Bukharian cuisine is all the rage right now, and leading the pack is Ganey Orly, a cozy Bukharian eatery in Queens that has been quietly making its mark since 2006. Self-described as the “hidden gem of Rego Park,” Ganey Orly’s mission is to produce great food with recipes passed down for generations, and make diners feel as comfortable as if they were guests in the owner’s own home, and not merely customers. Part of the reason why this approach works so well is because Ganey Orly truly is a family affair run by the Israelov family. Managed by son Eytan, with his mother Ludmila leading the charge in the front of the house and his father Rafel taking care of the food prep in the kitchens, the Israelovs make it clear that the dishes they serve are meticulously prepared. They do their own pickling and fermenting of vegetables in house, and all their spices are hand-ground too. [continued above, right]
The cuisine at Ganey Orly may be unfamiliar to some, but is easily recognized as homey comfort food to others. Ganey Orly is famous for it’s Plov, the traditional regional rice dish mixed with carrots and beef that is made to share. Another famous dish is the Bakhsh, a traditional and famous green rice dish made with small chunks of meat, cilantro, and parsley, cooked in a special paper sac for hours to give it the perfect balance of taste. Another popular dish is their Samsa, baked dough rolls with lamb, beef, and onions topped with egg yolk and sesame seeds to give it a unique texture. The Lagman soup is a fan favorite, full of mixed veggies, small chunks of meat, and thick noodles in a slightly spicy broth. For diners in the mood for an adventurous meal with names they can’t pronounce, Ganey Orly offers Chebureki, fried meat pies made with ground meat, as well as Markovcha, a shredded carrot salad seasoned with just enough spice to ensure a nice kick with every bite. Those wanting to play it safe can opt for the comfortable and familiar kebabs, with the Lula, Veal Liver, and Skirt Steak being the most popular options. The Israelov’s are proud of the great value of their cuisine, pricing their samsas at only $2.75 each! Both their Plov and Bakhsh are priced at $11 a plate, and the skewers only cost up to $8, which is pretty great value for glatt kosher meat.