Inspired by nature, shared tables and long lunches under the trees, SUPA brings the flavours and warmth of Uzbek family life to Dubai.
SUPA Uzbek Culinary House has officially opened its doors at Millennium Al Barsha, bringing honest Uzbek food, relaxed hospitality and the wholesome Central Asian tradition of gathering around the table to Dubai.
Founded by restaurateurs Nodir Mahmud and Nodir Takhirov, SUPA takes its name from the traditional Uzbek supa, a raised platform found in homes and courtyards where families and friends gather to eat, drink tea and spend quality time together.
Following the concept’s success in Saudi Arabia, the Dubai restaurant stays rooted in heritage Uzbek cooking while embracing how people eat and socialise in the Middle East. Made for sharing, the menu is centred around fire, freshly baked bread, handmade dough, seasonal ingredients and tea.
At the heart of SUPA is the grill, with speciality kebabs and charcoal-grilled dishes sitting alongside Uzbek and international favourites including plov, a traditional rice dish layered with tender lamb, yellow carrots and barberries; handmade shushvara, delicate Uzbek dumplings served in a rich lamb broth; steamed manti; freshly baked samsa and crispy, lamb-filled cheburek. Guests can also expect freshly baked Uzbek bread, colourful salads and plenty of desserts including Snow Dust Napoleon and saffron milk cake.
“Growing up in Tashkent, some of my happiest memories were family lunches and dinners outside, gathered under an apricot tree,” says Nodir Takhirov, Co-Founder, Managing Partner and CEO. “We wanted SUPA to capture a little of that feeling to be somewhere warm and relaxed where people can sit, share food and stay a while.”
Co-Founder Nodir Mahmud adds: “Seeing the response to Uzbek food from international guests in Saudi Arabia gave us the confidence to bring it to a new market. Dubai has such a diverse dining community, and we’re excited to introduce more people to the food and warm hospitality we grew up with.”
That feeling continues throughout the restaurant, where aged wood, patterned tiles, natural materials and soft lighting create a warm, contemporary space designed for everything from everyday meals and family gatherings to long evenings sipping tea.