Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Öskemen, East Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan
1. Kuyrdak (Коурдак)
A traditional Kazakh dish made with lamb offal, potatoes, and onions, cooked together in a pot until tender. Try it at local restaurants like Kona Cafe or Sultan.
- Authentic Experience: Tasting the traditional dish of Kazakhstan's East region
- Cultural Immersion: Experiencing a popular dish in local cafes and restaurants
- Flavor Profile: Savoring the unique blend of spices and flavors found in Kuyrdak
2. Besbarmak (Бесбармак)
A popular Kazakh dish made with boiled horse meat or beef, served with noodles and onions. Try it at the local restaurant, Shanyrak.
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a classic Kazakh dish made with traditional ingredients
- Flavor Experience: Tasting the unique flavor combination of horse meat, noodles, and onions
- Local Cuisine: Enjoying a dish that's been enjoyed by locals for centuries
3. Kazakh Plov (Казахский Плов)
A delicious rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and spices. Visit the local restaurant, Arystan.
- Flavorful Experience: Tasting a flavorful dish that showcases Kazakh cuisine's richness
- Cultural Understanding: Gaining insight into Kazakhstan's culinary history through this iconic dish
- Communal Meal: Sharing a dish that brings people together, as plov is traditionally served family-style
4. Kazakhshy (Казахши)
A local pastry filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Try it at the bakery, Beket-Ata.
- Cultural Taste: Tasting a traditional Kazakh pastry made by local bakeries
- Flavor Variety: Sampling the various sweet and savory fillings available in Kazakhshy pastries
- Satisfying Snack: Enjoying a tasty snack while exploring Öskemen's attractions
5. Kazakh Somsa (Казахская Самса)
A triangular-shaped pastry filled with meat, onions, and spices. Try it at the restaurant, Maza.
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh dish made by local restaurants
- Flavor Variety: Tasting different fillings, such as meat and vegetables, in this popular pastry
- Portable Snack: Enjoying a tasty, easy-to-carry snack while sightseeing in Öskemen
6. Kazakhshy Bukhara (Казахская Бухара)
A traditional Uzbek dish made with meat and rice, served in a clay pot. Try it at the restaurant, Shanyrak.
- Cultural Exchange: Tasting a dish that showcases Central Asian culinary influences
- Flavorful Experience: Experiencing the rich, aromatic flavors of this clay pot dish
- Communal Meal: Sharing a meal that represents Central Asian hospitality and tradition
7. Kazakh Manty (Казахские Манты)
Steamed dumplings filled with meat, onions, and spices. Try them at the restaurant, Maza.
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh dish made by local restaurants
- Flavor Variety: Tasting different fillings, such as meat and vegetables, in these flavorful dumplings
- Comfort Food: Indulging in a warming, comforting dish on a chilly day in Öskemen
8. Kazakh Shashlyk (Казахский Шашлык)
Grilled meat skewers seasoned with spices. Try it at the restaurant, Arystan.
- Flavorful Experience: Savoring the smoky, flavorful taste of Kazakh shashlyk
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh dish made by local restaurants
- Communal Meal: Sharing this popular dish with friends and family, as it's often enjoyed together
9. Kazakh Uzbek Chorek (Казахский Узбек Чорек)
A flatbread made with wheat and yogurt. Try it at the restaurant, Shanyrak.
- Cultural Exchange: Tasting a dish that showcases Uzbek culinary influences in Kazakhstan
- Flavorful Experience: Experiencing the mild, slightly sour flavor of this traditional flatbread
- Versatile Accompaniment: Enjoying chorek with various dishes, such as meat and vegetable stews
10. Kazakh Dastarkhan (Казахский Дастархан)
A traditional Kazakh banquet featuring a variety of dishes, including meat, vegetables, and bread. Try it at the restaurant, Arystan.
- Cultural Immersion: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh feast with various dishes
- Communal Meal: Sharing a meal that brings people together, as dastarkhan is traditionally served family-style
- Taste of Kazakhstan: Tasting a variety of traditional dishes from Kazakhstan's East region
11. Kazakh Shubat (Казахский Шубат)
A dish made with boiled meat, onions, and bread. Try it at the restaurant, Maza.
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh dish made by local restaurants
- Flavor Variety: Tasting different meats, such as lamb or beef, in this flavorful dish
- Comfort Food: Indulging in a warming, comforting dish on a chilly day in Öskemen
12. Kazakh Shorpa (Казахский Шорпа)
A hearty soup made with meat, vegetables, and spices. Try it at the restaurant, Arystan.
- Flavorful Experience: Tasting a rich, aromatic soup that warms the soul
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh dish made by local restaurants
- Comfort Food: Indulging in a hearty, warming soup on a chilly day in Öskemen
13. Kazakh Kymyz (Казахский Кымыз)
A traditional Kazakh fermented horse milk drink. Try it at local markets like Erkishe.
- Cultural Experience: Tasting a traditional Kazakh beverage made from horse milk
- Unique Flavor: Experiencing the slightly sour, tangy flavor of kymyz
- Health Benefits: Enjoying a beverage that's said to have health benefits, such as improved digestion and immunity
14. Kazakh Aqjyq (Ақжық)
A traditional Kazakh fermented camel milk drink. Try it at local markets like Erkishe.
- Cultural Experience: Tasting a traditional Kazakh beverage made from camel milk
- Unique Flavor: Experiencing the slightly tangy, salty flavor of aqjyq
- Health Benefits: Enjoying a beverage that's said to have health benefits, such as improved digestion and immunity
15. Kazakh Kebab (Казахский Кебаб)
Grilled meat skewers served with bread and onions. Try it at the street food vendor, Karasai.
- Flavorful Experience: Tasting tender, juicy kebabs cooked to perfection
- Cultural Taste: Experiencing a traditional Kazakh street food
- Easy Snack: Enjoying a quick, easy snack while exploring Öskemen's streets and attractions