Dubai’s culinary scene certainly trots the globe. Located in the middle of the world and with a thriving cosmopolitan population, Dubai residents and visitors are able to experience cuisines from around the world, from the western reaches of Hawaii and the USA right the way round to Russia and Japan in the east. But one lesser-known cuisine, especially in Dubai’s stylish dining establishments, is Central Asian and Uzbek cuisine.

Focused on meat and featuring rich, hearty and comforting dishes like noodles, dumplings, bread and fragrant soups and stews, Uzbek cuisine is a mix of Soviet, Turkic and Persian flavours, and an interpretation of this will soon be available in Dubai.

Arguably the most stylish Uzbek restaurant in Dubai, OSH Del Mar will open at Address Beach Resort in August 2023, promising an unparalleled dining experience that marries the vibrant flavours of Uzbekistan and Central Asia with contemporary twists. The brainchild of MMG Group, the restaurant takes its name from Uzbek culture, with ‘OSH’ symbolises the heart and soul of modern Uzbek cuisine and ‘Del Mar’ meaning from the sea – emphasising the restaurant’s new take on seafood and fish.

Paying homage to the culinary traditions of Ceentral Asia, fish will be cooked on an open fire, utilising three different types of charcoal grills (jasper, robata, spit) alongside ovens pumped with natural wood smoke, creating a deeper level of flavours in the signature dishes. Dishes will use ingredients taken from folk traditions and input them into the modern metropolis of Dubai. Dishes include sizzling kebabs and seafood delicately aged in the OSH Del Mar’s innovative ‘fish ageing’ cabinets, where fish is placed in a temperate controlled environment to bring out a rich and organic flavour. All these are paired with interesting wines and served in a beautifully designed dining room. The dining room itself elevated Uzebek restaurants in Dubau to new heights, with a gold and cream colour palette, plenty of greenery, ceramics and organic shapes and a beautiful terrace offering views of the ocean and Bluewaters Islands.

Uzbekistan’s popularity as a holiday destination from the Middle East is increasing, thanks to a shift in perceptions around the Central Asian nation – and a short flight time of just three hours. The country is best known for its beautiful Islamic architecture of palaces, minarets, mosques and madrassas (found in settlements like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Kokand). But, also, its fascinating capital city of Tashkent, known for its 50 museums and mix of Soviet-era and modern architecture, along with its abundance of green spaces and the winding Chirchiq River.

Cementing Uzbekistan as a must-visit destination for the stylish and discerning traveller, Assouline even released a homage to the country as part of its illustrious travel series.