Food In Almaty

Food History of Almaty, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's cuisine reflects the country's rich nomadic heritage, intertwined with influences from Russian, Korean, and other Central Asian cultures. The city of Almaty, once the capital and still the largest metropolis in Kazakhstan, showcases a diverse food scene that stems from its history as a Silk Road nexus. Traditionally, the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people emphasized meats and dairy products that could be easily transported and stored, such as horse meat and fermented mare's milk. With the arrival of Russian settlers and Soviet governance, the culinary landscape expanded to include vegetables, pasta, and pastry, ingredients that were previously uncommon.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Almaty, Kazakhstan

• Beshbarmak (Non-Veg): Known as the national dish of Kazakhstan, it's typically made with boiled meat but can also be found made with chicken for those avoiding red meat. Served over pasta and onions, it's a cultural staple.
• Kazy (Non-Veg): A traditional sausage made from horse meat, seasoned with garlic and spices, and typically smoked or dried. It's often sliced and served as an appetizer.
• Laghman (Non-Veg): A noodle dish with Chinese influences, it includes vegetables and can be served with different meat options.
• Manti (Non-Veg): These dumplings filled with minced meat (often lamb or chicken) are a popular staple and can occasionally come in vegetarian options filled with pumpkin or potato.
• Plov (Non-Veg): A hearty rice dish cooked with spices, carrots, onions, and meat such as lamb or chicken, making it another non-vegetarian essential in Kazakh cuisine.
• Samsa (Can be Veg or Non-Veg): Pastry pockets that can be filled with meat, but also quite commonly found with cheese or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Kuurdak (Non-Veg): A traditional stir-fry dish typically made with meat such as chicken, onions, and potatoes.
• Shashlik (Non-Veg): Skewered and grilled meat, similar to shish kebab, can come in a variety of meats including chicken.
• Kazakh Baursaks (Veg): These are small, fluffy pieces of fried bread and a comforting vegetarian-friendly snack.
• Bliny (Can be Veg or Non-Veg): Thin pancakes that can be served with various fillings including sweet options (jam, fruit, or sweet cheese) for vegetarians.

Top Famous Restaurants in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tandoor

Address: Satpayev St 32, Almaty 050040

Famous for: Indian cuisine providing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including a variety of curries and naans.

Gosti

Address: Abylai Khan Ave 82, Almaty 050004

Famous for: Traditional Russian and Kazakh dishes with a choice of meat entrees, soups, and salads, plus vegetarian dishes like draniki (potato pancakes).

Zheti Kazyna

Address: Zheltoksan St 66, Almaty 050004

Famous for: Authentic Kazakh national cuisine, featuring various meat dishes. Vegetarian options may be limited.

Govinda's

Address: Furmanov St 273, Almaty 050060

Famous for: Vegetarian and vegan dishes rooted in Indian cuisine, offering a wide range of flavorful, spice-infused options.

Coco Café

Address: Bogenbai Batyr St 123, Almaty 050000

Famous for: A variety of international dishes including vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and pasta alongside meat-based meals.

Alasha

Address: Ospanov St 20, Almaty

Famous for: Upscale dining with traditional Uzbek and Kazakh dishes complemented by an Oriental-style interior. The menu includes non-vegetarian specialties like shashlik and beshbarmak.

Tiubeteika

Address: Satpayev St 22, Almaty 050013

Famous for: Central Asian cuisine offering dishes like manti and plov, with options for meat eaters as well as vegetarian-friendly meals including veggie salads and soups.