Plov Varieties You Should Try
Do you want to truly understand Azerbaijani cuisine, you don’t just “try plov”, you should explore its different expressions. Each version reflects a different mood, season, or celebration.
This is your ever ultimate guide to plov-tasting in Azerbaijan. Here we present (a) the five essential plov varieties every visitor should taste, (b) an idea how to taste it and (c) list of of cafes/restaurants where you can have a great plov-tasting experience in Baku.
Shah Plov
A festive plov cooked within a crust with layers of rice, often with dried fruits, chestnuts, saffron and meat. Usually served for celebrations i.e. weddings or larger gatherings. Restaurants may prepare it by request or it takes at least 20 min to arrive.
Why try it?
- Served at weddings and major celebrations
- Dramatic presentation (cut open at the table)
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory
Best shared with 2–4 people.
Ash-Gara/Turshu govurma (Traditional plov)
This is the classic Azerbaijani way of serving plov. The word “ash” means rice, and “gara” refers to the topping served separately.
The rice and the meat mixture are cooked separately and combined on the plate.
Why try it?
- Most authentic everyday style
- Lets you appreciate the purity of saffron rice
- Usually made with lamb, chestnuts, and dried fruits
If you want the “real local experience,” start here.
Shirin Plov
“Shirin” means sweet. This version includes dried apricots, raisins, dates, and sometimes caramelized onions with saffron rice.
Why try it?
- A beautiful sweet-savory balance
- Vegetarian
- Ideal for those who enjoy subtle sweetness in light and aromatic savory dishes.
Sabzi Plov
“Sabzi” means greens. This plov is mixed with fresh herbs like dill, coriander, and parsley. It’s often served with fish or marinated meat.
Why try it?
- Fresh, aromatic profile
- Popular during spring
- Lighter than meat-heavy varieties
Perfect if you want something fragrant but not too heavy.
Fisinjan Plov
Made with a walnut and pomegranate molasses sauce (fisinjan), usually served with chicken or meatballs alongside saffron rice.
Why try it?
- Rich, slightly tangy flavor
- Unique to the Caucasus region
- Deep, slow-cooked taste
A must for food lovers who enjoy bold, complex sauces.
How to Taste Plov Properly
If you’re in Baku for a few days, try:
- Day 1: Ash-Gara (traditional introduction)
- Day 2: Shah Plov (for the full experience)
- Day 3: Fisinjan for contrast
That way you experience the full spectrum — from ceremonial to everyday to regional flavors.
Plov Ordering Tips
- Ask about shah plov ahead of time. İt sometimes needs advance ordering in restaurants.
- Pair plov with traditional sides like dolma, fresh herbs, yogurt, or salads for a full local meal.
- Plov servings in Azerbaijan are meant to be shared communally, so visiting with friends or family makes it even better.
Where to Try Great Plov in Baku
Firuze restaurant at Fountains Square
Located at Fountain Square (city centre), this place offers a wide range of Azerbaijani classics, including various plov options. It’s ideal after walking around the Old City.
Qaynana Restaurant in Baku Old Town
Located inside Icherisheher (Old City), Qaynana offers a cozy, traditional but touristy setting perfect for a classic Azerbaijani meal. All plov varieties served shah-plov like cooked within crust.
Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant
Just a 15-minute walk from Fountains Square this restaurant offer a worthy expensive experience. Designed like a cultural museum, this restaurant combines traditional cuisine with live Azerbaijani music and dances in the evenings.
Sumakh – Refined & Ingredient-Focused (Outside City Centre)
Located slightly outside the busy city center, Sumakh offers a more refined, ingredient-focused take on Azerbaijani cuisine. This place is perfect for a slower, more curated dining experience among middle-class locals with minimum tourists population.
Baku Food and Wine Tours 