Almaty’s Auyl restaurant recently named Named one of Prix Versailles’ 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World, the restaurant reflects the neo-nomadic spirit of Kazakh cuisine. Inspired by this recognition, The Astana Times News Editor Aida Haidar explores what defines Kazakh cuisine and the deep-rooted connection between food and the essence of home for Kazakhs.

ASTANA — Foreigners are often advised to try local dishes when they come to Kazakhstan. Since it is at the center of horse meat, the idea of ​​eating it may seem exotic to many people. After all, it’s not something you can easily find in any restaurant abroad or the local butcher around the corner.

Photo credit: auylrestaurant/Shutterstock/Selfie’s archive

This makes Kazakh cuisine one of the most intriguing yet surprisingly simple cuisines for many food lovers who travel the world in search of new flavors and vibrant dishes.

Aida Haidar, Astana Times News Editor. Photo credit: Aibarshyn Akhmetkali

As an avid traveler myself, I always enjoy tasting local cuisines. I try to approach every culinary experience with an open mind; I try to embrace the unique flavors and ingredients that await me without any preconceptions.

This is the first piece of advice I would give to any foreigner coming to Kazakhstan, especially those who are surprised (or even frightened) by the amount of meat we consume. In our harsh climate and brutal winters, meat has been a source of income for generations. Today we live in comfortable houses with heating, but imagine what it was like for the Kazakhs living in their traditional yurts!

I often joke with my foreign friends that this “meat” diet was a major factor in Kazakhstan’s ability to secure such a large territory, now the ninth largest in the world. I’m not sure we can achieve this on a vegetarian diet.

But that’s enough; Now that you’re in Kazakhstan, where should you go to try the local food?

One of Kazakhstan’s many advantages is its openness to different cultures. Since the days of the Great Silk Road, welcoming foreigners has never been a problem; in fact, it became a sign of a thriving economy and vibrant trade. This cultural exchange, of course, had significant effects on the food industry.

My personal favorite: marrow bones served with baursak (fluffy toast), balqaimaq (traditional Kazakh cream) and flatbread. Photo credit: Aida’s personal archive

Looking back two decades, it is clear that the taste of Kazakh cuisine anticipated the rise of European and other international cuisines. However, in recent years there has been a visible change as the Kazakh people have turned inward, rediscovering and celebrating their own culinary heritage. The restaurant scene has evolved, with new establishments dedicated to Kazakh cuisine opening across the country. Both established and up-and-coming chefs are inspired by nature and local ingredients to create creative dishes that reflect the richness of Kazakh culture.

A must-visit for anyone coming to Almaty is the Ayul restaurant, located at the foot of the Shimbulak mountains. Here, guests are offered not only a taste experience but also a visual feast. The interior design immerses you in a neo-nomadic world where you can sit at a round table on the floor; just like my family often hosted guests when I was growing up. The warmth and familiarity of this tradition makes Ayul feel at home.

Located at the foothills of the Chimbulak Mountains, Ayul is a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Photo credit: Ayul restaurant

Ayul’s prominent dishes include baursak (fluffy toast)marrow bones served with balqaimaq (traditional Kazakh cream) and flatbread. An important element of Kazakh cuisine, fat adds a divine richness to the dish and gives the feeling of abundant energy that nomads could sustain on long horseback treks across the vast steppes.

If you find yourself in Astana, especially during the winter months, do not miss Qazaq Gurme, where you can try “beshbarmak”, a traditional dish made from horse meat and dough. This dish forms the centerpiece of every important event in Kazakh life. My mom and I often do this when we want to reward ourselves or need to relax after a long, stressful day. For us, feast and dessert go together.

Horse meat broth served with beshbarmak is also one of the popular flavors of Kazakh cuisine. It’s not just a meal, it’s an exhilarating experience; It’s something we drink on its own to replenish our energy and clear our minds, especially when we’re tired. It is an extremely comforting food that can revitalize both body and soul.

This place offers the chance to immerse yourself in a Kazakh interior re-imagined by today’s Kazakhs. While it’s unclear whether traditional Kazakh yurts are filled with such vibrant colors, furniture, and pillows, this establishment still offers a unique opportunity to try authentic Kazakh food while providing a glimpse of what life might have been like in the past.

Astana also has another spot to experience Kazakh-inspired cuisine at Selfie in Astana. But this is a different culinary experience, blending the modern nomadic spirit with luxurious taste and spectacular views. Located on the 18th floor, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Astana, a reflection of the breadth and ambition of Kazakhstan.

Local ingredients are the focus of the Kazakh-inspired menu, and each dish highlights the richness of Kazakhstan’s natural products. A truly unique experience, the horse heart tartare is one of the highlights. But my personal favorite is the traditional Kazakh tea-inspired ice cream.

My personal favorite: ice cream inspired by traditional Kazakh tea. Photo credit: Selfie’s archive

Kazakh tea is a central element of the nation’s identity, with a special brewing method and the use of milk with a high fat content. The color of the tea is also important. It’s more than just a drink; It is a symbol of bringing family and guests together, offering a feeling of warmth and comfort even when the weather is cold or life is stressful. Whether enjoyed alone or in groups, Kazakhs take their tea seriously. Tasting ice creams with the same flavors gives you a feeling of home from a different perspective. Its velvety texture allows you to enjoy both luxury and home warmth in one bite.

While it may sound tempting and these restaurants offer great experiences, my advice is to make a Kazakh friend while you’re here. You’ll definitely find yourself invited to a Kazakh home to try homemade beshbarmak, served in a more modest setting than a professional kitchen. It is in the hands of mothers and grandmothers to transform simple ingredients into a dish that not only satisfies hunger, but also nourishes the longing for home and connection that many of us feel in today’s world.

Even the chef Evgeny Chekanin, who I interviewed This September, he shared that the best beshbarmak he had ever tasted was prepared not by a famous chef, but by an ordinary Kazakh woman at home. For Kazakhs, food is intertwined with the concept of home. For our ancestors who were constantly on the move, home was a place where they could gather around a hearty meal. And to this day, no matter where we are, our meals bring the same feeling of home.