Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
1. Bakıt - National Bread
Traditional round flatbread, baked in a ton (clay oven). Tastes best with locally made cheese and clotted cream.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional baking process using centuries-old techniques.
- Versatile Delicacy: Enjoy Bakıt with various local fillings, customizing your meal to your preference.
- Affordable Indulgence: Savor this authentic dish without breaking the bank, it's a cost-effective way to sample local cuisine.
2. Kazakh Pilaf
A flavorful rice dish cooked with meat (usually mutton) and vegetables. Served in a large, flat-bottomed dish called a 'kazan'.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage through the traditional preparation of this popular dish.
- Sharing Meal: Enjoy this communal dish with friends and family, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
- Rich Flavors: Experience the unique combination of tender meat, aromatic rice, and fragrant spices in each bite.
3. Bezhy Hakau - Fried Liver
A popular dish consisting of fried beef or lamb liver. Served with onions and a side of flatbread.
- Adventurous Tasting: Experiment with local flavors and push your culinary boundaries by trying this unique dish.
- Street Food Option: Enjoy this dish at one of the many street food stalls in Green Bazaar, a vibrant market in Almaty.
- Authentic Taste: Savor the genuine taste of Kazakh cuisine as you explore the local flavors and textures.
4. Kuyrdak - Meat Casserole
A hearty dish made with various meats (beef, lamb, and chicken) along with potatoes and onions, slow-cooked in a clay pot.
- Warm Comfort Food: Enjoy this comforting meal during colder days as you explore Almaty's sights.
- Social Gathering: Share this dish with friends and family, strengthening bonds while enjoying a delicious meal together.
- Home-Cooked Taste: Experience the warm and comforting taste of a home-cooked meal at local restaurants.
5. Shashlyk - Grilled Skewers
Juicy, marinated meat (usually lamb or beef) grilled on skewers over an open flame. Often served with onions and a side of flatbread.
- Tasty BBQ Experience: Savor the taste of expertly prepared, tender meat cooked over an open fire.
- Al Fresco Dining: Enjoy your meal outdoors at one of Almaty's many cafes or restaurants with outdoor seating.
- Local Specialty: Experience one of the most popular dishes in Kazakhstan, enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
6. Manti - Steamed Dumplings
Tender dumplings filled with meat or pumpkin, steamed and served with a garlic-yogurt sauce. A favorite street food in Almaty.
- Quick Bite Option: Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal on the go, perfect for busy travelers.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: Experience the comforting flavors of these dumplings, filled with delicious fillings.
- Street Food Adventure: Try this local street food at Green Bazaar, where you'll find numerous stalls selling Manti.
7. Kazakh Tea - Sugary Delight
A strong, sweetened black tea traditionally made with milk. Served in a tall, cylindrical vessel called a samovar.
- Traditional Beverage: Experience the local custom of drinking strong, sweet tea and learn about its significance in Kazakh culture.
- Warm Drink: Enjoy this warm beverage during colder days as you explore Almaty's sights.
- Shared Moment: Sharing a pot of Kazakh tea with friends and family fosters a sense of warmth and connection.
8. Chak-Chak - Fried Dough Fritters
Fried dough strips twisted into spirals, coated in sugar and cinnamon. Perfect as a dessert or snack.
- Sweet Treat: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this crispy, sugary treat.
- Street Food Option: Enjoy this dessert at one of the many street food stalls in Green Bazaar, a vibrant market in Almaty.
- Cultural Exchange: Share this sweet treat with locals and learn about its significance in Kazakh culture.
9. Kazakh Salad - Cool Refreshment
A refreshing salad made with shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and radishes, topped with boiled potatoes and dressed with oil and vinegar.
- Healthy Option: Enjoy a light, nutritious meal that won't weigh you down as you explore Almaty.
- Affordable Delight: Savor this refreshing salad without breaking the bank, it's a cost-effective way to sample local cuisine.
- Taste of Tradition: Experience the simple yet delicious taste of Kazakhstan's traditional salad.
10. Shyzbys Ak-Tobe - Dessert Soup
A sweet soup made from crushed dried fruit and sugar, traditionally served in a bowl made from frozen grape juice. A favorite dessert during the winter months.
- Winter Warmer: Enjoy this warming dessert on cold days as you explore Almaty's sights.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the unique tradition of using frozen grape juice bowls to serve this popular dessert.
- Sweet Delight: Indulge in the sweet, fruity flavors of this refreshing dessert soup.
11. Kazy - Horse Sausage
A traditional Kazakh sausage made from horse meat, usually served cold with onions and bread. A popular street food in Almaty.
- Adventurous Tasting: Experiment with local flavors and push your culinary boundaries by trying this unique dish.
- Street Food Option: Enjoy this dish at one of the many street food stalls in Green Bazaar, a vibrant market in Almaty.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about the historical significance of horse meat in Kazakh culture through this traditional dish.
12. Kazakh Patties - Meat Pies
Flaky pastries filled with a variety of fillings, such as potatoes, onions, and ground meat. A popular street food in Almaty.
- Quick Bite Option: Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal on the go, perfect for busy travelers.
- Street Food Adventure: Try these meat pies at one of the many street food stalls in Green Bazaar, a vibrant market in Almaty.
- Cultural Exchange: Share this dish with locals and learn about its significance in Kazakh culture.
13. Ak-Su - Cold Fermented Milk
A refreshing, slightly sour drink made from fermented milk. Often flavored with mint or fruit and served in a bowl.
- Cool Refreshment: Satisfy your thirst on hot days with this refreshing, slightly sour drink.
- Local Tradition: Experience the traditional preparation and consumption of this popular beverage.
- Healthy Option: Enjoy a nutritious, low-calorie drink as you explore Almaty's sights.
14. Kazakh Falafel - Chak-Chak Balls
Deep-fried balls made from Chak-Chak (fried dough fritters) mixed with ground meat and onions. Served with a garlic-yogurt sauce.
- Creative Twist: Experience a unique twist on traditional falafel, using Chak-Chak instead of chickpeas.
- Street Food Option: Enjoy this dish at one of the many street food stalls in Green Bazaar, a vibrant market in Almaty.
- Tasty Snack: Indulge in the crispy, flavorful taste of these Chak-Chak balls.
15. Kazakh Plov - Rice Pilaf
A hearty rice dish made with beef or lamb, carrots, and raisins. Served in a large, flat-bottomed dish called a 'kazan'.
- Warm Comfort Food: Enjoy this comforting meal during colder days as you explore Almaty's sights.
- Social Gathering: Share this dish with friends and family, strengthening bonds while enjoying a delicious meal together.
- Rich Flavors: Experience the unique combination of tender meat, aromatic rice, sweet raisins, and fragrant spices in each bite.