10 Essential Foods to Try in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, a country with outstandingly beautiful landscapes as well as an event-filled gastronomic experience is definitely advisable. Here, the cuisine has roots in nomadic cuisine, hearty meals, savory meats, and traditional cooking techniques bequeathed from generation to generation. Before you relish the local delicacies, however, do not forget to obtain your Kyrgyzstan Visa sorted in advance.

Kyrgyz food is simple, rich, and land bound. Dining in Bishkek’s capital city or your home cooked meal in a rural yurt, the food experience is one of the best ways to get to grips with local culture. Here are 10 delicious dishes that have to be tried when visiting Kyrgyzstan.

Here are the 10 Essential Foods to Try in Kyrgyzstan

1. Beshbarmak

As the national dish of Kyrgyzstan, beshbarmak gets its name from the fact that it is typically eaten with the hands. Boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over handmade noodles and topped with onion based sauce constitutes a savory dish. Beshbarmak is rich, filling and flavorful but more than that, it’s a cultural experience.

2. Laghman

Laghman is a popular noodle dish which is a part of Uyghur cuisine but is popular all over Kyrgyzstan. The noodles are hand pulled and stir fried with chunks of meat and colors veggies in a tasty broth. The combination of chewy noodles and spiced meat, is just a delight, it is a meal you’ll love again and again.

3. Plov

This is not only a dish of Kyrgyzstan but a dish of all Central Asia. The dish is made from rice and contains the chopped carrots, onion, garlic, and chunks of meat most often lamb. You’ll also find it at casual eateries and it’s usually prepared in large pots for celebrations. The flavours are slow cooked enough that every bite is memorable.

4. Samsa

Samsa serves as a popular food for many Kyrgyz residents. These are doughy pastries filled with minced beef, onions, and occasionally cheese or pumpkin. Samsas are baked in tandoor style ovens and are crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Forked strawberries that can be eaten on the go, they are perfect for a day of exploring.

5. Manti

Steamed dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat and onions, manti are. Sour cream or a light chili sauce is usually served with them. The dough is thin, but the juicy filling stays in place, each bite is rich and satisfying. This dish is typically prepared for visitors and important events, demonstrating Kyrgyz hospitality.

6. Shashlik

Shashlik (succulent chunks of meat marinated and grilled over open coals) is Kyrgyzstan’s version of the kebab. This dish is served at roadside stalls and evening food markets with raw onions and flatbread. Shashlik is a crowd pleaser when it comes to meat lovers, because the smoky aroma and juicy meat.

7. Boorsok

Boorsok is just a little triangular, buttery dough, deep fried until golden brown and beloved simply. The bread bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and they are usually served with tea or alongside main meals. They are also symbols of hospitality and when guests come to Kyrgyz homes, they are often the first thing offered.

8. Kuurdak

Kuurdak is a pan fried meat, onion and potato rustic dish. It’s traditionally cooked in a large, rich and hearty meal in a cauldron over an open flame. Kuurdak is a warm, filling meal, one that harks back to a Kyrgyzstan where pastoralism was key and that is often served at family gatherings and during colder months.

9. Chuchuk

Horse meat sausage seasoned with garlic and spices and smoked or boiled is called chuchuk. It may be an unusual dish for some visitors, but it is a traditional and festive dish. An often served special occasion chuchuk is a flavourful but adventurous gateway to Kyrgyz cuisine.

10. Kymyz

Mare’s milk is fermented to make a traditional drink called kymyz. It has a slightly sour and fizzy taste but is believed to be good for health. Kymyz has been relied on for centuries by nomadic herders, especially in summer. The taste might be acquired, but you have to try it when visiting Kyrgyzstan.

Final Thoughts

A journey through Kyrgyzstan’s food is warm, traditional and unforgettable. Each dish takes you through the nomadic life, the historic culture of this country. Eating’s not the only thing, it is about connecting with people and their lifestyle.

If you want to go and enjoy this culinary adventure personally, then Apply Kyrgyzstan Visa from India before your trip. Once you land, follow your taste buds and you’ll find every meal in Kyrgyzstan will tell its own story to be savoured.