Palov Competition — regional Uzbek palovs сontest curated by Bahriddin Chustiy
DJ set from Women’s Ethnographic Ensemble of Khiva × TANURAN

The palov contest revives the historical format once staged under the Emir of Bukhara — a festive public tasting of regional rice cultures. Ten distinctive palovs highlight Uzbekistan’s culinary geography: Andijani palov made with devzira rice, Ferghana palov cooked from chungara, the classic chaykhana palov prepared with lazer, the richly layered Tashkent wedding palov, the fragrant Samarkand palov, Bukhara palov cooked in a traditional copper kazan, Jizzakh palov made with red carrot, the rare “black” palov made from wild rice, a palov based on kenzha rice, and the hearty Buka-style palov with beans. The atmosphere will be animated by a DJ from Sublimation, echoing the spirit of celebration that once accompanied historic communal feasts in Bukhara. The three winning recipes will be presented again during the Rice Cultures Feast on 18 November.

Culminating with DJ set from Women’s Ethnographic Ensemble of Khiva × TANURAN
A unique collaboration brings together the Khiva Women’s Ethnographic Ensemble, guardians of the Halfa folk tradition, and electronic producer Ilyos Tojikhodjaev (TANURAN).
The one-hour set begins with a meditative tambur intro by TANURAN, gradually joined by the ensemble’s voices. Their traditional songs about everyday life and ritual unfold anew—rooted in heritage yet carried by contemporary rhythm. Household instruments once used in daily chores become part of the soundscape.

The performance concludes with Bukhara-inspired motifs, creating a musical bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation.

Capacity: 600
No advance sign-up is required