Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Astana, Kazakhstan
1. Kazakh Pilaf (Plov)
A flavorful rice dish cooked with meat and vegetables, traditionally made with lamb or beef. Try it at the local restaurant 'Shymkent'.
- Authentic Taste: Tastes like a traditional Kazakh dish cooked according to the family recipe.
- Large Portions: Generous servings, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced spices and ingredients, giving it a distinct flavor from other pilaf dishes.
2. Kazakh Tiernan (Noodle Soup)
A hearty noodle soup made with homemade noodles and meat. Try it at 'Borovoe Cafe' in the city center.
- Homemade Noodles: Freshly handmade noodles give a delightful texture and taste.
- Warming Comfort Food: Perfect for cold winter days in Astana.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with a variety of toppings like mushrooms, onions, and carrots.
3. Kuyrdak (Mutton Pie)
A savory pie filled with mutton, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. Try it at 'Korkyt Ata' restaurant.
- Traditional Baking Technique: Cooked using a traditional method called 'kuruysak', where the dough is stretched and folded over the filling.
- Melting Flavor: The combination of tender mutton, aromatic potatoes, and seasonings creates an unforgettable taste.
- Filling Size: Generous portions ensure a satisfying meal.
4. Kazakhshy Tushyn (Lamb Kebab)
A popular skewered dish made with seasoned lamb and grilled over an open flame. Try it at 'KazGastronom' near the Bayterek Tower.
- Tender Lamb: The juicy, tender lamb pieces make for a mouthwatering kebab.
- Finger Food: Perfect for snacking on-the-go or as a quick bite during sightseeing.
- Versatile Sides: Served with various sides like tomato sauce, onions, and fresh herbs.
5. Kazakh Patym (Dumplings)
Delicious dumplings filled with meat or potatoes. Try them at 'Baiterek' restaurant located in the Astana financial center.
- Handmade Dumplings: Crafted by hand, giving a unique texture and flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Rich Filling: Generously filled with savory meat or potatoes, providing a satisfying bite.
6. Kazakh Shashlyk (Shish Kebab)
A grilled dish made with marinated meat on skewers. Try it at 'Korkyt Ata' restaurant.
- Tasty Marinade: The marinade gives the meat a unique, tangy flavor.
- Variety of Meat Options: Choose from chicken, beef, or lamb for your shashlyk.
- Grilled to Perfection: Cooked over an open flame for a smoky, charred flavor.
7. Kazakh Kozhe Tushyn (Mutton Stew)
A traditional mutton stew made with potatoes and onions. Try it at the 'Tulpar' restaurant.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: The slow cooking process allows for a rich, deep flavor development.
- Comforting Dish: Ideal for cold days in Astana.
- Warm Bread: Served with warm, homemade bread for dipping and soaking up the stew.
8. Kazakh Samsa (Pie Pastry)
A triangular-shaped pastry filled with meat or pumpkin. Try it at the 'Zhastar' restaurant.
- Flaky Crust: The flaky, buttery crust adds a luxurious touch to this savory pastry.
- Filling Options: Choose between meat or pumpkin fillings for your samsa.
- Portable Snack: Perfect as a portable snack while exploring Astana.
9. Kazakh Shorpas (Soup)
A spicy soup made with meat and vegetables. Try it at the 'Baiterek' restaurant.
- Spicy Kick: The combination of spices gives a fiery, warming flavor.
- Nourishing Dish: Perfect for cold days in Astana.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
10. Kazakh Arysyk (Salad)
A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, onions, and garlic. Try it at 'Borovoe Cafe' in the city center.
- Refreshing Taste: The combination of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing makes for a refreshing taste.
- Quick Snack: Perfect as a quick snack between meals.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your salad with various toppings like tomatoes, radishes, or peppers.
11. Kazakh Kazy (Clotted Cream)
A traditional Kazakh dish made by heating and cooling sour cream. Try it at 'Zhastar' restaurant.
- Creamy Texture: The rich, velvety texture of the kazy is irresistible.
- Unique Flavor: The tangy yet creamy flavor is unlike any other dairy product.
- Complementary Condiments: Served with various condiments like onions, herbs, and bread.
12. Kazakh Boorama (Baked Milk Product)
A traditional Kazakh dish made by baking a mixture of milk, flour, and butter. Try it at 'Korkyt Ata' restaurant.
- Rich Flavor: The rich, creamy flavor is reminiscent of a decadent cheesecake.
- Heartwarming Dish: Ideal for cold days in Astana.
- Variety of Toppings: Customize your boorama with various toppings like jams, honey, or fruit compotes.
13. Kazakh Kattamaq (Roasted Lamb)
A traditional Kazakh dish made by roasting a whole lamb over an open flame. Try it at the 'Tulpar' restaurant.
- Tender Meat: The tender, juicy meat is flavored with various spices and herbs.
- Sharing Experience: A communal dish that brings people together over a shared meal.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: The slow cooking process allows for a rich, deep flavor development.
14. Kazakh Kumys (Fermented Mares' Milk)
A traditional Kazakh drink made from fermented mares' milk. Try it at 'Zhastar' restaurant.
- Unique Taste: The taste is unlike any other beverage, with a tangy yet slightly sweet flavor.
- Health Benefits: Believed to have various health benefits due to its probiotic properties.
- Cultural Significance: An integral part of Kazakh culture and tradition.
15. Kazakh Shubat (Fermented Camel Milk)
A traditional Kazakh drink made from fermented camel milk. Try it at 'Baiterek' restaurant.
- Unique Taste: The taste is unlike any other beverage, with a tangy yet slightly sweet flavor.
- Health Benefits: Believed to have various health benefits due to its probiotic properties.
- Cultural Significance: An integral part of Kazakh culture and tradition.