Unveil the Nomadic Flavours of Central Asia Through Kazakhstan

With no access to the sea, Kazakhstan has developed a delicious cuisine from the land and its people. Influenced by the nomadic lifestyle of its ancestors, as well as the cuisines of neighbouring countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Iran, Kazakh food is a fusion of meat, dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs.

Whether you are looking for a hearty soup, a savoury pastry, a succulent roast, or a refreshing drink, you will find something to suit your taste buds in Kazakhstan. One of the most distinctive aspects of Kazakh cuisine is its reliance on meat, especially lamb, horse, and camel. Meat is considered a symbol of wealth and hospitality and is often served in large portions and with various accompaniments. Explore some of the most popular and delicious dishes of Kazakh cuisine, as well as the best places to try them.

Baursak

Baursak is a type of fried bread that is popular in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. It is made from yeast dough that is shaped into balls or rings, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Baursak is usually eaten as a snack or a dessert, dipped in honey, jam, or sour cream. It can also be served with tea or soup.

A great place to enjoy baursak is Ribeye Steakhouse & Cafeteria, located in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. The restaurant is known for its steaks, burgers, and salads, but also offers a variety of traditional Kazakh dishes, including baursak. The baursak here is soft and fluffy on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, and costs 300 KZT (INR 55) for a portion of six pieces.

Address: Ribeye Steakhouse & Cafeteria, 8 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan

Shubat

Shubat is a fermented drink made from camel milk and a staple of the Kazakh diet. It has a sour and refreshing taste and is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins. Shubat is believed to have many health benefits, such as boosting immunity, improving digestion, and lowering blood pressure. Shubat is usually consumed cold and can be mixed with water, sugar, or salt.

A good place to try shubat is La Barca Fish & Wine Restaurant, located in Aktau, a city on the Caspian Sea. The restaurant specialises in seafood and wine but also serves traditional Kazakh dishes, such as shubat. The shubat here is fresh and creamy and costs 500 KZT (INR 92) for a glass.

Address: La Barca Fish & Wine Restaurant, 15B Microdistrict, Aktau 130000, Kazakhstan

Kurt

Kurt is a type of cheese that is made from sour milk, and dried into hard balls. It has a salty and tangy flavour and a crumbly texture. Kurt is often eaten as a snack, or added to soups, salads, or pilaf. It is also a common souvenir for tourists, as it can last for a long time without refrigeration.

A nice place to buy kurt is Azia Mama Restaurant, located in Shymkent, a city in southern Kazakhstan. The restaurant offers a variety of Asian dishes, such as sushi, noodles, and dim sum, as well as Kazakh specialities, such as kurt. The kurt here is made from fresh cow milk and costs 200 KZT (INR 37) for 100 grams.

Address: Azia Mama Restaurant, 5 Tauke Khan Ave, Shymkent 160000, Kazakhstan

Samsa

Samsa is a baked pastry filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or fruits. It is similar to the Indian samosa but has a thinner and flakier crust. Samsa is a popular street food in Kazakhstan and can be found in bakeries, cafes, and markets. It can be eaten as a breakfast, a snack, or a main course.

A wonderful place to eat Samsa is Saint Pierre Restaurant, located in Karaganda, a city in central Kazakhstan. The restaurant is a French-style bistro, that serves a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas, as well as samsa. The samsa here is made with puff pastry, and filled with minced beef, cheese, and herbs, and costs 400 KZT (INR 74) for one piece.

Address: Saint Pierre Restaurant, 9 Bukhar Zhyrau Ave, Karaganda 100000, Kazakhstan

Beshbarmak

Beshbarmak is the national dish of Kazakhstan and a must-try for any visitor. It consists of boiled meat (usually horse, lamb, or beef) and wide noodles, served with a rich broth and onions. The name beshbarmak means “five fingers” in Kazakh, as the dish is traditionally eaten with the hands. Beshbarmak is a symbol of hospitality and generosity and is often served at festive occasions.

One of the best places to try beshbarmak is Sam Factory Restaurant, in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. The restaurant offers a modern and cosy atmosphere and a menu that features authentic Kazakh dishes, as well as international cuisine. The beshbarmak here is made with tender lamb meat and homemade noodles and costs 1,500 KZT (INR 277) per serving.

Address: Sam Factory Restaurant, 40 Kurmangazy St, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan