Kazakhstan
What to eat and drink in Kazakhstan: dishes, etiquette and dietary tips
Try Beshbarmak, Lagman, Plov, Shashlik and Kumys. Vegetarians can eat Baursak, Shelpek, Kurt and salads; skip street stalls with poor turnover. Kazakh cooking is meat and dough: mutton, beef and horse, boiled, cured or fried, with noodles and flatbread. In cities you also eat Uyghur, Uzbek, Russian and Korean food.
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GuideKazakhstan
Key facts
- Legal drinking age
- 21
- Typical meal costcheck
- ≈ 600 KZT (≈ 1.30 USD) for a restaurant plate
Quick answer
The core Kazakh dishes are Beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), Lagman (hand‑pulled noodles with beef), Plov (rice with mutton), Shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and Kumys (fermented mare’s milk). Vegetarian travellers can eat Baursak, Shelpek, Kurt and salads; ask for no meat. Street food is safe when stalls are busy and food is served hot.
Typical costs
Restaurant meals in major cities range from 400 KZT for a simple soup to 1 200 KZT for a full meat platter. Street snacks such as Samsa or a cup of tea cost 150–300 KZT. Alcoholic drinks start at 500 KZT for a beer.
| Item | Price (KZT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beshbarmak plate | 800–1 200 | feast portion |
| Lagman bowl | 600–900 | includes beef |
| Samsa | 150–250 | vegetarian option available |
| Kumys (glass) | 500–700 | seasonal |
Food safety
Street food is generally safe if the stall is busy, the food is cooked to order and served hot. Avoid pre‑cooked salads left out for hours and any raw egg dishes. Drink bottled water or boiled tap water; tea is the safest beverage in restaurants.
Dining etiquette
When offered a sheep’s head, accept and share the pieces. Tea is poured in small amounts; cover the cup with your hand when you have had enough. Wait for the host to start the main dish, especially with elders.
Questions people ask
What are the must‑try dishes in Kazakhstan?
Beshbarmak, Lagman, Plov, Shashlik and Kumys are the signature foods; Baursak, Kurt and Shelpek are good vegetarian snacks.
How much does a meal cost in Kazakhstan?
A typical restaurant plate costs 600–1 200 KZT (≈ 1.30–2.60 USD); street snacks are 150–300 KZT.
Is street food safe in Kazakhstan?
Yes, if the stall is busy, the food is cooked fresh and served hot; avoid cold salads left out for long periods.
What is the legal drinking age?
You must be 21 years old to purchase alcohol in Kazakhstan.
Can vegetarians find suitable meals?
Vegetarian options include Baursak, Shelpek, Kurt, salads and some Samsa; ask for “без мяса” (without meat).
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialKazakhstan Tourism Board
Ask about Kazakhstan
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