Kazakhstan offers many unique and unusual dishes worth trying. If you're planning a trip to Kazakhstan, make sure to look for these national dishes on restaurant menus to get a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Beshbarmak
This is the favorite national dish of all Kazakhs. It consists of thinly sliced meat, usually lamb or horse meat, served on pieces of dough and topped with a meat broth. It’s typically served with onions and traditional kumis.
If you have friends in Kazakhstan and they invite you over for dinner, don’t refuse. Chances are, they’ll prepare the best homemade beshbarmak to delight their guest.
Kumis
Kumis is a fermented dairy drink made from mare’s milk. It’s a frothy, whitish drink with a slightly sour-sweet taste.
Keep in mind that the taste is quite unusual, and it’s also considered mildly alcoholic. Kazakhs love it, so it’s definitely worth trying.
Kazy
Kazy is a sausage made from horse meat, boiled and then sliced thinly. It’s a traditional dish in Kazakhstan, typically served as an appetizer or with bread.
You’ve never tasted anything more delicious!
Manty
Manty is a well-known Central Asian dish, steamed and resembling large dumplings. The meat filling is mixed with onions and spices, or sometimes finely chopped meat. In Kazakhstan, you’ll often find manty filled with pumpkin on the menu. Simple, filling, and delicious.
Shubat
Another fermented dairy drink, shubat is made from camel’s milk and has a refreshing taste.
Baursak
Baursak is a traditional Kazakh dish usually served as a snack. These are small pieces of dough fried in oil until golden brown. They’re somewhat like doughnuts but not as sweet. We recommend trying them hot with fresh sour cream!
Kuurdak
Kuurdak is a meat dish, a roast made from offal with added vegetables.
Shelpek
Shelpek is a Kazakh dish consisting of fried flatbreads made from dough. The dough for shelpeks is usually made from flour, water, and salt, then rolled into thin rounds and fried until golden brown.
Kurt
Kurt has a dense texture and a salty taste. It’s often eaten as a snack or appetizer, and it can also be added to various dishes to enhance flavor. Try it with hot meat broth!
Zhent
Zhent is a dish made from ground grains mixed with butter. It’s a hearty and nutritious food.
