Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. It is a lesser-known travel destination, however, the rich history, culture, and cuisine are worth exploring. To give a bit of context, Kyrgyzstan has a nomadic past which is why the country and its people love meat, considering it is a rich source of protein. Other than meat dishes, Kyrgyzstan's cuisine offers a variety of other dishes that have a blend of flavors and textures that is loved by locals and visitors alike.
In this blog post, I'm going to share seven national Kyrgyz dishes and I hope that you get to try these dishes when you visit.
If you'd like to explore other eats in Bishkek, read my other helpful guides:
1. Beshbarmak
Beshbarmak is a traditional Kyrgyz dish that holds great cultural significance. The name translates to "five fingers," reflecting the custom of eating the dish with your hands. Beshbarmak features tender boiled meat, typically horse, lamb or beef, served on a bed of flat noodles and accompanied by a rich broth. The meat is usually cooked with onions and spices, infusing a delightful flavor. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, adding a refreshing touch. A separate bowl of the broth can be served on the side for you to enjoy.
I noticed that it's not commonly found at every restaurant because this dish is usually enjoyed at special occasions like weddings and gatherings.
2. Manti
This is one of my favorite dishes to eat in Kyrgyzstan. To put it simply, manti is a dumpling. These dumplings are usually steamed (I have seen them fried but that was rare) and are usually filled with a savory mixture of minced lamb or beef, onions, pumpkin, and spices.
The dough is just three simple ingredients of water, flour, and egg, then is rolled thin and folded into small bundles, resembling closed boat shapes. They are typically served with sour cream or vinegar. The tender, juicy filling combined with the soft, delicate dough creates a delightful texture and flavor. Manti are often enjoyed as a main course.
I made manti for the first time with my boyfriend's mom and look at how beautifully they turned out. If you're interested in making manti on your own, follow my recipe here.
3. Lagman
Lagman is a flavorful noodle dish that reflects the influence of the Silk Road trade route on Kyrgyz cuisine. It consists of hand-pulled noodles tossed with a medley of stir-fried vegetables, meat (commonly beef or lamb), and aromatic spices. It can either be in a soup or served dry. The combination of the chewy noodles, tender meat, and crisp vegetables makes the dish addicting. Lagman can be customized with various ingredients, such as bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for both meat lovers and vegetarians.
4. Ashlan-Fu
Ashlan-Fu is a unique and refreshing cold noodle soup that is particularly popular during the hot summer months in Kyrgyzstan. Also, it's often eaten when you're hungover. The dish features hand-pulled noodles and translucent cellophane noodles in a tangy, vinegar-based broth.
The soup is traditionally garnished with julienned pickled vegetables, such as carrots and radishes, as well as thinly sliced cucumbers and fresh herbs like cilantro. The combination of the chilled noodles, zesty broth, and crunchy toppings creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. If you've had Korean cold noodles before, I found that the broths were quite similar.
5. Samsa
My personal favorite, samsa is a popular pastry in Kyrgyzstan, commonly enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. These triangular-shaped pastries are typically filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices. The filling is wrapped in a thin layer of dough and baked until golden and crispy. Samsa can be made with various fillings, including lamb, beef, or even pumpkin for a vegetarian option. It's not difficult to find these since lot's of street shops and vendors sell these.
6. Plov
Plov is a rice dish that holds a special place in Central Asian cuisine. It is a hearty one-pot meal made with fragrant rice, chunks of tender meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, onions, and a blend of spices. The ingredients are cooked together, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the delicious aroma. Plov is often garnished with fried onions, raisins, and fresh herbs.
It is a celebratory dish that is served at weddings, festivals, and other important occasions in Kyrgyz culture.
7. Kuurdak
Kuurdak is a savory dish made with fried meat and potatoes. It is a popular comfort food in Kyrgyzstan, known for its simplicity and delicious taste. The dish is prepared by sautéing bite-sized pieces of meat, typically lamb or beef, with onions and spices until they are golden brown and flavorful. Potatoes are then added and cooked until they are tender and slightly crispy. Kuurdak is often enjoyed with fresh herbs and a side of tangy pickles.
If you're in Kyrgyzstan and want to try these dishes, I recommend that you look at my list of best restaurants to eat in Bishkek. If you have any more dishes that you want to add to this list, comment down below!