Pairing Shashlik correctly — a note on ayran

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Shashlik. I ordered it with ayran and the subtly sweet from carrots elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. cumin in particular became more prominent in a good way.

plov rice pilaf is considered the cornerstone of Uzbek hospitality and is cooked by men for important occasions. The a Samarkand chaikhana teahouse is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Shashlik with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.