Food In Shymkent

Food History of Shymkent, Kazakhstan

The culinary history of Shymkent, like much of Kazakhstan, is deeply intertwined with the nomadic lifestyle of its early inhabitants. The region's cuisine has been influenced by various cultures, including Uzbek, Russian, and Uyghur, due to historical interactions through trade and conquest. Typically, the diet centered around what was available to the herdsmen, such as horse meat, mutton, and dairy products. With urbanization and globalization, Shymkent's food scene has evolved, incorporating vegetables, grains, and an array of spices while still maintaining traditional cooking methods such as grilling and stewing.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Shymkent, Kazakhstan for Tourists

1. Beshbarmak (Non-Veg): Usually made with horse meat or lamb, Beshbarmak is a rich stew served over flat noodles, and it's considered Kazakhstan's national dish.
2. Lagman (Non-Veg): This dish has noodles served with a hearty vegetable and meat sauce, drawing influences from Uyghur cuisine.
3. Manti (Non-Veg): These dumplings filled with minced meat (often lamb) are a popular dish in Shymkent and can be served boiled or steamed.
4. Shashlik (Non-Veg): Skewered and grilled chunks of marinated meat, commonly chicken, lamb, or fish.
5. Kuurdak (Non-Veg): A traditional stir-fried dish made with meat (lamb or beef) and onions, sometimes with the addition of potatoes or bell peppers.
6. Samsa (Non-Veg): Pastry pockets filled with meat, typically lamb or chicken, and baked or fried to a golden brown.
7. Shelpek (Veg): A flatbread that's often fried, making it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
8. Qurt (Veg): A type of dried, salty cheese snack made from sour milk, it's known for its pungent taste and is often enjoyed as an accompaniment to beer.
9. Chak-chak (Veg): A sweet treat made from fried dough coated in honey, commonly served during celebrations and festivities.
10. Zhent (Veg): A traditional dessert made from millet, sugar, and butter, sometimes with the addition of dried fruits and nuts.

Top Famous Restaurants in Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Bar Villa

Address: Tauke Khan Ave 40, Shymkent

Famous Food: Lagman (Non-Veg)

Rumi

Address: Respubliki Ave, Shymkent

Famous Food: Shashlik (Non-Veg)

Megapolis

Address: Kunaev Boulevard, Shymkend

Famous Food: Samsa (Non-Veg)

Gosti

Address: 16 Zhibek Zholy Street, Shymkent

Famous Food: Beshbarmak (Non-Veg)

Sayram

Address: Momyshuly Street 16, Shymkent

Famous Food: Kuurdak (Non-Veg)

Azhar

Address: Protazanov Street, Shymkent

Famous Food: Shelpek (Veg) and Chak-chak (Veg)

When visiting these restaurants, do note that traditional Kazakh meals often revolve around meat dishes, but vegetarian options may be found, typically through various breads, dairy products, and sweets.