A Guide to Ishlykly

Fact: Ishlykly is a Turkmen dish fairly similar to pizza.

#24 in Turkmenistan

Ishlykly: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/ish-lick-lee/

Alternative Name(s)

Dish Type

Cakes and pastries

Course

Main Course

Mealtime

Lunch, Dinner

Popular Variations

Ishlykly: Origin and Region

Origin

Turkmenistan, Afghanistan

Continent’s Region

Central Asia, South Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified

Ishlykly: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

Flour, mutton, vegetables

Main Cooking Method

Baking

Preparation Process

Stuffing the dough with mutton and vegetables, baking ishlykly

Ishlykly: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Often prepared for special guests

Taste

Savory

Texture

Chewy dough, soft filling

Aroma

Rich

Color

Golden brown

Serving Style

On its own

Serving Temperature

Hot or warm

Accompaniment

No accompaniments

Occasions

On any occasions

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Non diet-specific

Calories

Unspecified

Popularity

Turkmenistan, Afghanistan

Popular Similar Dishes

Pizza
Meat Pie

Popular Dining Area

Local households, restaurants, eateries

Ishlykly is a type of pizza-like pie famous in Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. It consists of a rich mixture of mutton and vegetables stuffed between two layers of dough.

Think of a Chicago-style stuffed pizza in Central Asia; that’s what ishlykly is like! Locals usually serve it to important guests.

Continue reading for more information about ishlykly, like its pros and cons, common concerns about it, and some similar dishes from all around the world.

Key Points

Ishlykly is a Turkmen and Afghan dish with similarities to pizza.
Ishlykly features two layers of dough encasing a filling of mutton and vegetables.
Ishlykly is usually prepared for honored guests.

Pros and Cons of Eating Ishlykly

Ishlykly boasts the positive and negative traits below:

Pros

Unique Flavor: The combination of fillings and the double layer of dough gives ishlykly a distinctly rich taste.
Traditional Value: Ishlykly is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Balanced Nutrition: Ishlykly can be a good source of carbs, protein, fat, fiber, and other essential nutrients.

Cons

Heaviness: Some might find ishlykly too rich or high in calories.
Dietary Restrictions: Ishlykly isn’t suitable for people with gluten intolerance or on plant-based diets.
Preparation Time: Making the dough and the filling for ishlykly can be time-consuming.

After addressing the pros and cons of ishlykly, I will answer several common questions about this Turkmen dish.

Ishlykly FAQs

Yes, ishlykly is available outside Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, especially in Turkmen communities in other Central Asian countries, parts of Iran, and many regions in the North Caucasus.

Yes, it is possible to turn ishlykly into a vegan or vegetarian dish by leaving out mutton. However, doing so will significantly change its flavor profile.

Similar Dishes of Ishlykly

Pizza

Pizza is a globally-loved dish originating from Italy, featuring a baked dough base topped with sauce, cheese, and various toppings.

Meat Pie

Meat pie is a type of flaky meat-filled pastry in many countries around the world.

Explore 2 Delicious Dishes That Start With the Letter I

Adam Sam

Senior Food and Drink Editor

Expertise

Food Writer & Recipe Developer, Recipe Tester, Bartender, Cooking-video Maker, Editor In Chief

Education

University of Gastronomic Sciences – Pollenzo (Italy) (MA Food Culture, Communication & Marketing)
Johnson & Wales University (US) (Baking and Pastry Arts)
Professional Bartender at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Adam Sam, an experienced food writer and recipe developer, is passionate about blending diverse culinary traditions, national dishes, and innovative beverages, showcasing his proficiency in both traditional and modern recipe testing.

As the Editor-in-Chief, he elevates culinary content from street food to fine dining, focusing on Western cuisine and types of drinks at azcuisines.com, and is professional in creating engaging cooking videos that simplify complex dishes and ingredients.

His passion for food is evident in his writing, where he uniquely merges various cultures, traditions, and contemporary trends, skillfully combining classic recipes with modern cooking methods.