After years of the iconic Brighton Beach grocery store and its ever-fresh hot bar, Tashkent Supermarket announced it would open its first Manhattan location in 2022, spurring excitement and anticipation in the West Village. 378 Sixth Avenue is now home to an intoxicating array of fresh Central Asian foods, imported products, and friendly faces sharing incredible cultures. TCA went to the new Manhattan branch to talk to patrons about their thoughts on the new location, how the food tastes, and their knowledge of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
We first spoke with Margarita, an ethnic Russian who has lived in New York for the past three years. Before moving to New York, she lived in Tashkent for 16 years.
Located right at the West 4th Street-Washington Square subway stop, Tashkent Supermarket sees a lot of foot traffic
“I’ve been to this location a few times already; it’s good but not quite as big as the flagship store in Brighton,” she told me. “I go for the imported Russian food; their grechka (buckwheat) is the best, and their hot bar tastes exactly like the food I miss from Uzbekistan. I go to their stores thrice a week, and importantly, the prices are very competitive for New York, especially meat and produce.”
Among the American produce and packaged products, Armenian juices, Russian cookies, and Uzbek seasonings line the shelves. Unfamiliar patrons pick up and inspect foreign products and inspect them.
Two girls, who admitted they didn’t know much about Uzbekistan or Central Asia, peered through the store’s window, watching people place syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) into plastic containers.
“These pancakes really caught my eye,” one said. “I’ve tried Afghan food before, but never Uzbek or other Central Asian cuisine. This supermarket in my neighborhood will help expand my palate and let me try new things.”
Hot bar food includes fresh salads, chubereki, samsa, manty, and pastries
Ilona, a native of Vilnius, Lithuania, has lived in New York for over 25 years, and her whole family loves Tashkent Supermarket.
“It is a slice of home in New York, and they have a great selection of products from the former Soviet Union. It is the only place in the city where I can find the ingredients I need to make my favorite food. Parsley root, dill, and other herbs are my main purchases here. I love this store and its community so much.”
Aizhan, an ESL teacher from Almaty, has lived in New York for nine years.
“It is my first time at the Manhattan location. It is excellent, and the prices are very reasonable. They are my go-to for catering orders, and everyone is always happy with the quality and taste of the food. They do a phenomenal job making [Central Asian] food. I have not been back [to Kazakhstan] in years, but coming to Tashkent Supermarket makes me feel like I have transported myself back to Almaty.”
Michele, a New York native, traveled to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia last year. She brought her friend to the supermarket to show him the foods she had tried in Central Asia and to inspire him to come on her journey to Kyrgyzstan this coming summer.
“The hot bar here is the best. I am a samsa [savory pastry] fanatic, and their spinach ones hit the spot. Coming here allows me to feel the sense of adventure I felt traveling in Central Asia. The food here is identical to what I ate for three months out there, it’s incredible.”
Three women, visiting New York for the weekend, saw the supermarket in an Eater article.
“I know nothing besides [Uzbekistan] being a former Soviet republic in Asia,” said one. “Today we’re trying manty (dumpling), samsa, markovka (Korean carrot salad), and plov (rice dish). We were so excited to see this supermarket in the Eater article and are excited to try new foods on our trip! That’s the point of visiting New York City!”
Pictures of Uzbek monuments adorn the walls next to pictures of New York City
Larry, a West Village native, said, “It’s just super unique! I don’t know much about Uzbekistan itself, but I come here multiple times a week just for the plov. It’s so rich and flavorful I cannot get enough of it. The raisins are amazing, they tie the flavors together so nicely. I am also a huge fan of the spinach chebureki (deep-fried pastry).”
Katya, a young professional living in Brooklyn, spent the summer of 2024 in Bishkek studying Russian through a language fellowship.
“I’m taking my friend here for the first time to show her what I ate last summer. I’m also here for the candies. I’m excited that I can show my friends a sliver of what my life was like in Bishkek here in New York. This new location is amazing, but their store in Brighton Beach is massive.”
Damon and Sam were enjoying a container of plov on the street. They told me they thoroughly enjoy the Brighton Beach location but are even happier to have this store right around the corner from their apartment.
“It makes you feel like you’re living in New York. Having a supermarket like this where you can try different cultures’ food is amazing. We all celebrate Uzbek culture now, and I could not be happier having this store so close to my home. It also helps that their prices are great!”
Tashkent Supermarket has been an institution amongst the Russian-speaking population in New York City for years. Its first-ever Manhattan location is a step in introducing non-Russian speakers to different cultures, foods, and tastes. Aside from its loyal customer base, many New Yorkers are expanding their horizons and are excited to try Central Asian cuisine and products and learn more about Uzbekistan.
