Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Shymkent, Kazakhstan

1. Shymkent Plov

Flavourful rice dish with tender pieces of meat, raisins, carrots, and onions. A must-try for every visitor.

Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced, high-quality rice, meat, and fruits.
Cultural Significance: Represents centuries-old Kazakh cooking traditions.
Taste Variations: Each region in Kazakhstan has its unique twist on the Plov recipe.

Traditional dumplings filled with meat and onions, served with sour cream. A hearty dish not to be missed.

Homemade Taste: Made fresh daily using family recipes.
Variety of Fillings: Offers different fillings such as meat, pumpkin, and potatoes.
Culinary Tradition: An essential part of Kazakhstan's rich culinary heritage.

Delicious lamb soup with vegetables and fragrant spices. Perfect for a cold day in Shymkent.

Warming Broth: Perfectly spiced to warm you up on chilly days.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Uses fresh, local lamb and vegetables.
Healing Properties: Believed to have health benefits due to its spices and broth.

Hand-pulled noodles in a flavorful broth with vegetables and meat. A popular dish across Kazakhstan.

Handmade Noodles: Fresh, handmade noodles give an authentic taste.
Spice Blend: A special blend of spices adds depth and flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Options: Can be customized with various vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes.

Horse meat and noodles served in a broth. A traditional dish that showcases the nomadic heritage of Kazakhstan.

Nomadic Connection: Represents the nomadic lifestyle of Central Asian tribes.
Taste Variations: Each region in Kazakhstan has its unique twist on the Beshbarmak recipe.
Cultural Significance: A significant part of Kazakhstan's culinary heritage and national identity.

Flaky pastries filled with meat and onions. A tasty snack that's easy to find in Shymkent.

Portable Snack: Ideal for travelers as it's easy to carry and eat.
Crispy Pastry: The flaky crust adds a delightful texture to the dish.
Variety of Fillings: Offers different fillings such as meat, pumpkin, and potatoes.

A fragrant rice pilaf dish with raisins, carrots, and onions. A sweet and savory combination that's a favorite among locals.

Flavor Profile: Combines sweet and savory flavors for an unique taste.
Cultural Significance: A staple dish in Kazakhstan's culinary traditions.
Versatile Ingredients: Can be served as a side dish or a main course, and with various meats.

Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and served with garlic yogurt sauce. A popular street food in Shymkent.

Authentic Taste: Made using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce: The tangy, garlicky sauce adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Portion Size: Perfect for sharing or having as a light meal.

A cold dish made from horse meat, onions, and spices. A unique delicacy that's worth a try.

Unique Ingredient: Uses horse meat, which is a traditional ingredient in Kazakh cuisine.
Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that showcases the nomadic heritage of Central Asia.
Texture and Taste: The soft, delicate texture contrasts with the bold flavors of the spices.

Deep-fried dough twists coated in sugar. A sweet treat that's perfect for dessert.

Sweet Treat: A tasty dessert option to end your meal.
Cultural Connection: Traditionally made during festive occasions and celebrations.
Portion Size: Ideal for sharing as it's often served in large quantities.

Skewered, grilled meat (usually lamb) marinated in spices. A favorite at outdoor restaurants in Shymkent.

Flavorful Meat: Marinated for hours before being grilled, ensuring a rich and robust flavor.
Cultural Significance: An essential part of Kazakhstan's culinary heritage.
Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main course or a shared appetizer.

Fermented horse milk. A unique drink that's an acquired taste but worth trying.

Unique Ingredient: Uses traditional, locally sourced horse milk.
Cultural Significance: A part of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage.
Health Benefits: Believed to have various health benefits due to the fermentation process.

Fermented camel milk. A rare and exotic drink that's a must-try for adventure seekers.

Unique Ingredient: Uses traditional, locally sourced camel milk.
Cultural Significance: A part of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage.
Taste Profile: Offers a slightly tangy and sour flavor due to the fermentation process.

Thin yogurt drink made from cow's milk. A refreshing beverage perfect for hot days.

Fermented horse milk with a slightly sour taste. A traditional Kazakh beverage that's an acquired taste.

Unique Ingredient: Uses traditional, locally sourced horse milk.
Cultural Significance: A part of Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage.
Taste Profile: Offers a slightly sour flavor due to the fermentation process.