What Food To Try in Almaty and Food Prices

Oven-Baked Lamb - Табақ (Tabaq) - Tender lamb roasted slowly with spices and potatoes, infused with earthy flavors. Locals enjoy it during special gatherings, often sharing it communally among family and friends.

Vegetable Plov - Плов (Plov) - Savory rice dish with a medley of vegetables like carrots and onions, cooked with aromatic herbs. It's commonly served at both casual luncheons and larger events, often accompanied by freshly baked bread.

Sausage Skewers - Шашлык (Shashlyk) - Marinated meat skewers, grilled to perfection and often served with fresh vegetables. Street vendors offer this popular dish in the late evening hours, making it a favorite late-night snack for locals.

Beef Dumplings - Бешбармақ (Beshbarmak) - Boiled beef served over flat noodles with broth and herbs, creating a hearty meal that's both filling and flavorful. Typically eaten during family gatherings, it's customary to eat it with your hands.

Ara-Kururt - Ара-кұрт (Seasonal Special) - A unique combination of grilled quail, served during festive occasions, often with a tangy sauce and fresh herbs. You'll find this specialty on tables during holidays, celebrating the season's best ingredients.

Horse Meat Sausage - Қазы (Kazy) - Smoked horse meat sausage, rich in flavor and served thinly sliced. Often offered during celebrations and feasts, it’s best paired with fresh bread and pickles for a true local experience.

Broth with Noodles - Суп (Sup) - A comforting noodle soup made with hearty broth and chunks of meat, perfect for chilly days. It’s a typical dish enjoyed for lunch, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the midday meal.

Rise-and-Shine Congee - Тартыс (Tartys) - A warm rice porridge lightly seasoned, typically enjoyed for breakfast with toppings like pickled vegetables. Locals often eat it early in the morning to kick-start their day strong.

Kymyz - Кымыз (fermented mare's milk) - A traditional drink made from fermented mare's milk, giving it a tangy, slightly sour taste. It's typically consumed during the summer months, especially in rural areas, where it's often served in a bowl during family gatherings.

Chai - Чай (black tea with milk) - Strong black tea brewed with milk and often spiced lightly; a staple in every home. You'll find locals sipping this throughout the day, especially during afternoon tea breaks in parks, where the ambiance allows for long conversations.

Shubat - Шубат (fermented camel's milk) - This unique, slightly salty dairy drink is made from fermented camel's milk, popular in the steppes. Often enjoyed after a long day, it's typically served chilled and is considered a delicacy during special occasions.

Baursaki - Баурсаки (fried dough pastries) - These fluffy, golden-brown pastries are made from sweet yeast dough, crispy on the outside yet soft inside. They make a common appearance during celebrations, often enjoyed warm with tea, and as a side for savory dishes, providing the perfect balance.

Zhel – Жеңіл десерт (gelatin dessert) - A light, chilled dessert made with fruit juice or broth mixed with gelatin, resulting in a refreshing treat perfect for hot days. It's often found during holiday celebrations, embodying the spirit of joy and festivity, especially in summer. By the way, it's a great way to cool down at picnics!