Supa review: From Tashkent to Al Barsha, elevated Uzbek cuisine in Dubai

Supa, a Dubai restaurant inspired by Uzbek culture, offers an elevated version of traditional Uzbek cuisine. The name "supa" refers to a raised platform in Uzbek homes, where families gather to share meals in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. The restaurant, located in Al Barsha, is named after this traditional gathering space in Uzbekistan.

Upon entering Supa, the aroma of fresh cumin and fermented apricots fills the air. The bright and airy space features latticework windows, geometric tilework, and intricate carpets, creating an elegant environment that invites guests to linger and enjoy the meal. The 85-seater restaurant is divided into a large open area, smaller "supa" booths, and a stone waterspout area for handwashing before meals.

The menu features a variety of dishes, with a focus on lamb and tomatoes, both imported from Uzbekistan. Signature dishes include achichuk salad, lamb kebabs, shurpa soup, and Uzbek plov – a fragrant, spicy rice dish with lamb and barberries. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian options, such as hummus and beef manti dumplings.

Co-founder Nodir Takhirov explains that Supa aims to provide a diverse menu while maintaining the essence of Uzbek cuisine. The restaurant also emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and the importance of family-style dining, drawing inspiration from his memories of family meals gathered around the supa in Tashkent. Pricing for a three-course meal ranges from Dh101 to Dh213, with the most affordable dishes including baked samsa, chicken shashlik, and saffron milk cake.