Turkmen food doesn’t get nearly the hype it deserves. Sitting at the crossroads of Central Asia, it’s loaded with bold flavors.
Cozy textures, and stick-to-your-ribs goodness that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and probably thirds).
Turkmen cuisine mixes old-school traditions with hearty ingredients—think fresh dough, tender meats, earthy vegetables, and herbs that smell like grandma’s garden after rain.
If you’re the type who gets bored eating the same ol’ meals on repeat, buckle up—because this list of the best Turkmen recipes is gonna shake up your kitchen routine big time.
From dumplings that taste like a warm hug to slow-cooked stews that simmer all day while filling your house with the kind of smells that make your neighbors jealous, this is your exclusive backstage pass into Turkmenistan’s most drool-worthy dishes.
1. Ichlekli (Turkmen Stuffed Meat Pie)
Ichlekli is like Turkmenistan’s answer to the pot pie—but bolder, flatter, and absolutely packed with juicy flavor.
It’s basically a two-layer dough stuffed with minced meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, and spices, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients: Flour, water, salt, oil, minced beef or lamb, onions, black pepper, cumin.
How to make it: Mix flour, water, a pinch of salt, and a little oil into a dough. Roll out two round sheets.
Spread seasoned minced meat and chopped onions on one sheet, then top it with the second.
Seal the edges like you would a giant ravioli. Bake until golden and crisp on the outside.
Why did this make it to our list?
It’s a must-try Turkmen dish because it’s simple yet soul-satisfying.
Imagine a pizza-meets-meat-pie hybrid that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
You can make it ahead, slice it up, and reheat—it’s comfort food done right.
2. Dograma (Bread and Meat Stew)
Now this one’s a full-on communal experience. Dograma is a traditional dish usually made during big gatherings.
It’s a warm stew made by shredding flatbread and tossing it with slow-cooked meat, broth, onions, and tomatoes.
Ingredients: Flatbread (or naan-style bread), beef or lamb, onions, tomatoes, salt, black pepper, water.
How to make it: Simmer meat with bones for hours until the broth is rich and the meat is fall-apart tender.
Tear bread into small chunks, layer it in a big bowl, and pour the hot broth, meat, and sliced onions on top. Let it soak in all that juicy goodness.
Why we selected it
Dograma is Turkmen comfort food at its finest. It’s hearty, messy, and built for sharing.
If you’re craving something warm and homey, this is the kind of meal that hugs you back.
3. Palaw (Turkmen-Style Pilaf)
Palaw (also called Plov) is like the heartbeat of Turkmen kitchens. It’s rice, meat, and veggies slow-cooked in oil until they’re melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Each family puts their own twist on it.
Ingredients: Long-grain rice, beef or lamb, carrots, onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, sunflower oil.
How to make it: Brown the meat in oil, then add onions and carrots. Toss in the rice and water, seasoning it generously.
Cook it low and slow, letting the rice absorb all that meaty flavor. Add a garlic bulb in the middle while it cooks for extra oomph.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because no Turkmen food roundup is legit without palaw. It’s easy to make in big batches and hits every comfort zone—savory, tender, and deeply satisfying.
4. Gok Chorek (Savory Herb-Filled Flatbread)
Gok chorek is a soft, pan-cooked flatbread stuffed with fresh herbs.
Think of it as the green cousin of a quesadilla—earthy, toasty, and shockingly addicting.
Ingredients: Flour, water, salt, scallions, spinach, cilantro, dill, sunflower oil.
How to make it: Make a soft dough and let it rest. Roll it out thin, fill one half with finely chopped herbs, fold it over, and seal the edges.
Cook it on a dry pan until both sides are golden brown.
Why we chose it
It’s light, refreshing, and makes a killer snack or side dish. Gok chorek adds a pop of green to any Turkmen meal and tastes like spring in every bite.
5. Shurpa (Hearty Meat and Veggie Soup)
Shurpa is a rich, brothy soup made with large chunks of lamb or beef and root veggies.
It’s the kind of soup that warms you up from your toes to your soul.
Ingredients: Lamb or beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, garlic, black pepper, salt, water.
How to make it: Throw everything into a pot and simmer it for hours.
The broth gets super flavorful from the bones, and the veggies soak it all up. Serve with fresh bread for dunking.
Why we selected it
Because it’s one of the most comforting Turkmen recipes ever. It’s rustic, hearty, and perfect when you need a reset. It’s soup that actually feels like food.
6. Gutap (Fried Turnover with Meat or Veggies)
Gutap is basically the Turkmen cousin of an empanada—crispy on the outside, soft and steamy inside.
These half-moon turnovers can be stuffed with anything from meat to pumpkin.
Ingredients: Flour, water, salt, ground beef or mashed pumpkin, onions, oil, cumin.
How to make it: Mix dough and roll it into circles. Add your filling, fold into half-moons, and seal the edges. Shallow-fry until golden and crispy.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because it’s perfect for folks who love finger food. Gutap is street food magic—portable, flaky, and packed with flavor.
7. Kazanlama (Turkmen Steamed Dumplings)
If dumplings make your heart sing, you’ll love Kazanlama. These steamed goodies are filled with meat and onions and taste like they were made with love.
Ingredients: Flour, water, salt, minced beef or lamb, onions, black pepper.
How to make it: Knead dough and roll into small circles. Add a scoop of filling and pinch them closed. Steam until the dough is tender and slightly translucent.
Why we chose it
They’re cozy little flavor bombs that feel handmade and heartfelt. Kazanlama is the kind of dish that turns a regular night into something special.
8. Chorba (Simple Clear Soup)
Chorba is a light broth soup that’s perfect when you want something wholesome but not heavy. Think of it like Turkmen chicken soup, minus the chicken.
Ingredients: Beef or lamb, carrots, onions, tomatoes, herbs, salt, black pepper, water.
How to make it: Boil meat until tender, then toss in chopped veggies. Cook until everything’s soft but not mushy. Season to taste and top with fresh herbs.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because sometimes simple is better. Chorba is easy on the stomach and big on flavor—perfect for a light lunch or recovery day.
9. Manty (Steamed Meat Dumplings)
Manty is a superstar in Central Asian cuisine, and Turkmenistan makes some of the best. They’re juicy, tender dumplings filled with seasoned meat.
Ingredients: Flour, water, salt, lamb or beef, onions, black pepper, cumin.
How to make it: Roll dough into circles, fill with meat mixture, and fold into dumplings. Steam for about 30–40 minutes until cooked through and juicy.
Why we selected it
Manty brings big flavors in small packages. It’s rich, savory, and totally satisfying—a Turkmen recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
10. Boortsog (Fried Sweet Dough Bites)
Need dessert? Boortsog is your go-to. These golden bites of dough are lightly sweet and seriously addictive.
Ingredients: Flour, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, salt, baking powder, oil for frying.
How to make it: Mix ingredients into a dough, roll it out, and cut into little pieces. Fry until golden brown. Serve plain or drizzle with honey.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because no meal’s complete without something sweet. Boortsog is that snack you didn’t know you needed, and once you start munching—you won’t stop.
11. Sary Ash (Yellow Rice with Meat)
Sary Ash is a golden-hued rice dish that gets its color from turmeric. It’s mild, earthy, and loaded with flavor from meat and herbs.
Ingredients: Long-grain rice, beef or lamb, onions, turmeric, salt, black pepper, water.
How to make it: Sauté onions and meat, then add turmeric and rice. Pour in water and cook until the rice is fluffy and golden. Fluff and serve hot.
Why we chose it
It’s eye-catching, tasty, and feels a little fancy even though it’s super easy to whip up. Sary Ash adds sunshine to your plate.
Conclusion
There you have it—11 unforgettable Turkmen recipes you’ve absolutely gotta try at least once.
Whether you’re chasing bold spices, buttery dough, or cozy soups, Turkmen cuisine brings the heat (and the heart) every time.
Ready to impress your crew or just wanna treat yourself? Bookmark this list and start cookin’ up some Central Asian magic. Your taste buds can thank us later.