Tajik cuisine has similarities with Russian, Afghan and Uzbek cuisines, though it is something entirely of its own. The national cuisine is oshi palov which is made up of cubes of meat, onions and carrots served with yellow rice. It is served on a single plate in the center of a communal table and is eaten with your bare hands. Another typical dish is qurutob which is a meat-free dish made with salty cheese poured over flatbread and topped with onions and fried vegetables. Traditional Tajik meals usually start off with a sweet starter such as halwa and tea. The main meal typically involves a thick and hearty soup such as shurbo. Other popular foods include steamed meat dumplings (mantu) and Tajik street food such as samosas (sambusa). Salads of diced cucumber and tomato are also common. Typical Tajik cuisine can also include meaty noodle soups (laghmon) and lamb skewers (shashlik). All dishes are served with greens, onions, clotted cream, and cottage cheese and plenty of fresh herbs and garlic.