Kazakhstan Famous Food: Traditional Dishes You Need to Try

Kazakhstan famous foods reflect the nation’s wide-open plains, rich nomadic heritage, and centuries-old culinary traditions. Kazakh cuisine is deeply rooted in culture and characterized by hearty, meat-centered dishes that warm both the body and soul. Influenced by Central Asian, Russian, and Turkic flavors, the food is comforting, bold, and full of character.

Let’s jump into Kazakhstan’s signature dishes, favorite local treats, street food must-tries, and the most popular spots to enjoy a satisfying meal with your loved ones.

Most Popular and Famous Kazakhstan Foods You Should Know

Curious about Central Asian flavors? Kazakhstan’s famous food offers a mix of bold, hearty, and traditional dishes. It comes from nomadic culture, Russian cuisine, and Turkic roots. This guide explores 27 famous food items you should try during your visit.

1. Beshbarmak

Known as the national dish, Beshbarmak is made from boiled horse or beef meat served over flat noodles, topped with onion sauce. It reflects the nomadic heritage and is a staple traditional food of Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Try it at local homes or popular restaurants in Kazakhstan, like Qazaq Gourmet or Alasha.
Price Range:	₸2,500–₸5,000 ($5–$10) (Approx ₹400-₹800)

2. Kazy (Qazı)

Kazy is a traditional sausage made from seasoned horse meat, served cold or pan-fried. It’s a delicacy reserved for special occasions and represents authentic food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Often served with Beshbarmak or in meat platters at restaurants like Zheti Kazyna.
Price Range:	₸3,000–₸6,000 (USD 6–$12) (Approx ₹500 – ₹1000)

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3. Shashlik

Shashlik are skewered and grilled meat cubes, typically lamb or beef. Marinated with spices, it’s one of the top dishes in Kazakhstan and commonly found in both restaurants and markets.

Must Try:	Available widely as street food in Kazakhstan and eateries like Line Brew.
Price Range:	₸1,500–₸3,000 ($3–$6) (Approx ₹250 – ₹500)

4. Kuurdak

Kuurdak is a fried dish of lamb or beef liver, kidneys, and fat with onions and potatoes. It’s a hearty, protein-rich meal from the traditional food of Kazakhstan category.

Must Try:	Served in local homes and traditional restaurants like Navat.
Price Range:	₸2,000–₸4,000 (USD $4–$8) (Approx ₹320 – ₹650)

5. Plov (Palau)

Plov is a rice dish cooked with lamb or beef, carrots, and garlic. It’s commonly served at gatherings and is among the best foods to try in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Enjoy it at restaurants like Tyubeteika or in local markets.
Price Range:	₸1,800–₸3,500 (USD $3.50–$7) (Approx ₹300 – ₹570)

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6. Manty

Manty are large steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, typically lamb, mixed with onions. Juicy and flavorful, they are a must-try food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Try at food courts, street stalls, or restaurants like Rumi.
Price Range:	₸1,000–₸2,500 (USD $2–$5) (Approx ₹150 – ₹400)

7. Lagman

Lagman is a Uyghur-style noodle soup with beef or lamb and vegetables. The hand-pulled noodles and savory broth make it one of the top dishes in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Served hot in eateries across Almaty and Astana, including Navat and Qazaq Gourmet.
Price Range:	₸1,500–₸3,000 (USD $3–$6) (Approx ₹245 – ₹500)

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8. Baursak with Meat

Baursak are fried dough balls often served with meat stews or grilled meats. Soft and golden, they are comfort food with deep cultural ties and are part of authentic food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Pair with Kuurdak or stew at traditional eateries or family-run cafes.
Price Range:	₸1,000–₸2,000 (USD $2–$4) (Approx ₹150 – ₹300)

9. Baursak

Baursak are small, round pieces of fried dough, soft inside and golden outside. Traditionally served with tea, they are a beloved comfort food and part of authentic food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Great as a snack or starter in homes and at popular restaurants in Kazakhstan, like Navat.
Price Range:	₸800–₸1,500 (USD $1.50–$3) (Approx ₹130 – ₹245)

10. Vegetable Samosa

Samosa is a baked pastry, and the vegetarian version is often filled with pumpkin or potatoes. Crisp on the outside, warm and spiced inside, it’s a common street food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Find it at street vendors, bakeries, or small cafés in Almaty and Astana.
Price Range:	₸500–₸1,200 (USD $1–$2.50) (Approx ₹80 – ₹200)

11. Vegetarian Lagman

This version of Lagman uses hand-pulled noodles in a rich vegetable broth with peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s light yet filling, making it one of the best foods to try in Kazakhstan for vegetarians.

Must Try:	Offered at Rumi and other Central Asian cuisine restaurants.
Price Range:	₸1,500–₸2,800 (USD $3–$5.50)(Approx ₹245 – ₹460)

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12. Plov (Vegetarian)

Vegetarian plov includes rice cooked with carrots, onions, and spices—no meat, but all the flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish from the traditional food of Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Available at most traditional restaurants on request, including Tyubeteika.
Price Range:	₸1,500–₸2,500 (USD $3–$5) (Approx ₹245 – ₹410)

13. Russian Salads (Olivier, Vinegret)

Olivier and Vinegret are cold, creamy salads made with potatoes, peas, and beets. These Russian-style dishes are common in Kazakhstan and part of its shared culinary culture.

Must Try:	Easily found in cafes, restaurants, and home meals across the country.
Price Range:	₸1,000–₸2,000 (USD $2–$4)(Approx ₹165 – ₹410)

14. Grilled Vegetable Shashlik

This vegetarian take on shashlik features skewered, grilled eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms. It’s flavorful and a healthy option among the must-try food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Available in mixed grills at restaurants like Line Brew or Alasha.
Price Range:	₸1,200–₸2,500 (USD $2.50–$5) (Approx ₹195 – ₹410)

15. Lepeshka (Bread)

Lepeshka is a round, flatbread baked in a clay oven, crisp on the outside and soft inside. It accompanies almost every meal and reflects authentic food in Kazakhstan culture.

Must Try:	Try freshly baked Lepeshka at bazaars or local bakeries.
Price Range:	₸200–₸600 (USD $0.50–$1) (Approx ₹32 – ₹100)

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16. Chak-Chak

Chak-Chak is a sticky, sweet dessert made of deep-fried dough balls coated in honey syrup. It’s crunchy, addictive, and a favorite during celebrations. A true part of authentic food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Available in local bakeries, food fairs, and traditional restaurants.
Price Range:	₸1,000–₸2,000 (USD $2–$4) (Approx ₹160 – ₹330)

17. Shelpek with Sugar

Shelpek is a traditional fried flatbread, often served warm with sugar or jam for a sweet version. Simple and comforting, it’s a staple in Kazakh households and part of the traditional food of Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Best enjoyed with tea at local homes or small eateries.
Price Range:	₸500–₸1,000 (USD $1–$2) (Approx ₹81 – ₹160)

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18. Kurt with Honey

Kurt is a salty, dried cheese ball, but locals enjoy it with honey for a unique dessert twist. It’s unusual but reflects authentic food in Kazakhstan with a creative balance of salty and sweet.

Must Try:	Look for it at ethnic food markets or rural cafés.
Price Range:	₸700–₸1,500 (USD $1.50–$3)(Approx ₹110 – ₹245)

19. Zhalpyak (Sweet Pancakes)

Zhalpyak are Kazakh-style sweet pancakes, often flavored with sugar or fruit preserves. They’re soft, slightly crispy on the edges, and served hot, a comfort dessert from the traditional food of Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Common in home kitchens or tea houses.
Price Range:	₸800–₸1,800 (USD $1.50–$3.50)(Approx ₹130 – ₹300)

20. Halva (Central Asian Style)

This version of halva is made with flour, butter, and sugar, resulting in a crumbly, rich texture. Popular during festivals and family gatherings, it’s a part of the must-try food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Try it at traditional sweets shops or during festive seasons.
Price Range:	₸1,000–₸2,200 (USD $2–$4.50)(Approx ₹160 – ₹360)

21. Tandoori Samosa

Tandoor samosa is one of Kazakhstan’s top dishes and a staple street food. These triangular pastries are baked in a traditional clay oven (tandoor), giving them a smoky, crispy crust. They’re filled with juicy minced lamb, beef, or spiced potato. This authentic food is widely favored over regular oven-baked samsas for its rich, traditional flavor.

Must Try:	Try the lamb or pumpkin variant for a truly authentic experience.
Price Range:	$1.50–$2.50 per piece from street vendors, (Approx ₹130 – ₹200)

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22. Kompot (Fruit Punch Drink)

Kompot is a naturally sweet beverage made by boiling dried or fresh fruits like apricots, apples, or raisins. It’s served chilled in summer and warm in winter, making it a versatile drink for any season. It’s a must-try when you’re exploring street food in Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Go for the mixed fruit or apricot version for a refreshing drink after a heavy meal.
Price Range:	$0.80–$1.50 per cup or bottle, (Approx ₹70 – ₹130)

23. Koktal (Smoked Fish Platter)

Koktal is a smoked freshwater fish, typically carp or trout, marinated with spices, onions, and vegetables, then slow-cooked over an open flame. A must-try food in Kazakhstan, it’s often served in small foil trays by vendors, making it a convenient street food in Kazakhstan. Its smoky flavor makes it a standout in the traditional food of Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Order the trout version with a lemon-herb topping if available.
Price Range:	$5.00–$7.00 per portion (market stalls or food trucks), (Approx ₹420 – ₹600)

24. Chelpek with Honey

Chelpek is a soft, slightly chewy fried bread similar to a flat doughnut, commonly found as street food in Kazakhstan. Served warm, it’s often drizzled with honey or berry jam for added sweetness. This authentic food in Kazakhstan is a simple yet satisfying snack, perfect with tea or for a quick bite on the go.

Must Try:	Ask for fresh chelpek topped with wild berry jam for a sweet local twist.
Price Range:	$0.50–$1.00 per piece,(Approx ₹42 – ₹85)

25. Taba Nan Pizza

Taba Nan is a traditional Kazakh flatbread, used as the base for a unique street pizza. Topped with cheese, vegetables, and meat, it’s baked until golden, offering a fusion of Kazakhstan’s traditional food with global flavors. A must-try food in Kazakhstan, it’s a quick and delicious snack found at local food stalls.

Must Try:	Opt for the version with a mix of vegetables and local cheese for an authentic experience.
Price Range:	$2.00–$4.00 per serving, (Approx ₹160 – ₹340)

26. Shubat Smoothie

Shubat is fermented camel milk, famous for its tangy, slightly sour taste. A popular street food in Kazakhstan, it’s now often blended with honey, berries, or mint, creating a refreshing and nutritious drink. This authentic food in Kazakhstan provides a quick energy boost, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the local beverages.

Must Try:	Try the honey-flavoured version if you’re not familiar with the taste of fermented milk.
Price Range:	$2.00–$3.00 per bottle, (Approx ₹160 – ₹250)

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27. Toguskan Shai (Herbal Street Tea)

Toguskan Shai is a traditional Kazakh herbal tea made from local herbs like mint, thyme, or sage. Often brewed fresh on the streets, it’s served hot and is a popular street food in Kazakhstan. This calming tea is especially favored during colder months, offering a soothing taste of the traditional food of Kazakhstan.

Must Try:	Order it with a bit of honey or sugar to complement the earthy, herbaceous flavor.
Price Range:	$1.00–$1.50 per cup (Approx ₹85 – ₹130)

Popular Restaurants in Kazakhstan

Discover the best places to savor Kazakhstan’s unique flavors, from traditional Kazakh cuisine to international favorites, at these popular dining spots.

• Zheruiyk: A well-known restaurant serving traditional Kazakh cuisine with a modern twist.
• Café de Paris: A French-inspired café offering a mix of European and Kazakh dishes in a cozy setting.
• Line Brew: A popular steakhouse with a focus on grilled meats and classic European fare.
• Mendel’s: An upscale restaurant offering gourmet European and fusion dishes with high-end service.
• The Green House: Known for its fresh ingredients and healthy food options, focusing on organic and vegetarian dishes.
• Shashlychnaya: Famous for its traditional Kazakh grilled meats and barbecue options, perfect for a casual dining experience.

FAQs

What is Kazakhstan’s National Food?

Beshbarmak is the national food of Kazakhstan, made with boiled meat, wide noodles, and onion broth.

Is Kazakhstan’s food Cheap?

Yes, street food and local eateries are generally affordable; high-end restaurants can be pricey.

What type of food is eaten in Kazakhstan?

Kazakh food is meat-heavy, featuring lamb, beef, horse, dairy, and flatbreads, with growing vegetarian options.

What is a typical breakfast in Kazakhstan?

Bread with jam or cheese, eggs, porridge, tea, or fermented dairy drinks like kumis are common.

Which are the famous restaurants in Kazakhstan?

Popular ones include Zheruiyk, Line Brew, Mendel’s, Café de Paris, and The Green House.