If Kazakhstan had a kitchen soundtrack, it would be the sizzling of horse meat over open flame, the comforting bubble of lagman noodles in broth, and the clink of tea cups filled with scalding black chai. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is a culinary treasure chest waiting to be unlocked—with influences from Turkic, Russian, Mongol, and Uzbek traditions.
Whether you’re wandering the modern streets of Almaty, the futuristic avenues of Astana (Nur-Sultan), or quaint townships near the steppes, your tastebuds are in for an adventure. We stayed in Almaty, and had a time of our lives experiencing the local cuisine! Food of Kazakhstan is much like its people – warm, hearty, and comforting.
Our favourite restaurant was Navat, but there are so many other gems to explore too!
Thus, we come with the ultimate guide to the must-try Kazakh dishes and the best restaurants across the town to enjoy them. While you can refer to our blog with the perfect 6-night itinerary in Almaty to plan your trip, here are 12 must-try foods in Kazakhstan that even the pickiest little eater in your family will want second helpings of—and the best places to find them!
Let’s start with the MVPs:
1. Beshbarmak – The Noodle Nest Feast 🍖🍜
What it is: The national food of Kazakhstan, literally meaning “five fingers” because it’s traditionally eaten with your hands. Flat noodles are topped with boiled meat (horse or lamb), onions, and a savory broth.
Kid-friendly tip: Ask for beef or chicken instead of horse (unless you have a little culinary adventurer). Request the noodles and broth to be served separately for slurp-free fun.
Where to try it:
- 🕌 Alasha – Dine like royalty in a palace-themed restaurant.
- 🎠 Navat – Play corners and colorful decor.
2. Lagman – Noodle Soup with Flair 🍜🥩
What it is: Uighur-style hand-pulled noodles in a spiced broth, packed with meat and colorful veggies. Also available stir-fried! Food of Kazakhstan is the missing puzzle-piece of Asian and European cultures.
Why it rocks: It’s soft, savory, and slurpy—perfect for tiny hands and big appetites.
Kid-friendly tip: Go for the fried lagman if you want less splash potential. Hand them a noodle and call it a spaghetti cousin—works like a charm.
Where to go:
🎠 Navat – Vibrant ambience, well-lit bright interiors, and a menu made for families.
🏯 Kishlak – Rustic interiors and waitstaff in traditional gear: fun AND filling.
3. Manty – Dumplings of Delight 🥟💨
What it is: Giant steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (or pumpkin!) wrapped in delicate dough. This food of Kazakhstan is a hug in a bite.6
Why it works: Soft, juicy, and no cutlery needed. One dumpling is almost a full meal for a toddler.
Kid-friendly tip: The pumpkin version is a mild, sweet surprise that even veggie-haters will munch on.
Where to munch:
🎩 Tyubeteyka – A whimsical restaurant with cozy booths and loads of family charm.
🐑 Zheti Kazyna – A luxurious setting with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Let’s Talk Snack:
4. Baursak – Fried Dough Clouds 🍩☁️
What it is: Bite-sized fried dough balls that are often served with honey or jam. Think of them as Kazakh-style donut holes! One simply CANNOT stop at just one piece of this delicious food of Kazakhstan.
Kid-friendly tip: Keep a few in your bag for emergency snacks. Your toddler may love them more than cookies.
Where to snack:
🥩 Line Brew – A steakhouse that also gets the doughy deliciousness right.
⛺ Kazakh Auyl – Traditional vibes with jam-dipped baursaks. Say no more.
5. Samsa – Baked Pockets of Joy 🥐🔥
What it is: Flaky pastry stuffed with meat, potatoes, or pumpkin, like a Central Asian Empanada or Samosa. But this is one food of Kazakhstan that we can go back for – simple and delicious!
Why it’s handy: No cutlery needed. Easy to pack, perfect for road trips or stroller tray snacks.
Kid-friendly tip: Try the potato or pumpkin samsa—soft, mild, and non-messy.
Where to grab ’em:
🏙️ Street kiosks & bakeries everywhere! – Fresh out of the oven, cheap, and cheerful.
6. Chuchvara – Tiny Dumplings, Giant Smiles! 🥟
What it is: Meet Chuchvara, the Kazakh (and Uzbek) answer to ravioli. These are bite-sized dumplings stuffed with minced meat and onions, then boiled and served in a light broth or topped with sour cream. They’re delicate, flavorful, and basically mini parcels of love.
Why your kids will love it: Tiny? ✅ Soft? ✅ Dippable in sour cream? ✅ It’s basically the Central Asian version of chicken noodle soup, just way more fun to slurp. Bonus: it’s easy on the tummy, which means less food drama at the table.
Kid-friendly tip: Ask for sour cream on the side so little ones can decide their own dip adventure. Some places , like Navat, offered them pan-fried for an extra crispy bite! The fried version we tried was a pleasant surprise and such a lovely introduction to the food of Kazakhstan.
Where to dig in:
🥟 Uzbechka Café – Cozy interiors, big bowls of Chuchvara, and happy tummies.
🍲 Line Brew – Known for their classic take on dumplings with rich broths.
7. Alma Chipteri – Crunch, Munch, Apple Punch! 🍎
What it is: Say hello to Kazakhstan’s favorite fruity snack—Alma Chipteri, or dried apple chips. Made from the famous Aport apples of Almaty, this traditional food of Kazakhstan are thinly sliced apples that are gently dried until they’re crisp, naturally sweet, and utterly snackable. No sugar, no preservatives—just pure apple magic.
Why kids go wild for it: It’s nature’s version of potato chips, minus the grease and guilt. Kids can munch away happily, and you won’t feel like you’re handing out candy. They’re crunchy, chewy, and a fun way to sneak fruit into snack time—plus, they pack perfectly into backpacks and diaper bags.
Parent tip: Grab a mixed bag with dried pears or plums for variety, and let your little explorers pick their favorite. It’s the perfect bribe on a museum day or mid-flight meltdown.
Where to get them:
🍏 Zelyony Bazaar (Almaty) – Rows of colorful dried fruit stalls—sniff, sample, snack!
🛍️ Local supermarkets like Small or Magnum – Look for the ones in paper packs for freshness.
8. Dried Fruits & Nuts – Snack Like a Nomad! 🥜🍇
What it is: Central Asia has been spicing up the Silk Road snack game for centuries, and Kazakhstan’s bazaars are overflowing with chewy dried apricots, plump raisins, crunchy walnuts, buttery cashews, and even jewel-toned dried melons that look straight out of a candy shop. You cannot think of the food of Kazakhstan without counting the galore of nuts!
Why it’s a win for little travelers: These are nature’s original snack packs—no sugar crashes, no sticky fingers (well, almost), and tons of energy for your kiddo’s next museum sprint or pony ride. Pack a handful for park strolls, long drives, or bribery at bedtime.
Where to find them:
🌰 Green Bazaar (Almaty) – Scoop, sniff, sample, repeat.
🥜 Yessil Market (Astana) – Try local favorites like dried apples and almonds.
Parent hack: Mix a bag of nuts with tiny bits of chocolate or local cookies and call it Kazakh Trail Mix. Instant hit!
It’s Time for Mains:
9. Kuurdak – Meat, Potatoes, and Pure Kazakh Soul 🥩🥔
What it is: Say hello to Kuurdak, Kazakhstan’s hearty pan-fried hug in a bowl. Made with juicy chunks of meat, golden-fried potatoes, and soft, caramelized onions, this dish is the Kazakh version of comfort food done right. Traditionally whipped up in a deep iron pot called a kazan, it’s smoky, tender, and totally belly-warming.
Why kids love it: It’s basically a meat-and-potato party—what’s not to love? No exotic spices, no surprises—just crispy edges, soft bites, and pure deliciousness. Even picky eaters who side-eye foreign food will happily dig into the beautiful food of Kazakhstan—the Kuurdak—without a fuss.
Parent tip: Pair it with some fresh naan or a spoonful of sour cream to cool it down for the little ones. This food of Kazakhstan also reheats well, so don’t be shy about packing leftovers for the next day’s lunch.
Where to try:
🍽️ Kishlak or Rumi – Traditional dishes with cozy vibes.
🏕️ For an authentic touch, try it at a yurt-style restaurant or countryside guesthouse!
10. Kazy – Kazakh Sausage with a Twist 🐴🌭
What it is: Traditional horse meat sausage, spiced and sliced. This is the most unique, traditional, and perhaps the most challenging to the foreign tastebuds who want to explore the food of Kazakhstan.
Why it’s cool (and controversial): Your older kids may want to try it for the novelty alone. If not, swap for a chicken or other meat sausage.
Kid-friendly tip: Pair small pieces with rice or noodles to dilute the strong flavor.
Where to brave it:
🧭 Kaganat – A no-fuss, self-service eatery where you can try a little of everything.
🥂 Qazaq Gourmet – A high-end pick with beautifully plated kazy.
11. Gosh-Naan – The Meaty Pocket of Joy 🥩🥖
What it is: Imagine a flatbread stuffed with juicy, spiced minced meat, sealed and baked to crispy perfection in a tandyr oven. That’s Gosh-Naan, the Kazakh comfort food you didn’t know your family needed. It’s like the lovechild of a meat pie and a naan, with golden edges and a warm, savory center.
Why it’s a hit with little hands and hungry tummies: This wonderful food of Kazakhstan is self-contained (read: no mess!), super flavorful, and great for eating on the go—whether you’re chasing after a toddler at a park or picnicking near the mountains. Plus, it cools fast and stays soft, so no burnt tongues!
Kid-friendly tip: Ask for one that’s less spicy for the little ones, and pair it with plain yogurt or ketchup. It doubles up as both lunch and snack—just cut into quarters and share!
Where to grab one:
🥩 Tandyr House (Almaty) – Their Gosh-Naan is flaky on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth inside.
🍴 Bazar-style street stalls in Shymkent or Turkistan – Look for the ones with long queues of locals—always a good sign.
12. Plov – Rice to the Rescue 🍚🎉
What it is: Central Asian rice pilaf cooked with carrots, onions, and chunks of meat. Every spoonful = love. This is traditionally an Uzbekh dish, but famously devoured in Kazakhstan too.
Why it’s a family hero: It’s rice, meat, and soft veggies—all familiar, all good.
Kid-friendly tip: Ask for it mild, without raisins or too much spice. Great for mixing in leftover baursak pieces too!
Where to feast:
🏠 Café Central – Homely vibe, clean highchairs, and happy bellies guaranteed.
🎨 Rumi – Beautiful interiors and excellent rice dishes.
13. Tandyr Naan – The Bread That Stole the Show 🍞🔥
What it is: This is not your average loaf. Tandyr Naan (also called Tandoor Naan) is a thick, crusty, and smoky flatbread baked by slapping dough onto the searing-hot walls of a clay oven. It often has pretty patterns pressed into the center—and sometimes even a sprinkle of sesame seeds!
Why it’s family gold: It’s warm, chewy, and endlessly dippable. Tear it apart and let the kids dunk it into shorpa, wrap up some shashlik, or just nibble on it plain like an edible frisbee.
Kid-friendly tip: Pair with honey or soft cheese for a quick, satisfying snack. You’ll be fighting your toddler for the last piece, promise.
Where to tear and share:
🔥 Green Bazaar – Their naan comes fresh from the tandyr oven, still puffing with heat.
🫓 Naan Tandyr – A whole bakery dedicated to this magical bread—yes, heaven exists.
Hello Drinks and Desserts!
14. Kumis – The Unexpected Drink (for Adults Only!) 🥛🐎
What it is: Fermented mare’s milk, slightly sour and lightly fizzy. It’s a traditional nomadic drink with a probiotic punch.
Kid-friendly tip: This one’s strictly for grown-ups. Hand your kid a juice box and pretend this is magical “warrior milk.”
Where to sip:
🎪 Ethno-Village Tours or Local Homes – Best experienced in a traditional yurt setting.
15. Tea Time – A Sip for All Ages 🍵👶
What it is: Kazakhs drink tea all day, every day. Usually black or green, served with milk, lemon, or even dried fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and oranges.
Why it’s wholesome: Warm, calming, and a perfect pause after all that eating. In the extreme cold, a cozy mug is heaven!
Kid-friendly tip: Ask for warm milk tea with a dash of sugar—a cozy sip for sleepy kids.
16. Desserts in Kazakhstan – Sweet, Sticky, and So Good! 🍯🍰
What it is: Kazakhstan may be meat-heavy, but the sweet-toothed nomads didn’t forget dessert. Look out for chak-chak(crispy fried dough balls drizzled in honey like Kazakh Rice Krispie treats), zhent (a crumbly millet fudge with sugar and butter), and Kurmiz, a mild, slightly sweetened dried cheese snack often made for kids or festive occasions.
Why it’s a dream for kids: They’re fun to eat, not overly sweet as the sugar content is low (so no wild sugar rush), and small enough for tiny hands to manage. It’s like eating grandma’s cookies but with a nomadic twist.
Kid-friendly tip: Pair with warm chai (milk tea).
Pro tip: Keep a pack of chak-chak in your bag—it doubles as emergency peace offering mid-tantrum.
Where to indulge:
🍯 Rahat Confectionery – A sugary heaven where even the walls smell like cake.
🍩 Cake Me – Modern desserts with Kazakh flavors—perfect for family treat day!
17. Qanttalğan Qurğaq Jemister – Candy from Nature’s Pantry 🍑🍬
What it is: Hard to pronounce? Maybe. Easy to devour? Definitely! Qanttalğan Qurğaq Jemister are Kazakhstan’s delicious answer to candy—slices of dried fruits like apricots, plums, cherries, and even melon, lovingly coated in sugar. Think gummy bears, but made by grandmas with fruit and sunshine.
Why it’s a hit with kids: These jewel-toned bites are chewy, sweet, and come in bright colors—aka everything toddlers dream of when you say “snack.” Plus, they’re way less messy than chocolate and sneak in a bit of fruity goodness (ssshhh… don’t tell them it’s healthy-ish).
Parent tip: Mix them into trail mix with some nuts for a power-packed park day snack, or keep a stash in your day bag for long sightseeing walks. Great distraction tool when someone skips nap time!
Where to snack smart:
🛍️ Green Bazaar – A dried fruit lover’s paradise. Don’t be shy—ask for free samples!
🎁 Airport souvenir shops – A sweet gift that won’t melt in your luggage.
18. Navat – Rock Candy Royalty from the Steppe 🍬👑
What it is: Meet Navat, the sparkling, jewel-like sugar crystals made from slowly evaporated grape juice or sugar syrup. It’s not just a sweet treat—it’s a staple in Kazakh tea culture. These amber-colored nuggets melt slowly in hot tea, releasing a gentle sweetness that warms the soul. It’s basically Kazakh sugar cubes with serious bling.
Why kids (and grownups) love it: Who wouldn’t be excited to eat candy that looks like treasure? Kids love letting it melt on their tongues or stirring it into warm drinks like tiny wizards making magic potions. It’s not too sweet, which makes it a parent-approved treat, especially when shared during a calm tea break.
Kid-friendly tip: Wrap a few pieces in foil and turn them into a “sweet hunt” game during road trips. It’ll buy you a good 20 minutes of peace.
Where to find it:
🍬 Tea houses across Almaty – Always served alongside chai.
🛍️ Souvenir shops and markets like Zelyony Bazaar – Perfect to take home in pretty boxes as edible gifts.
🧭 Bonus Tips for Foodie Families in Kazakhstan:
✅ High chairs? Most big restaurants have them—just ask.
✅ Changing tables? Hit or miss. Bring a portable changing pad. Navat had a lavish bathroom with a kid’s potty seat and a cozy changing table too!
✅ Local snacks to try on the go: Kefir (fermented milk), dried apricots, local yogurt drinks.
✅ Picky eater fallback plan: Plov (rice pilaf), plain lagman noodles, grilled chicken.
Final Spoonful of the Food of Kazakhstan🍴
Food of Kazakhstan isn’t just about what to eat—it’s about experience. The restaurants are warm, the portions are generous, and the people adore kids. Whether your little ones are adventurous eaters or cautious nibbles-only types, there’s something on every table just for them.
So grab a spoon, a skewer, or your five fingers—and dig into Kazakhstan like a local. Your tiny travelers will thank you (with sticky baursak kisses, of course). Happy Travels!
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