If you have not been to Kyrgyzstan then you are truly missing out. The people are great, the scenery is stunning, and there is more communist tack than you can shake a shitty stick at. And then there is Kyrghiz food.
Kyrghiz food, or Kyrgyzstani cuisine, is bloody awesome! And despite what you might think, it is not all just horse and kebab, although these are still pretty important. In fact, because it is sandwiched between the other Central Asian nations and China, what you get is a proper culinary feast. Here’s my guide to Kyrghiz food.
Table of Contents
What the Kyrgyzstani Cuisine?
Kyrgyz cuisine is shaped by centuries of nomadic life, when people travelled with their livestock rather than settling in one place. That is why meat, dairy and bread dominate almost every meal, with horse, mutton and beef being the stars of the show.
Noodles and dumplings are also common thanks to centuries of trade with China, while dishes such as plov reflect the influence of neighbouring Uzbekistan. The end result is a cuisine that is hearty, simple and designed to fill you up rather than impress you with fancy presentation. If you like meat, then Kyrgyzstan is one of the best countries in Asia to eat.
Street Food Kyrgyzstan
There is not a street food scene as you might see in China or other Central Asian countries as such, but that is not to say it does not exist. BBQ restaurants are everywhere and these range from super posh to, well, street food. Food carts are also a Kyrgyzstani thing and quite often you will see people out cooking up a meat storm, although I even saw burgers being done.
There are also epic street drinks, with Shoro’s Maksym and Jarma sold on street corners across the country, while fermented horse milk is also very readily available. Overall it is a pretty decent street food and meat scene.
15 must try Kyrghiz Foods in Kyrgyzstan!
Honestly, after five days I really feel like I did not try everything that I could have in the country. I did, though, eat a lot of really great stuff, much of it horse or noodle based, so I feel I can state the best Kyrghiz foods to try. Well, at least 15 of them.
15. Kattama
A flaky layered flatbread that is pan fried until golden brown. It is often eaten with tea, but also works brilliantly alongside grilled meat and soups.
14. Boorsok
Little pieces of deep fried dough that appear at breakfast tables, celebrations and pretty much every family meal. They are dangerously addictive when served fresh.
13. Jarma
A fermented drink made from crushed cereals mixed with dairy. It sounds odd, but on a hot Kyrgyz summer day it is surprisingly refreshing.
12. Maksym
Probably the country’s best known soft drink. Made from fermented grains and sold from Shoro kiosks all over Bishkek, it is a genuine taste of Kyrgyzstan.
11. Samsa
The Central Asian answer to a meat pie. Usually filled with lamb or beef and onions before being baked inside a traditional clay oven.
10. Manty
Huge steamed dumplings packed with minced meat and onions. Four or five of these will easily count as a full meal.
9. Chuchuk
Traditional horse meat sausage that is usually served during celebrations and special occasions. Rich, smoky and well worth trying.
Photo: Emmanuelle Fontaine
8. Kuurdak
Chunks of lamb or beef fried with onions and potatoes in plenty of fat. It is simple peasant food that tastes far better than it has any right to.
7. Ashlyan Fu
One of the signature dishes of Karakol, this cold Dungan noodle dish mixes spicy broth, vinegar, noodles and starch jelly into something surprisingly refreshing.
6. Shashlik
You cannot walk far in Kyrgyzstan without smelling meat cooking over charcoal. Lamb is the classic choice, although beef and chicken are also common.
5. Laghman
Hand pulled noodles served with meat and vegetables in a rich sauce. One of the best examples of Chinese influence on Kyrghiz food.
4. Plov
Rice cooked with meat, carrots and onions. Every country in Central Asia claims to make the best version and Kyrgyzstan certainly puts up a strong argument.
3. Kumis
Fermented horse milk and the country’s most famous drink. Sour, slightly fizzy and containing a little alcohol, it is an acquired taste but one that every visitor should try.
2. Beshbarmak
The national dish of Kyrgyzstan. Traditionally made with horse or mutton served over flat noodles and eaten with your hands, this is the ultimate Kyrghiz food experience.
1. Horse Meat
Horse is not just another meat in Kyrgyzstan, it is part of the country’s culture. Whether served as steaks, shashlik, chuchuk sausage or as part of beshbarmak, it is the defining ingredient of Kyrghiz food and absolutely deserves the top spot.
And that is my guide to Kyrgyzstan food! You’re welcome!
Click to see my Kyrgyzstan Tours.