From Beshbarmak To Kuurdak: 10 Dishes You Must Try In Kazakhstan

Nidhi Kadere

Palau (Kazakh Pilaf)

It is a rice-based dish that consists of many ingredients like onions, carrots, spices, and meat. If you don’t want meat, you can request the restaurant to add vegetables to Palau. 

Palau or Kazakh Pilaf | Shutterstock

Kuurdak

Made with roasted or deep-fried meat, garlic, onions, and potatoes, Kuurdak has a vast foodaholic base. The dish is originally from Kyrgyzstan, bu is also famous in Kazakhstan.

Kuurdak | Shutterstock

Beshbarmak

Kazakhstan's national dish, Beshbarmak, contains boiled meat, thin pasta sheets, and a sauce made of meat broth, onions, salt, and pepper. Beshbarmak means “five fingers”, which signifies how nomadic people eat it with their hands.

Beshbarmak | Shutterstock

Koktal

Kotkal is a hot smoked fish that hides secret flavours inside. It is prepared from freshwater fish. The ingredients used in this cuisine are sweet peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Koktal | Shutterstock

Manti

It is a steamed dumpling enriched with the softness of thin dough and the rich taste of fillings. The typical ingredients of Manti are spiced meat, chopped pumpkin, and a bit of black pepper. Kazakhs serve this dish with sour cream and an onion or garlic sauce.

Manti | Shutterstock

Shelpek

It is made from dough consisting of sour cream, flour, milk, baking soda, sugar, salt, and butter. It is deep-fried in vegetable oil till it gets golden brown. Shelpeks are usually served with cheese, jam, or sour cream accompanied by a cup of tea. 

Shelpek | Shutterstock

Tandyr Nan

It is a traditional Central Asian bread baked in a clay oven which is called a Tandyr. The main components of this bread are water, a pinch of salt, and flour. It is eaten with meat dishes, including Plov, Beshbarmak, and horse meat stew.

Tandyr Nan | Shutterstock

Chak Chak

A sweet Kazakhstan cuisine, the main elements of this dish are flour, oil, honey, etc. Prepared during festivals and occasions, such as weddings and family reunions, it signifies the hospitality of the Kazakh people.

Chak Chak | Shutterstock

Irimshik

A national dessert of Kazakhstan, Irimshik symbolises joy, abundance, and togetherness. Its main ingredients are wheat flour, butter and sugar.

Irimshik | kokterek_agro/Instagram

Nan-Salma

Nan-Salma consists of meat, gravy, noodles, onions and aromatic spices. Satiates your soul with this aromatic broth and savour the tender noodles of Nan-Salma.

Nan-Salma | batin_soup/Instagram

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