21 plats kazakhs à essayer absolument : Soupes, desserts et plus encore

Kazakhstan’s rich culinary heritage reflects its nomadic traditions, diverse influences, and deep-rooted history. From hearty meat-based meals to flavorful dairy products and desserts, the cuisine of Kazakhstan offers a unique gastronomic experience. 

Food from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan food is one of the most unique cuisines in Central Asia, combining nomadic traditions, rich flavors, and unusual ingredients like horse meat and fermented dairy products. If you are planning a trip, exploring traditional food in Kazakhstan is an essential part of the experience.

Beshbarmak – The National Dish of Kazakhstan

 

Kuyrdak

A hearty dish made from roasted lamb, beef, or horse offal (liver, kidneys, heart) cooked with onions and spices. Kuyrdak is often served during celebrations and family gatherings.

Kazy: traditional horse meat sausage

A traditional Kazakh sausage made from seasoned and air-dried horse rib meat. It’s a delicacy often served during special occasions.

Shuzhuk

Another type of horse meat sausage, shuzhuk is well-seasoned and air-dried, offering a bold and distinctive taste.

Laghman: noodles with meat and vegetables

A dish influenced by Uyghur cuisine, Laghman consists of hand-pulled noodles served with stir-fried meat, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.

Manti: steamed dumplings with meat

Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (typically lamb or beef) and onions, usually enjoyed with sour cream or a tomato-based sauce. 

Read also: Manti – Kazakhstan’s traditional dish.

Baursak: fried dough bread

Deep-fried dough balls similar to doughnuts, baursak is a popular snack and an essential part of Kazakh festivities.

Shelpek

A thin, round, fried flatbread, shelpek is often prepared for religious and memorial ceremonies but also enjoyed as an everyday treat.

Tandyr Nan

A traditional bread baked in a clay oven (tandoor), producing a crispy crust and a soft interior, often served with main courses.

Kurt

Small, hard, dried cheese balls made from fermented milk, offering a salty and tangy flavor. They are convenient for travelers.

Shubat: camel milk drink

A fermented camel milk drink with a sour taste and probiotic benefits, commonly consumed in Kazakhstan during summer.

Kumis: fermented mare’s milk

A traditional beverage made from fermented mare’s milk, known for its slightly fizzy texture and nutritional benefits.

Zhent – a Kazakh dessert

A Kazakh dessert made from roasted millet flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts or dried fruits.

Chak-Chak

A sweet treat made from deep-fried dough pieces coated in honey syrup, often shaped into decorative forms.

Taba Nan – Kazakh bread

A type of homemade bread cooked in an iron pan, commonly served with tea or meals.

Sorpa – Traditional Soup

A flavorful meat broth often served alongside Beshbarmak, with added vegetables and herbs for extra taste.

Zhal

A traditional delicacy made from cured horse fat, typically served thinly sliced with other meat dishes.

Zhaya

Smoked or air-dried horse meat, a delicacy often enjoyed with bread and vegetables.

Et

A general term for cooked meat dishes in Kazakhstan, often served in large portions during feasts and celebrations.

Kaima

Minced meat mixed with onions and spices, commonly used as a filling for dumplings or served as a standalone dish.

Plov (Pilaf) – a rice dish popular across Central Asia

A popular Central Asian rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, onions, and spices, widely enjoyed in Kazakhstan.

Samsa: Traditional Baked Pastry

Samsa is a popular street food in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia. These baked pastries are usually filled with minced meat, onions, and spices, then cooked in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor.

Unlike fried pastries, samsa has a crispy outer layer and a juicy filling inside. The most common version is made with lamb, but you can also find beef or chicken options in cities like Almaty and Astana.

Samsa is one of the best foods to try in Kazakhstan if you are looking for a quick and affordable local snack. It is widely available in bakeries, local cafes, and street food stalls.

Shashlik: Grilled Meat Skewers

Shashlik is one of the most popular foods in Kazakhstan, especially during summer. It consists of marinated meat grilled on skewers over an open flame, similar to barbecue.

In Kazakhstan, shashlik is typically made with lamb, beef, or chicken and served with fresh onions, herbs, and bread. The marinade often includes vinegar, spices, and sometimes kefir to make the meat tender and flavorful.

You can find shashlik almost everywhere in Kazakhstan, from roadside cafes to traditional restaurants. It is a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys grilled meat and authentic Central Asian cuisine.

Where to Try Traditional Food in Kazakhstan?

If you are wondering where to try traditional food in Kazakhstan, the best places are local restaurants, family-run cafes, and food markets. In major cities like Almaty and Astana, you can find both authentic and modern interpretations of Kazakh cuisine.

In Almaty, many restaurants offer a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, making it a great place to start your food journey. In Astana, you will find more upscale restaurants serving national cuisine in a refined setting.

For the most authentic experience, we recommend trying Kazakh food during a local tour or visiting rural areas where meals are prepared according to traditional recipes.

Kazakh Food vs Uzbek Food: What’s the Difference?

While Kazakh and Uzbek cuisines share some similarities, they are quite different in taste and traditions. Kazakh food is heavily based on meat, especially horse meat, and reflects a nomadic lifestyle.

Uzbek food, on the other hand, includes more spices, rice-based dishes like plov, and a wider variety of vegetables. If you are traveling across Central Asia, trying both cuisines is highly recommended.