Food History of Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), Kazakhstan, does not have a distinctive food history of its own, as it is fundamentally an architectural marvel and a cultural center rather than a culinary destination. Constructed as a symbol of unity among the various ethnic and religious groups in Kazakhstan, the Palace is an embodiment of the country's progressive vision and aspiration. However, Kazakhstan's cuisine reflects a rich nomadic history blended with Russian and neighboring influences, which can be sampled throughout Nur-Sultan, including areas around the Palace.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
While visiting the capital city of Kazakhstan, tourists can indulge in a variety of traditional dishes that showcase the region's flavors:
- Beshbarmak (Non-Veg) - A hearty dish traditionally made with horse meat or mutton, served over pasta and typically accompanied by a meat broth known as "shorpa."
- Kazy (Non-Veg) - A sausage-like delicacy made from horse rib meat and seasoned with garlic and spices.
- Manti (Non-Veg) - Large dumplings filled with minced meat, typically lamb or beef, and sometimes pumpkin or potatoes.
- Baursak (Veg) - A type of bread that is deep-fried to golden perfection, served as a side or as a snack.
- Shashlik (Non-Veg) - Skewered and grilled cubes of meat, similar to kebabs and usually made from various types of meat except for beef.
- Kuurdak (Non-Veg) - A traditional meat dish (typically sheep meat) sautéed with onions and sometimes potatoes.
- Samsa (Non-Veg/Veg) - Triangular pastry pies that can be filled with meat or vegetarian fillings like spinach and cheese.
- Lagman (Non-Veg/Veg) - A noodle soup that combines meat or vegetables with a spicy broth and long, stretched noodles.
- Kurt (Veg) - Salty dried cheese balls, a popular Kazakh snack that is high in protein.
- Chak-Chak (Veg) - A sweet dessert made of deep-fried dough coated in honey and sometimes garnished with nuts.
Top Famous Restaurants in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
While exploring Nur-Sultan's dining scene, here are some of the top restaurants that stand out for their culinary offerings:
- Line Brew
- Address: Dostyk street 9, Nur-Sultan
- Famous for: Manti (Non-Veg), Shashlik (Non-Veg), and local beers.
- Arasan Wellness & SPA
- Address: 9 Turan Ave, Nur-Sultan
- Famous for: A variety of national dishes, with vegetarian options available.
- Rumi
- Address: 9 Imanov Street, Nur-Sultan
- Famous for: Central Asian cuisine, including vegetarian lagman (Veg/Non-Veg).
- The Square
- Address: Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Nur-Sultan
- Famous for: Contemporary cuisine with both non-veg and vegetarian plates.
- Ali Baba
- Address: Saryarka Blvd 4, Nur-Sultan
- Famous for: Eastern cuisine, offering a selection of kebabs (Non-Veg) and vegetarian appetizers.
Please keep in mind that some dishes listed can be adapted to vegetarian preferences, especially in upscale restaurants catering to international tourists.