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A country that is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, the heart of Kazakhstan also whispers stories of a nomadic past. A treasure trove of the most fascinating culinary delights, each food in Kazakhstan has its own unique tale to tell. A cuisine that portrays a seamless blend between traditions, flavours and culture, Kazakh cuisine owes its influences to the country’s nomadic heritage and Silk Road connections. With the traditional Kazakhstan food being largely shaped by the steppes of Central Asia, Kazakh cuisine is largely influenced by the different Asian cultures. A country that offers you the most unique gastronomic experience through its use of the various ingredients that are influenced by the region’s geography and one of a kind cooking style, the food in Kazakhstan is an integral part of their culture and identity. From aromatic flavours to the most wholesome meals, explore the incredible world of Kazakhstan street food with these Kazakhstan famous foods that are an absolute must try for the love of the foodie within you.
Explore the incredible world of Kazakhstan’s culinary delights with these popular regional delicacies
Kurt

A traditional Kazakhstan food that is also a beloved local dish, Kurt is extremely popular. Known for its unique taste and preparation method, this Kazakhstan dish is a kind of dried cheese that is made out of fermented milk. Shaped in the form of small balls or cylinders that are dried in the sun, it is the drying process of kurt that gives it the distinct flavour and texture. A Kazakhstan famous food that is generally consumed as an appetizer or a snack item, kurt has a tangy and salty taste, with hints of sourness. A convenient, durable and portable food item, kurt is a famous Almaty food that is largely found in the local markets of the city.
Kumis

A popular beverage in Kazakh cuisine, kumis holds a significant place in the culinary landscape of the country. Prepared from mare’s milk, kumis is a fermented dairy beverage with a distinct tangy flavour. Portraying hints of both sweet and sour tastes, kumis is also extremely healthy and refreshing. An essential among the foods in Kazakhstan, kumis has a variety of potential health benefits, which is believed to aid the digestion process, improves immunity and is also a great source of nutrients. A well known traditional Kazakhstan food, kumis has come down as a part of the country’s nomadic culture.
Shelpek

A Kazakh dish that is mainly enjoyed as a breakfast food item or a snack, Shelpek is a kind of local pastry. Portraying a delightful golden brown colour, prepared from a soft dough that is rolled out into small, circular shapes, Shelpek are a deep fried delicacy. A dish that has a crispy texture, Shelpek can be enjoyed in a number of ways. You can have them plain or alongside a dollop of butter, jam or honey for an enhanced flavour. A versatile dish that is also often had as a dessert item, Shelpek is widely available as a part of Kazakhstan street food.
Baursak

A quintessential part of the Kazakh cuisine that is widely available across the lengths and breadths of the country, Baursak works best as a delicious starter for every meal. An integral part of the Kazakh culture itself, Baursak are bite sized, golden, deep fried dough that is crispy on the outside, while being surprisingly soft from the inside. Portraying the perfect balance of savour and sweet flavours, these are single piece servings that are a part of every plate.
Samsa

A version of Indian food in Kazakhstan, Samsa is a popular part of Kazakhstan street food. Very much similar to the Indian samosa, Samsa is a kind of stuffed pastry, with multiple layers of pastry sheets which are baked and that envelope a savoury filling of minced meat and spices. Absolutely beautiful pastries with a characteristic smokey flavour due to the filling inside, the recipe of Samsa was brought to the country by the centuries-old Silk Road. Among Kazakhstan famous foods, this snack item is relished thoroughly throughout the country.
Manti

Kazakhstan’s very own take on dumplings, Manti are meat-filled and steamed dumplings that are packed with the most delightful flavours. Another recipe that was brought to Kazakhstan by the Silk Road, as part of its trade relations, Manti is a form of fusion food which over time became a part of the country’s culture. The unique feature about Manti is that these dumplings are essentially made out of wheat flour as opposed to the Chinese dumplings which are made from rice flour. With a little thicker dough and filled with generous amounts of fillings of either beef, lamb or pumpkin, Manti is a true delight to savour.
Kazakhstan chocolate

Undoubtedly one of the best foods in Kazakhstan, but it's a sweet delicacy, the Kazakhstan chocolate has taken the global market by storm! A globally renowned chocolate bar that is especially famous for its rich flavour, aroma and texture, Kazakhstan chocolate which is a well known Almaty food that first operated from the city itself. A locally manufactured delight that the entire world wants a bite of, this chocolate is definitely a star food in Kazakhstan.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.