Culture, Food & Drinks in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a land of endless steppes, proud traditions, and a deep sense of hospitality that you feel everywhere you go. Traveling through this vast country, you don’t just taste the local dishes—you experience centuries-old rituals, colorful folklore, and drinks that are rooted in the nomadic way of life.
Traditions and Hospitality
In Kazakhstan, hospitality isn’t just a custom—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re in a modern city or a remote yurt in the steppe, you will always be welcomed with warmth and respect. Traditions play a central role, from multi-day weddings to folk music performed on the dombra (a traditional lute) and throat singing that brings stories of ancestors and nature to life.
Food as a Way to Connect
Sharing a meal in Kazakhstan is more than just eating—it’s about community. Around a table full of food, people share stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging. The national dish beshbarmak (literally “five fingers”)—a hearty mix of meat and dough—is traditionally eaten by hand and symbolizes unity and togetherness.
The Kazakh Cuisine – Honest, Hearty, and Authentic
Kazakh cuisine reflects its nomadic heritage: nourishing, simple, and pure. Meat—usually beef, lamb, or horse—takes center stage, complemented by vegetables and dough-based dishes. In bigger cities like Almaty and Nursultan, you’ll find a delicious fusion of Russian, Uzbek, and even Korean influences that add a modern twist to the traditional flavors. Culinary highlights include:
- Beshbarmak – The national dish: boiled meat with wide noodles and a rich broth, eaten traditionally with your hands.
- Kazy – A flavorful horse sausage, often served at celebrations.
- Plov – A fragrant rice dish with meat and vegetables, famous across Central Asia but with its own Kazakh character.
- Kumys – Fermented mare’s milk, the signature drink of the steppes, slightly tart and refreshing.
- Baursak – Fluffy fried dough balls served with tea or honey.
- Morkovcha – A spicy carrot salad introduced by Korean immigrants that has become a local favorite.
Wander through local bazaars or sit down in a traditional yurt restaurant to truly taste Kazakhstan’s spirit—warm, authentic, and full of life.
Drinks in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, drinks are as much about connection as they are about flavor. You’ll rarely enter a home without being offered something to drink. Tea is central to daily life—strong, often with milk, and always shared. The national drink kumys, made from fermented mare’s milk, offers a tangy freshness, while shubat (fermented camel milk) is praised for its nutritional value. For those looking for something stronger, vodka remains a popular legacy from Soviet times, and you’ll also find locally produced wines and craft beers making their mark. Together, these drinks paint a vivid picture of Kazakh culture and its welcoming spirit.