A culinary journey through Kyrgyzstan: 6 dishes you must try

Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country, is known for its rich culinary culture and diverse cuisine. It has been particularly influenced by the nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz people, but also by neighboring countries such as Russia, China and Uzbekistan. The country's cuisine is a unique blend of traditional dishes, ingredients and cooking methods, and it is widely known for its hearty and flavorful dishes that are both filling and nutritious.

Beshmarmak

One of the most popular and well-known dishes in Kyrgyzstan is beshbarmak, a type of noodle soup. This hearty dish is made with a combination of lamb or beef, potatoes and noodles and is often served with a side of sour cream and onions. The dish is considered the national dish of Kyrgyzstan and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Manti

Another popular dish in Kyrgyzstan is manti, a dumpling-like dish but larger and filled with meat, potatoes or cheese. These dumplings are often boiled or steamed and are often served with a tomato sauce, sour cream and spices. Manti is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, snack or even street food.

Laghman

Another delicious and nutritious dish in Kyrgyzstan is laghman, a type of noodle dish prepared with meat, vegetables and spices. Laghman is usually served with a spicy tomato sauce and is often garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint and parsley. This dish is popular among the Kyrgyz and is often enjoyed as a quick and filling meal.

Soup: ashlyan fu, Shorpo

The country is also known for its delicious and tasty soups, such as the traditional ashlyan fu, a type of noodle soup made with lamb, potatoes and spices. This soup is often enjoyed in the winter months when the weather is cold, and it is considered a warm and comforting dish. Another popular soup in Kyrgyzstan is shorpo, a hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes and vegetables, often garnished with fresh herbs and spices.

Meat dishes: Kuurdak & Kazy

In addition to soups, Kyrgyzstan is also famous for its delicious and nutritious meat dishes, such as the traditional kuurdak, a stew with beef, potatoes and spices. This hearty and tasty dish is often served with rice or bread and is considered a staple in the Kyrgyz diet. Another popular meat dish in Kyrgyzstan is kazy, a type of dried sausage made from horse or beef, often served as a snack or appetizer.

Desserts: Brosok & Chak-Chak

Sweet and delicious pastries and sweets, such as traditional borsok, a type of fried dough pastry often served with honey or jam, are also among the culinary specialties. Borsok is a popular snack in Kyrgyzstan and is enjoyed by people of all ages, and is often served with tea or coffee. Another popular pastry in Kyrgyzstan is chak-chak, a sweet fried dough often served with honey or syrup and considered a staple of the Kyrgyz sweet diet.

Through the kitchen to Kyrgyzstan

One of the reasons it is important to learn about a country's culinary specialties while traveling is because food is an integral part of the country's culture and history. Every dish has a story and the ingredients used in each recipe can tell us a lot about the local agriculture, geography and climate. For example, the use of spices and herbs in Indian cuisine can be traced to the rich history of trade and commerce with other countries, while the abundant use of seafood in the coastal regions of Italy can be traced to its location by the sea.

Insight into the way of life and traditions

In addition, food also provides insight into the lifestyles and traditions of a country's people. The way food is prepared and served gives us insight into the values and beliefs of the community, such as the emphasis on eating together and sharing in some cultures. This can also help us understand local customs and etiquette, and even provide opportunities to participate in traditional events such as feasts or festivals.

Kyrgyzstan has a rich and diverse culinary culture, with a variety of traditional dishes, ingredients and cooking methods that reflect the country's nomadic heritage and the influences of its neighbors. The country's cuisine is characterized by its hearty, spicy and nutritious dishes, such as beshbarmak, manti, laghman.

If you now feel like discovering Kyrgyzstan for yourself, you can find here our current TripLegend Kyrgyzstan Round Trip. Here you can travel sustainably in a group of like-minded people while discovering the most exciting parts of the country. For even more travel inspiration, follow TripLegend also on Instagram and subscribe to our Newsletter.