Top 7 dishes in Kazakhstan: Unique flavors from the Central Asian steppe

Kazakhstan – a large country in Central Asia, is not only famous for its majestic nature but also has a unique cuisine, combining nomadic culture and influences from Russian and Mongolian cuisine. Kazakh dishes are deeply traditional, using a lot of red meat, milk and flour – familiar ingredients of nomads. Below is a list of the top 7 dishes in Kazakhstan that you should not miss when visiting this country.

1. Beshbarmak

Beshbarmak is a traditional dish considered the "national dish" of Kazakhstan (Photo source: Collected)

Beshbarmak is a traditional dish considered the "national dish" of Kazakhstan. The name Beshbarmak in Kazakh means "five fingers", because this dish is usually eaten with hands. This is a dish in Kazakhstan of nomadic origin, made from lamb or horse meat, served with flat noodles and a rich broth.
The process of preparing Beshbarmak is quite elaborate, when the meat is boiled thoroughly to keep it soft, the broth is rich in flavor and the noodles are hand-kneaded. When eating, Kazakhs often serve this dish on a large plate for the whole family to enjoy, showing the spirit of solidarity and community cohesion. If you have the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan, try Beshbarmak to fully experience the culinary culture of this country.

2. Kazy

Kazy is a specialty horse meat sausage (Photo source: Collected)

If you are a fan of horse meat, Kazy is definitely a dish in Kazakhstan that cannot be missed. This is a special horse meat sausage, processed according to the traditional method, with a rich and fatty flavor.
Kazakhs often make Kazy by taking the flank meat of a horse, marinating it with salt and spices, then stuffing it into the horse's intestines and letting it dry naturally or smoke it. When eaten, the sausage is boiled or fried to enhance the flavor. This dish often appears during important festivals or parties, showing the wealth and hospitality of the Kazakh people.

3. Shashli

Shashlik is a dish of Russian cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

As a country heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan also has its share of Russian-inspired dishes, with Shashlik being one of the most popular. This is a grilled skewered meat dish, similar to a Middle Eastern kebab, but with its own unique marinade and preparation.
Shashlik is made from lamb, beef or chicken, marinated with onions, vinegar and spices before being skewered and grilled over charcoal. When cooked, the meat has a crispy crust, soft and fragrant inside. This dish is often served with raw vegetables, bread or spicy sauce, creating an unforgettable harmonious flavor.

4. Baursak

Baursak is a typical Kazakh donut (Photo source: Collected)

In the list of dishes in Kazakhstan, we cannot fail to mention Baursak - a typical Kazakh donut. These small, round, golden-yellow cakes are fried and often appear in festivals, weddings or family meals.
Baursak is made from flour, milk, yeast and a little sugar, then deep-fried to have a crispy crust and a soft, spongy inside. When eating, Kazakhs often dip the cake in honey or condensed milk, creating a sweet, rich flavor. This is not only a delicious dish but also has the meaning of luck and prosperity in Kazakh culture.

5. Kurt

Kurt is a dry cheese, has a strong salty taste and is made from fermented milk (Image source: Collected)

If you like exploring exotic foods, Kurt is a Kazakhstani dish you should try. It is a dry, salty cheese made from fermented milk, then dried to preserve it for a long time.
Kurt comes in many different shapes, from small round balls to long bars, and is often eaten as a snack or taken along on long nomadic trips. Because of its rather salty and rich flavor, Kurt is often eaten with milk tea to neutralize the taste. This is one of the most typical dishes of Kazakh cuisine, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle and creativity in food preservation.

6. Lagman

Lagman is a popular noodle dish, originating from Uyghur cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

Among the dishes in Kazakhstan, Lagman is a popular noodle dish, originating from Uyghur cuisine but adapted by Kazakhs to suit their taste. This is a nutritious dish, with a combination of chewy noodles, beef or lamb and a rich broth.
Lagman can be prepared in two ways: wet or dry. The wet version has a rich broth, fragrant with vegetables and spices, while the dry version has noodles fried with meat and vegetables. Either way, Lagman is a favorite dish in Kazakhstan, especially on cold days.

7. Mantle

Manti is a steamed dumpling originating from Türkiye (Photo source: Collected)

Manti are a type of steamed dumpling that originated in Türkiye but has become a staple of the Kazakh diet. The small dumplings, filled with lamb or beef, are steamed and served with sour cream or spicy sauce.
The special feature of Manti in Kazakhstan is the thin crust, the meat filling is marinated and sometimes onions or pumpkin are added to enhance the flavor. This dish often appears in family meals or special occasions, showing the cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.
Kazakh cuisine is imbued with the spirit of nomads, with dishes rich in protein, rich in flavor and deeply culturally significant. From traditional Beshbarmak to the exquisite Manti, each dish in Kazakhstan tells a story about the history, customs and way of life of the people here. If you have the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan, do not forget to enjoy these special dishes to learn more about the unique cuisine of the vast Central Asian country.

Source: https://travel.com.vn/tin-tuc-du-lich/mon-an-o-kazakhstan-v16876.aspx