Hospital (Mirabad) Market in Tashkent
Located on Nukus Street in the heart of Tashkent, Mirabad Bazaar—also known as Hospital Bazaar—is a beloved spot among locals, though still a hidden gem for most tourists.
The market emerged in the mid-20th century near a military hospital, just across from the Assumption Cathedral. It originally served soldiers recovering from injuries, with local farmers and vendors selling fresh produce, sweets, and small gifts right outside the hospital gates. As demand grew, so did the market, eventually gaining the nickname “Gospitalka”—a name still affectionately used by many Tashkent residents today.
The modern Mirabad Bazaar was constructed between 1995 and 1996, designed by architects R.A. Khayrutdinov and F.Yu. Tursunova. One of its most distinctive features is the large canopy roof, built using a unique method: after erecting the support columns, the entire roof structure, assembled at ground level, was lifted onto the columns using an electric screw jack. During the 2016 renovation, the original turquoise roof was replaced with metallic panels, changing the bazaar’s recognisable appearance.
Mirabad Bazaar has four entrances, with rows of stalls radiating from the centre like spokes of a wheel. This thoughtful layout makes it easy to navigate, even during the busiest pre-holiday rush.
Just as in decades past, people come here primarily for fresh produce—fragrant tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, fluffy potatoes, herbs, ripe fruits, and juicy berries.
Fans of Korean cuisine will find all the ingredients needed for traditional dishes, along with a variety of ready-made salads and snacks.
Surrounding the bazaar are grocery stores and vendors offering high-quality Uzbek textiles.
If you didn’t have time to stock up on spices, dried fruits, Eastern sweets, or traditional Uzbek flatbreads at Chorsu Bazaar, Mirabad is a convenient stop—especially if you're heading to the airport.