Kelly R.
Yelp
Tashkent is a little gem tucked away in Valley Village. The store is small but has a lovely selection of Russian food. I don't speak Russian but was able to buy what I was looking for by pointing and attempting to pronounce the names. The younger lady behind the counter was very friendly and patient with me.
They have a nice selection of teas, jams, fruit, chocolates, pelmeni, deli meats, bakery goods, dairy, wine, juices, breads, medicines, cooked and pickled foods prepared on site.
I love the frozen pelmeni, goose liver pate, the veal bologna (doctorskaya), hard dry salami (zerniestaya), ground beef meat pies, eggplant salad, half sour dill pickles, black rye bread. They also have an interesting selection of butter and sour cream. The cholates are the same I had while in Moscow. There is also a very high fat vanilla ice cream that is excellent. They have a great selection of the mini cheesecake packages (siroc?). My favorite dessert is medoveek(?) I think it's prepared by local folks and sold by the piece...it's to die for!
It's best to call ahead to order the meat pies. They make them fresh, so you usually have to pick them up after 11 am.
The place is small and can get busy. The ladies behind the counter don't rush you. If you spend $75 they gift you a chocolate bar. They do have a selection of medications, but I can't tell wat they are since I don't read Russian.
If you don't speak Russian and have an open mind, I think you will find some interesting items to enjoy. Some of them speak more English than others. I have never had a hard time receiving an answer to my questions.