21 Kazakhstan Food You Must Try: Soups, Dessert and more

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

Let’s explore the 21 traditional foods that define the country’s food culture.

Beshbarmak – The National Dish

 

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

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

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

Baursak

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

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

Kumis

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