The delicious somsa are common across Central Asia, and are traditionally prepared with minced lamb and onions.

Photo by Anastasia Panait

Taste a freshly baked somsa

Try the local food in Turkmenistan and learn how it's rooted in ancient culture with influences from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Turkmenistan is a country with a diverse and rich cuisine. The country's dishes are highly influenced by neighbouring countries but always with a Turkmen touch. Rice, meat stews, and kebabs are a part of the everyday life of the population. It is also common to find quick bites and baked goods to grab on your way to the next attraction.

One popular dish that you can spot everywhere around the cities is somsa. It's made from a flour and butter pastry that's filled with minced beef or lamb. The dish might resemble a samosa, but it is always baked instead of fried, changing the flavour completely.

The name samsa originates from the Persian word sanbosag, which means "triangle" © Govshic / Shutterstock

You can find somsas pretty much anywhere, but one of the best places to eat it in Mary is in the local bazaar. Find them freshly baked being sold by street vendors or sit down and enjoy the tasty treat while observing the locals go about their businesses.

Traditional preparation for samsa involves baking it in a tandoor. © eranicle / Shutterstock