Hospitality is at the heart of Uzbek culture, and travellers are often invited for tea or a meal. Your hosts will not expect you to know every custom — but a few gestures go a long way.
Greetings
Men usually greet each other with a handshake, often with the right hand on the heart. With women, wait and follow their lead — a nod with the hand on the heart is polite and always welcome. Assalomu alaykum is the standard greeting.
What to bring
A small gift is appreciated: sweets, fruit, a cake or a souvenir from your home country. Gifts for the children are always popular.
Shoes and seating
Take off your shoes when entering the house. Guests are often seated in the place of honour, furthest from the door. Meals may be served at a table or on a dastarkhan — a cloth spread on low tables or on the floor, with cushions to sit on.
Bread
Bread (non) is respected. It is broken by hand, usually by the host, and placed right side up. Never throw bread away or put it upside down.
Tea
Tea is poured into small bowls (piyola), often only partly filled — a sign that the host wants to keep serving you fresh, hot tea. Accept with your right hand, or with the right hand supported by the left.
Eating
Expect a lot of food — the table is often full before the main dish arrives. Try a little of everything, and do not worry if you cannot finish. To show you have had enough, leave a little food on your plate.
Photographs
Ask before taking photos, especially of women and older people.
Saying thank you
Rahmat means thank you. A warm thank-you to the host, and especially to whoever cooked, is the best gift of all.
