A Guide to Siyob Bazaar, Samarkand’s Kitchen! Local Buzz and 4 Staff-Recommended Souvenirs

Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, scenic journeys in Central Asia.

After soaking up Samarkand’s famous blues, let me take you to a dangerous spot where your purse strings will come loose. Siyob Bazaar (Siab Bazaar), right next to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, is a powerhouse of energy that feeds the people of Samarkand and keeps their daily lives running.

What Is Siyob Bazaar?

The heart of a city with 2,000 years of history

Siyob Bazaar is the oldest and one of the largest bazaars in Samarkand. Some say it has more than 2,000 years of history, and it was once an important hub of Silk Road trade where goods from all over the world changed hands.

The city’s lively kitchen

It’s a huge market where you can find everything from food to daily necessities and clothing. The lively calls of local aunties, the scent of spices, the smell of freshly baked bread… You’ll feel as if you’ve melted into everyday life in Samarkand.

Getting to Siyob Bazaar

Siyob Bazaar is right next to Samarkand’s famous Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Once you’ve decided, “I’ll see the mosque and then go on a shopping spree!”, here’s how to get there.

On foot

After sightseeing at Registan Square, you can walk there if you still have energy. The route takes you on a leisurely stroll along Islam Karimov Street, Samarkand’s main street.

It takes about 20 minutes. There are plenty of souvenir shops along the way, so if you enjoy the scenery as you walk, it goes by surprisingly quickly.

By bus

If walking from Registan Square feels like too much or it’s a hot day, hop on one of the buses running along the street. It will take you to the bazaar entrance in about 5 minutes.

From Samarkand Station

If you’re heading straight from Samarkand Station, it’s a chance to try the local streetcar, the tram.

Take tram No. 2 from in front of the station. After a ride of about 20 minutes, get off at the last stop, “Siab Bozor,” and the bazaar is right in front of you!

By taxi

If you want to call a taxi with an app, just enter “Siyob Bozor” as your destination. You’ll be dropped off near the big gate just behind the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

We recommend the Yandex app. It also works in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. You’ll need a SIM card, so don’t forget to get one ready.

With a tour

On an ASHU TRAVEL tour, your guide will help you navigate the bazaar and pick out good souvenirs.

• No worries about heavy bags: Even if you buy lots of tableware and suzani, a private vehicle makes it easy to carry everything back to your hotel. No need to battle weight limits!
• An efficient route: We’ll guide you smoothly, combined with a visit to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Even in the maze-like market, you can head straight to the areas you want without getting lost.

Watch Your Wallet!? Sugi’s 4 Recommended Items

Walking around, you’ll want everything, but if I had to choose, these are my top four.

① Suzani-embroidered goods

These are just so cute! There are rows and rows of bags and jackets decorated with traditional Uzbek suzani embroidery.

Actually, this time both Nuriya and I couldn’t resist and ended up buying jackets and bags in a big way.

While battling the fear that “If I buy any more, I’ll go broke…!”, I somehow found my favorites and bought them. The warmth of the embroidery and the colorful designs make you happy just looking at them.

② Colorful Uzbek tableware

The plates and teacups are also beautifully designed and so cute! It’s full of tableware that makes you think, “Oh, I want this in my home.”

The only enemy is weight. Thinking about my suitcase’s weight limit, I reluctantly held back, but if I’d had room in a large suitcase, I would have bought out the whole shelf…

Be sure to leave plenty of room in your checked baggage allowance when you go!

③ Hearty Samarkand non bread

This is the symbol of the bazaar: Samarkand’s own non, heavy and glossy, and completely different from Indian naan.

The sight of local women selling it in huge piles is impressive. It’s great as is, or you can buy some honey along the way and eat it with that.

Bread in Central Asia is generally delicious, but Uzbek non feels like it’s in a league of its own.

④ Soothing herbal tea

You can’t miss the wide variety of teas, typical of tea-loving Uzbekistan. The bazaar is lined with all kinds of herbal teas, and choosing while chatting with the shopkeepers is part of the fun.

On a night when you’re tired from walking, a cup of tea brewed slowly at your hotel is the best reward.

Tips for Exploring Siyob Bazaar

The bazaar is quite large and has surprisingly many stairs and steps, so comfortable walking shoes are a must! It’s also closed on Mondays, so check your itinerary to avoid the tragedy of arriving only to find it closed.

After visiting the nearby Bibi-Khanym Mosque, dive straight into the bazaar and enjoy a shopping spree!