Walk along the southern bank of the Moscow River in Gorky Park and you will arrive at a high-tech Uzbek yurt – an enclosed circular wooden building.
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rnChaihona is a welcoming sight in the depths of winter, decorated in warming deep reds and yellows with a roaring open fire. Uzbek fabrics are draped from the dome of the yurt, creating a low-lit, relaxing lounge somewhat akin to a circus tent, and hookah pipes fill the air with the pungent aroma of flavoured tobacco.
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rnA series of open booths with low tables is ornamented with decorative fabrics and filled with cushions to sprawl over; and while a menu of the finest Uzbek cuisine may fill some with dread, it is actually quite delicious.
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rnLive DJs and Uzbek groups play at least once a week, turning this peaceful retreat into a native dance zone. There are two other Chaihona No. 1s that have the same vibe, found at the Hermitage Gardens and Bolshaya Gruzinskaya, 4/6, opposite the zoo.