

Uzbek jewellery has a lot of resemblance to Middle-East Asian jewellery, especially Afghan jewellery. Generally made of silver, the jewellery has precious or semi-precious stones dangling as charms.

Kashgar Boldak are special earrings crafted in Uzbekistan. These earrings are dome-shaped earrings with charms, and are made in silver or other metals.

Cost of Uzbek Jewellery: 1,00,000 – 7,00,000 ($7-60).

Wool Hats

Wool hats remind me of Russia; and Uzbekistan being a former soviet country there is a still a lot of Soviet presence in various forms. Being a cold country, wool hats are manufactured and worn by locals here. If you come from a cold country and would love to wear a hat like this, it is a great utility item. 

Cost of Wool Hats: The price is 3,00,000 ($25) in case you want to buy. Shops also tourists to take pictures with the hats with a small charge of 2000-5000 ($0.2-0.4) som.

Suzani Blankets

Suzani is an embroidered tribal textile manufactured in Uzbekistan. This is certainly a souvenir from Uzbekistan that tourists can carry back home. Most suzanis are made of cream-coloured cotton/silk material and have brightly coloured floral patterns weaved on the front side. 

While Suzani Blankets from Uzbekistan are the most famous textiles, there are smaller sized textiles to choose from – such as cushion covers, table runners, mats and much more.

A suzani is a standard queen size. Since the embroidery is handmade, the blanket easily takes up to 3-4 months by one master craftsman and a couple of helpers.  

Cost of Suzani in Uzbekistan: Table runners and cushion covers range 1,25,000 ($15) and blankets cost 10,00,000-20,00,000( $75-100) and could go up to $150-200 depending upon the intricacy of work and material used.

Tea

Tea is an important beverage in Uzbekistan as most meals start and end with tea. The most popular is green tea followed by black tea. Generally, Uzbek tea is consumed without sugar and is served in a teapot with small bowls instead of cups. It is locally grown and has a very distinct flavour.

During the day and between meals, tea can be served as a “separate dish”, and house guests are always treated with tea.

There are a lot of varieties of teas so it’s only fair to take back some!

Cost of Uzbek Tea: The dip packets range between 40,000 som – 80,000 ($3-5) while the brewing tea is also available on a weighing basis. That range from 50,000 – 1,50,000 som ($4-12) depending upon the type of tea and its weight. 

Dried fruits & nuts

I had the juiciest and sweet fresh fruits here so it makes sense to dry them to increase their shelf life. Dried fruits and nuts are sold in big bazaars as well as roadside markets. They are consumed during breakfast or sometimes served with tea. They are extremely delicious and the variety is fantastic.

Just like in any other food market, you are allowed to taste them before buying. I tried very different types of nuts here (I don’t know each of their names) but they were crunchy and yummy. Some of the must try and buy dried nuts are apricots, hazelnuts, black raisins, figs, almonds, walnuts, pistachio, cashews etc.

Cost of dried nuts in Uzbekistan Bazaars: Per kilogram range is 70,000 – 1,20,000 som ($5-12) depending upon which one you are buying.

Uzbek Dolls

Uzbek dolls dressed in national costumes have become a traditional Uzbekistan souvenir. They are generally made from straw, paper, cane, ceramics or wood and are light in weight as compared to the Babaychiki which are made from ceramics and need careful handling. They can be used as keychain or a toy for kids.

Cost of Uzbek dolls: 20,000 – 50,000 som ($1.5 – 4).

Embroidered Bags

Embroidered fabrics that are sewed into purses and bags are another Uzbekistan staple that you’ll see at shops all over the country. These small embroidered or crocheted bags act like great souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan. Depending upon the budget, tourists may decide on the fabric of the bag which ranges from cotton or silk or cotton-poly blend.

Cost of embroidered bags: 1,20,000 – 2,00,000 ($10-$20) for a medium-size.

Ceramic Figurines (Babaychiki)

Locally known as Babaychiki, they are smiling ceramic figurines in traditional attires that are available in different sizes. It is very common to see big ceramic figurines outside the shop doors as if they are guarding it. The small size ones are sold in souvenir shops in Uzbekistan bazaars.

Cost of Ceramic Figurines: The ceramic figurines cost around 30,000 som ($2.5) while the big ones cost around 1,75,000 – 2,00,000 som ($15-17).

Silk Carpets

Silk carpet manufacturing is huge, especially in the city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. Tourists can actually visit the silk carpet making workshop and see the women weaving it. A handmade silk carpet easily takes anything between 6-12 months for completion as it is tied knot by knot. Which is why they are very expensive!

Cost of Silk carpets: $500 – 1000 depending upon size and intricacy of work.

Uzbek Rugs

Uzbek rugs are mainly made from camel wool which is why they are very warm. Apart from rugs, home tapestry and door mats are also sold. The bazaars of Bukhara near Po-I-Kalyan square have many shops selling authentic handmade Uzbek rugs. The rugs are handmade by local women.

Cost of Uzbek rugs: $200 – 500 depending on size and intricacy of work.

Copper Plates

I saw copper plates being chiselled to form intricate designs. The craftsman painstakingly and carefully carve beautiful patterns and themes which are one of the perfect souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan. 

Because it is copper and because it is handmade the prices of copper plates are generally on the higher side.

Cost of copper plates: 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 som ($70-150) depending on the size and the amount of work done in the plate.

Carved wooden items

Traditional carved wooden items are found in all homes of Uzbekistan. The items range from carved plates, musical instruments, jewellery boxes, pieces of furniture and frames. The carvers use soft wood of trees such as elm, walnut, sycamore, juniper, mulberry, etc for making the items.

Cost of Uzbek Wooden Items: Depends on the type of wood, intricacy of carving and size of item. The range is 70,000 – 2,00,000 som ($5-150).

Samarkand Paper

One cannot go without buying Samarkand paper as an Uzbek souvenir. The paper is extremely historical as the first people to master the techniques of making mulberry paper outside of China were the artisans of Samarkand. Mulberry tree bark, silk fibres and flower petals were used to make the paper which gave it smoothness, colour, and durability. 

Documents written on Samarkand paper have been preserved for centuries in museums around the world and are known to be in good condition even today. 

Products made from Samarkand paper include postcards, notebooks, masks, dolls, and bags.

Cost of Samarkand paper Items: Depends on type of item, the range is 30,000 – 1,00,000 som ($2.5 – 8).

Samarkand Wine

Local alcohol is always a great choice for a souvenir. Samarkand wine is very famous thanks to the many vineyards and the juicy grapes grown there. 

While tourists can buy a bottle of wine from the alcohol shop, there is an option of visiting a vineyard and participating in wine tasting. 

Cost of Samarkand wine: Depends on type of item, the range is 30,000 – 70,000 som ($2.5 – 5.75).

Uzbek Knife

If you want to buy a utility item which can double up as a souvenir, your search for what to buy in Uzbekistan ends here!

A traditional Uzbek knife has unique features with their straight and wide blade. It has excellent blade quality as it is hand forged steel. The handles are also made by hand and may carry special inscription. The handle can be made of wood or sometimes bones!

The knives won’t be a problem in customs as all handles carry a golden marking in them that is a sign of a knife bought for tourism purpose.

Other steel forged products include scissors, daggers and swords.

Cost of Uzbek knife: These knives are on the pricey side, and are in the range of 3,50,000 – 5,00,000 ($30-50).

Local Spices

The Central Asian country of Uzbekistan uses a lot of spices to give taste and aroma to their plov and other curries. These spices and powders are a great souvenirs to carry back home if you plan on replicating the Uzbek dishes to get the authentic taste.

the best part? These spices are packed in wooden aubergine designed jars which are a great keepsake. Talk about 2 souvenirs in 1?

Cost of Uzbek spices : Depends on type of spice and quantity but it typically ranges between 30,000 – 1,00,000 som ($2.5 – 8).

Bread and Baked Goodies

Uzbek bread is locally called as ‘non’ or ‘lepeshka’ is sacred in the country. It is consumed with each meal and has a good shelf life of upto 5 days. In earlier times it was said that Uzbek bread could last for years without getting spoiled. But it is best not to take such chances and buy the bread a day before leaving. This is probably one of the best souvenirs to buy in Uzbekistan which can be enjoyed by family.

Other baked goodies with better shelf life than bread are biscuits and cookies. These are great food souvenir options!

The good ol keychains, fridge magnets, paintings and postcards

If you are a light traveller and do not want to carry back home very heavy or have questions about the utility of the above mentioned items, you can simply resort to the all time favourite keychains, refrigerator magnets or postcards.

These are affordable keepsakes, do not take up a lot of space and are lightweight. 

Keychains and fridge magnet cost: 20,000 – 70,000 som ($2 – 5.75).

BEST PLACES TO SHOP FOR UZBEKISTAN SOUVENIRS

Shopping in Tashkent | Chorsu Bazaar

Chorsu Bazaar of Tashkent is famous for shopping. While I found it to be relatively underwhelming, the streets around the actual Chorsu Bazaar are bubbling with a lot of shopping options. 

Get down at the Chorsu metro station and the exit leads to this lovely and bustling bazaar. The bazaar has literally everything that Uzbekistan souvenirs have to offer – carpets, fabrics, wooden items, Uzbek bread, dried fruits, nuts, etc.

After travelling across all the main cities, I found the cheapest souvenirs of Uzbekistan in Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent. So much so that on my day of returning back to India, I made time to go back here and spend the remaining som!

Another place where I found really nice Uzbek jewellery and Ikat jackets was the madrassah inside the Hazrat Imam mosque. The madrassah is now converted into shops selling knick knacks. Although the souvenirs were a bit on the pricier side, the collection here was amazing!

Recommended Read: Tashkent Attractions

Shopping in Samarkand | Siyob Bazaar

Siyob Bazaar is like the Chorsu Bazaar of Samarkand. With a market selling fresh produce, dried nuts and Uzbek bread, the adjoining street is lined with souvenirs shops selling ceramics, jewellery, fabrics, ceramic figurines, embroidered bags etc.

All the important tourist sights that have madrassah inside it are now converted into shops and these can be seen in Shah-i-zinda, Gur-e-amir, Registan and Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

Shopping in Bukhara 

Like Samarkand, most monuments have a madrassah and each of them house souvenir shops. There are domes and streets full of such shops around the Po-i-kalyan complex.

The most beautiful souvenirs here are Uzbek rugs, metal locks, knives, paintings and copper plates.

There are workshops around the trading domes in Bukhara where tourists can watch the making of Ikat fabrics on handloom as well as suzani work.

Shopping in Khiva | Streets of Itchan Kala

Literally every street inside Itchan Kala is lined with souvenir shops. Maybe because there were too many shops outside each and every monument, it actually put me off! But that’s just me.

Khiva bazaars are famous for camel wool stuff such as socks, stoles and jackets. There is also a silk carpet making workshop where the carpets can be bought.

SOUVENIRS TO BUY FROM UZBEKISTAN: TIPS & TRICKS

No matter where you travel, the rules of shopping and bargaining remain the same. Here are some of the tips and tricks to remember for souvenir shopping in Uzbekistan.

Buy Local

Make sure that the product you like and buy is locally made. Don’t buy something that you would get in your country for half the price. For me ikat fabrics and suzani embroidery looked very similar to what we get in India. Ikat is easily available everywhere in the India and suzani in the state of Kashmir, which is why I did not purchase it!

The bargain game

The shopkeepers know tourists are going to bargain so the prices are anyway increased by 50%. So slash the prices by 50% and agree to pay 60-70% of the price. Negotiate hard by simply walking away. If the price is possible for them, they will call you back and give you a counter offer. 

If you buy in bulk, they will give you a better discount.

Beware of custom restrictions

Uzbekistan has a strict law against export of any kind of antique that is more than 50 years old. Hence, buy only those souvenirs that the government will allow you to take back home.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN UZBEKISTAN

• Avoid buying leather bags and artefacts. Try to buy textile-based local products.
• Carry a bag while shopping and avoid plastic bags.
• Encourage shopkeepers to pack fragile items in a newspaper instead of bubble wrap.
• Be polite to the shop owners. In case you don’t buy anything from there, smile at them and say ‘Rahmat’ (thank you) before leaving. 

Looking for more Uzbekistan Inspiration? Read Here

• Things to do in Samarkand
• Uzbekistan Travel Guide
• Tashkent Metro Stations
• Things to do in Bukhara
• Things to do in Khiva
• Vegetarian food in Uzbekistan
• Travelling by train in Uzbekistan

Read More posts about Souvenirs from around the world

• Souvenirs from Kutch, Gujarat
• Souvenirs from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
• Food souvenirs from Tokyo, Japan
• Souvenirs from Vietnam

I hope this shopping guide on Souvenirs to buy from Uzbekistan is helpful to you. If you found this blog helpful, leave a comment to let me know what you bought.

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