"Khiva's signature shivit oshi served in a candle-lit 19th-century madrassah with a rooftop over the minarets — the old town's most atmospheric table."
About Mirzaboshi
Mirzaboshi sits inside Khiva's walled Ichan Kala, a few steps from the turquoise Kalta Minor minaret, inside a restored 19th-century madrassah dressed with carved columns and ceramic tilework. It is the old town's best-known address for traditional Khorezm cooking — the regional cuisine of Uzbekistan's far west.
What lifts it above a tourist canteen is the balance: homely, generous food in a genuinely historic room, plus a rooftop terrace where the minarets turn gold at sunset. Khiva travel guides have steered visitors here for well over a decade.
The Kitchen
The dish to order is shivit oshi — the bright-green dill noodles that are Khiva's signature, served with a garlicky meat-and-tomato sauce and a spoon of yoghurt. Around it sit charcoal-grilled kebabs with a proper smoky edge, rich-but-clean broths brightened with chickpea fritters, dill, coriander and a squeeze of lemon, and a good run of vegetarian plates.
Portions are hearty without being heavy, and the cooking sticks to Khorezm tradition rather than reinventing it.
The Room
You dine in the madrassah's courtyard, ringed by carved wood and tiled walls, or up on the rooftop terrace looking across Khiva's minarets and domes. By night, lit low, it is one of the most atmospheric rooms in the old city.
The setting does the heavy lifting; service is warm and unhurried, geared to travellers exploring Ichan Kala on foot.
Best for a memorable dinner on the road
For a traveller's anniversary or simply a special dinner while crossing the Silk Road, the rooftop terrace at sunset is hard to beat. It also works well for solo dining — the courtyard is easy to settle into alone.
Not for
Not for diners after refined, modern or international cooking, or a quiet intimate room — it is a traditional Khorezm restaurant that fills with old-town visitors.
Frequently Asked
What is Mirzaboshi known for?
Khorezm cuisine — above all shivit oshi, the green dill noodles that are Khiva's signature dish — served in a restored 19th-century madrassah inside the Ichan Kala old town.
Where is it?
Inside Khiva's walled Ichan Kala, close to the Kalta Minor minaret, set in a former madrassah with a rooftop terrace over the old town.
What does it cost?
It is affordable by Western standards — mains run roughly 40,000–80,000 UZS — placing it in the $$ range.
Should I sit on the rooftop?
If you can, yes. The rooftop terrace looks across Khiva's minarets and domes and is at its best around sunset; ask for it when you arrive or book ahead.
Is there vegetarian food?
Yes. Alongside the grilled meats and broths there is a solid choice of vegetarian Khorezm dishes.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Mirzaboshi
Walk-in most days; ask ahead for a rooftop terrace table at sunset.
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Practical Information
AddressNear Kalta Minor Minaret, Ichan Kala, Khiva
NeighbourhoodIchan Kala old town, by Kalta Minor
CuisineKhorezm Uzbek
PriceMains roughly 40,000–80,000 UZS; rooftop terrace
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingRestored madrassah courtyard and rooftop terrace
ReservationWalk-in most days; book ahead for the terrace at sunset
