Kyrgyzstan is an enchanting country that offers a unique experience for travelers and one of the best ways to capture the essence of Kyrgyzstan is through its diverse range of souvenirs. When I was visiting my family in South Korea, I had to contemplate what souvenirs to take back. One thing I learned was that Kyrgyzstan has something for everyone.

In this blog post, we'll explore 5 must-have souvenirs and famous products that encapsulate the traditions and craftsmanship of this remarkable country.

5 SOUVENIRS TO BUY FROM KYRGYZSTAN

1. Honey

Kyrgyzstan is known for its diverse landscapes and diverse flora. The mountainous regions provide an ideal habitat for bees to collect nectar from a wide variety of wildflowers, herbs, and blossoms. As a result, the honey produced in Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its purity and high quality. So, this was a must-take souvenir, especially since honey in South Korea is expensive and all imported.

What makes honey in Kyrgyzstan so special is that there are unique flavors due to the diversity of its floral sources. There is specifically one honey that is a must-purchase called "Ат Баши"/At-Bashi or white honey. Even my Kyrgyz boyfriend's mom says this is the only honey we should consume. Not only did this honey win numerous international awards but it also has great health benefits such as boosting your immune system, improving metabolism, and protecting against premature aging.

Where you can purchase honey:

• Grocery Stores: I found that the glass jarred honey (picture below) was significantly cheaper in grocery stores like Globus compared to purchasing directly from the retailer/specialty store.

• Specialty Stores: There are specialty stores scattered around Bishkek that sell honey products. I purchased my honey from Купить мёд Бишкек-Kyrgyz honey (https://www.instagram.com/honeykyrgyzstan/) and you can see the catalog of products they offer. I messaged them through WhatsApp, wrote my order and address, and they offered free shipping the next day.

Whether drizzled over yogurt, added to tea, or used in cooking, it's a great souvenir and gift!

2. Chocolate

Chocolate might be an unexpected item on the list, and I'm usually the last person to recommend them since I don't have a sweet tooth. However, chocolate from Kyrgyzstan stands out for its unique flavors and ingredients. They often infuse local ingredients, making them stand out apart from those mass-produced chocolates. There is specifically one brand that stands out to me and it is produced by Supara, yes the well-known restaurant and resort in Bishkek!

They have different fillings like ones with walnuts, prunes, and pistachios. It's free of coloring agents, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. This is my guilty pleasure and I can usually eat one pack by myself in one sitting. It truly is a great gift for any occasion. The packaging is beautiful and you can find them in grocery stores or at their Supara locations.

3. Nuts, Dried Fruits and Jams

Did you know that in southern Kyrgyzstan, there is the world's largest area of naturally grown walnut forests? Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are cultivated and harvested domestically. So if you decide to purchase them, you're truly getting premium quality products. Nuts are full of nutrients and have great health benefits, but buying nuts from Kyrgyzstan directly supports local farmers and their communities. I came across a store called Eco Danek and they sell packaged nuts and dried fruits in beautiful Kyrgyzstan-themed packaging.

Another great souvenir is jams. Kyrgyzstan has an abundant variety of natural seasonal fruits such as apricots, and berries like sea buckthorn, strawberry, and raspberries. When they are transformed into delicious jams, it's great to put in teas, eat on toast, or have as a dessert. It truly is an excellent gift and souvenir, and allows you to savor the taste of what Kyrgyzstan has to offer.

4. Felted Crafts

Kyrgyzstan is well known for its felted crafts which showcase the country's nomadic heritage. The crafts are quite unique, with vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and symbolism that make them truly special. Depending on how grand you want the souvenir to be, you can find floor coverings, wall hangings, and even carpets. It'll be beautiful home decor and you can always keep a small piece of Kyrgyzstan with you.

You can even find slippers made of these felted fabrics. I personally have two pairs and it's great way to keep your feet warm in the winter season.

5. Cognac

When you see the alcohol selection in Kyrgyzstan grocery stores, you'll be pleasantly surprised that there's a large variety of Kyrgyz cognac. The cognac is made with locally sourced grapes and traditional production techniques, which creates a rich and flavorful cognac. The cognac is also aged in oak barrels which only enhances the flavor. What's great is that they are affordable which allows you to buy high-quality cognac without breaking the bank.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and if there are other souvenirs I should add to this list, comment below!