As a seasoned traveler and avid food enthusiast, my wife and I found ourselves in the enchanting city of Bukhara, seeking the perfect dining experience. After a series of disappointing meals, we stumbled upon a true gem - JOY Chaikhana & Lounge. Two visits later, we are thrilled to share our review of this exceptional establishment.
The moment we stepped into JOY Chaikhana & Lounge, we were welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor exuded traditional charm, creating the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. The attentive staff immediately made us feel at home, and our lovely waitress, not only beautiful but also engaging, added an extra touch of delight to our meal.
Now, let's talk about the food – an absolute revelation! We sampled an array of dishes, and each one exceeded our expectations. The Caesar Classic salad, served in generous portions, was a delightful start to our culinary journey. The succulent chicken sausage with cheese was an explosion of flavors, and the Kovurma Lagman was a perfect harmony of textures and spices. The Kadu Burak and Bichak with Spinach were simply divine, leaving us craving for more.
The portion sizes were commendable - hearty and satisfying without compromise. The prices were reasonable, considering the exceptional quality of both the food and service. In fact, the beers were not only good but also reasonably priced, especially when compared to another local restaurant that charged us more for smaller portions of beer.
In conclusion, JOY Chaikhana & Lounge is a culinary oasis in the heart of Bukhara. If you seek a memorable dining experience with delectable dishes, charming ambiance, and attentive service, look no further. We highly recommend visiting this wonderful establishment, and we guarantee you'll be as delighted as we were. We can't wait to return for yet another...
Read moreFlawless. A must try when in Bukhara. The service was 10/10, Sardor was the BEST! He was patient, friendly, helpful, professional and a joy. He really made our experience a huge highlight of our trip. All staff were friendly, but he really stood out to us.
We reserved a table a day in advance and glad we did so. They do get busy, but you can understand why. Had to change the time with short notice and luckily it was fine. Atmosphere is lively but not rowdy. There was also a live band who were great!
Food was incredible. Good portions, slightly more premium but so worth it. Every dish was flavourful and unique in its own way. Cauliflower salad: Do not miss this. Crunchy, a little sweet and tangy. Kayish with veg and beans: Think a lasagne red sauce with a little twist. Little cubes of veg and black eyed beans, with a thick yoghurt-style sauce to dollop on top. The lasagne sheet-style noodles were soft and melt in the mouth. Ground kebab - Juicy, chunky and not super fatty. Served with a tomatoes-salsa type dip and slightly vinegary white onions. Beef shish kebab - This was 4-5 chunks of meat, and same as above. Juicy, flavourful, and tender. Eggplant tomato salad - Presented beautifully, they looked like mini burgers! Tomato, lightly battered eggplant/aubergine, a yoghurt sauce and tomatoey relish.
Put it on your list, we haven't had a meal that has yet compared to this one. Thank you to all the team, but especially Sardor.
Larger review to come on Insta...
Read moreJoy Chaikhana Lounge in Bukhara is a stylish and cozy spot that blends traditional charm with a modern twist. It’s a bit pricier than the average teahouse or restaurant in the area, but you’re paying for more than just the food—you’re getting a full experience.
The interior is absolutely beautiful, with a warm, inviting atmosphere and tasteful décor that mixes Uzbek patterns with lounge-style comfort. There’s often live music in the evenings, which adds to the relaxing vibe without being overwhelming. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing or to enjoy a special meal with friends or family.
The food is excellent—fresh, flavorful, and well-presented. There’s a good mix of local dishes and more contemporary options, so there’s something for everyone. Everything we tried was delicious, from the appetizers to the mains.
The only downside is that the service can be a bit slow, especially when it’s busy. But the friendly staff and great ambiance help make up for it.
Overall, Joy Chaikhana Lounge is a memorable place to eat and hang out in Bukhara. If you're okay with slightly higher prices and a relaxed pace, it’s definitely...
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