The National Dish of Karakalpakstan, Baliq Qarma, Registered as a Geographical Indication

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The national dish Baliq Qarma, traditional to Karakalpakstan, has been entered into the State Register as a geographical indication, the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan said.

This dish originated in areas near the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya delta, where ancient fishing traditions and a unique way of life have been preserved for centuries.

Baliq Qarma is distinguished by its unique preparation method: it includes boiled fish, shurpa (broth), finely chopped pieces of dried dough measuring 1×1–2×2 centimeters, and vegetables. Fat skimmed from the surface of the shurpa is poured over finely chopped onions, giving the dish its rich aroma and distinctive taste.

Granting the status of a geographical indication provides legal protection for the name and traditional preparation method, helps preserve quality standards, and promotes the gastronomic brand of Karakalpakstan.

A geographical indication is an intellectual property object that confirms a product’s origin from a specific region and its special qualities, determined by the area’s natural, climatic, and cultural characteristics.