Introduction
Studying MBBS abroad is an adventurous opportunity; however, adjusting to a new culture is difficult as they have varying food practices. Since Indian students take MBBS in Tajikistan, learning the culture and deciding food options is very helpful.
Food is integral for survival as a student. Medical students are always busy, therefore nutritious and familiar food helps students stay active and healthy. There are common concerns for Indian MBBS aspirants such as: Will I get Indian food in Tajikistan? Can I prepare my own food? Are there vegetarian options? Will Tajik food be ok for Indian students?
The good news is that Indian students studying MBBS in Tajikistan can manage their food habits comfortably. Major cities such as Dushanbe and Khujand have Indian restaurants, grocery stores with imported products, and student communities where newcomers can learn how to adjust their diet.
This guide will give Indian MBBS students all the food information, cooking, vegetarian options, and tips for Tajikistan to help maintain a typical Indian diet.
Tajikistan’s Food Culture
Before trying to identify food options from India, some understanding of local Tajik food is necessary. Tajik food is Central Asian influenced and consists of rice, bread, meat, dairy, and vegetables.
Some famous dishes from Tajikistan are:
Plov (Pilaf)
Plov is famous not just in Tajikistan but in Central Asia as well. It is made with rice and has meat, carrots and onions, with spices. Though it usually has meat, there is a possibility you will find a version of it that is vegetarian.
Qurutob
Qurutob is a dish consisting of bread, a yogurt based sauce, topped with vegetables and herbs. Among Tajik dishes, this is a relatively simple and filling dish and may be enjoyed by some Indian students.
Shashlik
Shashlik is grilled meat that comes in a form that is comparable to a kebab. The dish is popular amongst Tajiks and is a commonly available dish in restaurants.
Non (Tajik Bread)
Tajiks take bread culture quite seriously. There are local bakers that can be found in every neighborhood, baking and selling bread daily. This is favored by some Indian students as this can be combined with vegetables, eggs, or homemade curries.
While Tajik food is unlike Indian food, numerous dishes have rice, onions and potatoes and spices, so they have similarities.
Availability of Indian Food in Tajikistan
The presence of good quality Indian food abroad is one of the most important things to Indian students doing their MBBS abroad. In Tajikistan, due to the increased number of international students, the availability of Indian food has improved significantly.
Medical University students in Dushanbe are sure to find:
- Indian restaurants
- Indian grocery items
- Indian spices/cooking ingredients
- Indian home-cooked meal prep by students
- Shared kitchens in student homes
There is a range of items Indian restaurants offer. The list includes:
- Dal
- Rice
- Chapati
- Paneer items
- Veg. curries
- Chicken curry
- Biryani
- Samosa
- Paratha
Students should keep in mind that they are in a different country. The Indian restaurants may not offer the same food selections students may be accustomed to in India. More importantly, there may be limited selections and Indian food may be offered at a more expensive price than what they would pay of the local food.
Tajikistan also has a large population of vegetarians so vegetarian food is more easily accessible than in smaller towns.
Available options include:
- Rice
- Vegetable soup
- Potato dishes
- Salads
- Bread
- Fruits
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Vegetables
Although there are many vegetarian options outside of student homes, many strictly vegetarian students prefer home-cooking. Grocery items that students are likely to purchase include:
- Rice
- Lentils
- Flour
- Spices
- Cooking oil
- Vegetables
- Frozen food
Starting supplies are things Indian students often bring from home, such as:
- Turmeric
- Garam masala
- Red chilli powder
- Cumin
- Coriander powder
- Tea
Cooking Indian Food in Tajikistan
Preparing your own food is the most common practice among Indian students studying MBBS abroad. Student accommodations here generally have kitchen facilities, which means students are easily able to prepare Indian food.
Some easy meals students commonly cook include:
Breakfast Options
- Poha
- Upma
- Paratha
- Bread and eggs
- Tea with snacks
Lunch and Dinner Options
- Dal rice
- Chapathi with vegetables
- Khichdi
- Paneer curry
- Vegetable Pulao
- Chicken curry
Students save money by cooking rather than going out to eat, and they can cook meals that they enjoy.
Many senior Indian students help new students with:
- How and where to buy groceries
- Cheaper markets
- Indian food stores
- How to cook with the equipment available to them at home.
Indian Grocery Shopping in Tajikistan
There are more options for Indian food in Tajikistan's bigger cities, such as Dushanbe. There are markets and supermarkets that provide a wider range of food options.
Students are able to buy:
- Different varieties of rice
- Vegetables and fruits
- Dairy
- Spices
- Indian snacks
- Instant noodles
- Tea and coffee
For items that are hard to find, students bring Indian food with them when they come back from vacation, or they ask their family to send food in the mail.
Shopping for groceries in a smart way helps students maintain a healthy diet and not spend a lot of money.
Food Costs for Indian MBBS Students in Tajikistan
The costs of food depend on each individual's lifestyle and habits.
For students that don't cook, it is more expensive than for students that eat out regularly.
For the students that cook regularly, food costs are a lot more affordable than the cost of eating at a restaurant.
Indian food is more expensive than the food that local restaurants provide.
For MBBS students, cooking is definitely the best option. It is hard to find food that is nutritious for the food that you bring and that is easy to prepare. The cooking students do is the best option to help them cope with a busy schedule from their studies.
Students should also consider other aspects of studying MBBS abroad, including university recognition and medical education standards. Official information related to medical institutions can be checked through the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Guidelines for Adapting to Food Customs in Tajikistan
Discovering and adapting to a new food culture is a slow process, especially for Indian students. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations for them.
Bring Key Food Items
Sailing away from home doesn't mean students need to ditch their favorite Indian foods. Packing a small supply of spices and dry food to last the students a few weeks is a great idea.
Learn to Cook
Students who are able to cook have a huge advantage. Knowing how to cook basic dry foods and vegetables can help a student stay in their comfort zone while living abroad.
Try the Local Food
It's unlikely students will be able to find a complete Indian meal in Tajikistan. Therefore, students should embrace the gradual inclusion of Tajik dishes.
Keep a Proper Diet
Long study hours require a proper diet to support a medical student. A proper medical student diet should have:
- sources of protein,
- vegetables,
- whole fruits,
- dairy,
- and good hydration.
Join Indian Student Associations
Indian students associations are great sources of information. Seniors of these groups help students find affordable food, groceries, Indian restaurants, and share cooking resources and tips.
Students planning MBBS abroad can also review medical school listings through the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) for better awareness about international medical institutions.
Food Issues Faced by Students
Despite the availability of Indian food, there are challenges.
Food Options Are Limited
Students living in areas outside of the big cities have limited Indian food availability.
Different Tastes
Food preparation is done with different spices and methods of cooking which can alter taste.
Imported Food is Expensive
Imported Indian food can be expensive.
Studying medicine is a full time job, therefore cooking is usually not an option. These challenges can be easy to overcome with good planning.
How Eating Indian Food Helps Students Studying MBBS in Tajikistan
There are many reasons we eat food: to gain energy, to socialize, and to even ease homesickness. For students studying abroad, especially for those from India studying in Tajikistan, eating Indian food helps ease homesickness and provides comfort.
Some other benefits include:
- Remaining in touch with their roots
- Keeping the same eating schedule
- Being more at ease mentally
- Fostering new friendships
New friendships can be formed by sharing food.
Is Food a Reason to Consider Tajikistan for Indian Students?
Yes. Indian students studying MBBS in Tajikistan will find food to be a less challenging reason to choose Tajikistan. Although Tajikistan food is different from Indian food, students can find means to eat how they prefer.
Food will be less difficult to adapt to because of Indian restaurants, a grocery market, cooking, and the Indian student community.
Medical students heading to Tajikistan need to choose a reputed, recognized university, figure out where they will live, and be ready to adapt to a different culture.
Students should also understand global health and medical education standards before choosing a foreign medical destination. Information related to international health practices can be explored through the World Health Organization (WHO).
Conclusion
The lack of Indian food in Tajikistan is no longer a concern for MBBS students since there are Indian restaurants, cooking facilities, and students from different countries. There are Indian restaurants, local markets, and cooking facilities.
The first few weeks may be an adjustment, but students will be able to prepare Indian food and Tajikistan will be easier to prepare for students. A healthy food regimen will give students the energy to take on the challenges of studying abroad and attending an MBBS program.
If you’re an Indian student who plans on moving to Tajikistan to study MBBS, knowing what food options you will have will help you make a smooth transition and allow you to have a more comfortable experience.
Before applying for MBBS abroad, students should also check the latest entrance requirements and eligibility criteria through the NEET official website.
For medical education recognition and regulatory requirements, students can also refer to the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.