I've become increasingly curious about Central Asia and its history. And this new Uzbek (Uzbekistan) just opened at 1098 Sutter at the corner of Larkin
By MacKenzie Chung Fegan, Restaurant Critic Feb 27, 2025 - San Francisco Chronicle\
If you want to piss off a Georgian, tell them that khachapuri, a top contender for the title of world’s best cheesy bread, is an Uzbek dish.
Many of the dishes at Sofiya, the new Uzbek restaurant in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill, were new to me, which I was expecting. More surprising was seeing familiar friends like khachapuri on the menu, many of which I associate with other cultures and cuisines.
At various points during its history, parts of modern day Uzbekistan were ruled by Persians, Greeks, Turks, Chinese and Russians. Its cities were flourishing centers of trade along the Silk Road, melting pots where merchants traded spices for textiles and, no doubt, cooking tips. Sofiya’s menu reflects that historic diversity — as well as, it seems, the owner’s general philosophy to serve food he deems delicious, whether it’s strictly Uzbek in origin or not.
Bring your friends to this singular new S.F. restaurant. The huge portions demand it
Greg