There are two things for certain and that is 1) I love to eat and 2) I love to cook. When I moved to Kyrgyzstan and became familiar with the cuisine, I was amazed by the tapestry of rich flavors, vibrant colors, and various dishes that highlighted Kyrgyzstan's delectable produce and protein. Soon after, I started to learn Kyrgyz recipes and try cooking them myself at home.
I first experimented by making lagman, hand-pulled noodles served with a rich and flavorful meat and vegetable broth. I can confirm that I failed miserably and had to give up on making the hand-pulled noodles and resorted to using spaghetti noodles instead. But I didn't stop there! My next experiment was to make manti, steamed dumplings typically filled with a mixture of minced meat, usually lamb or beef, and finely chopped onions. It was my partner's favorite dish but I thought it was relatively straightforward considering I grew up making Korean dumplings with my mom. I can confidently say that this was a great success! If you would like a manti recipe, I created one here: How to Make Manti (Central Asian Cuisine).
So, here are cooking classes you can take in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as a fun and hands-on experience to experience the art of Central Asian cooking, right under the guidance of expert local chefs.
1. Central Asian Manty Cooking Master Class (starting from CA$37.25)
Schedule your cooking class here: Manty Cooking Master Class
Manti, a type of dumpling filled with meat and spices, is a staple in Central Asian households and holds a special place in Kyrgyz culinary traditions. What's great about manti is that you can make it a vegetarian version and replace any meat protein with pumpkin. The hands-on experience ensures that you grasp each step of the process. By the end of the class, you'll not only have a delicious meal but also a memorable and enriching experience for any traveler interested in Central Asian cuisine.
2. Central Asian Lagman Cooking Master Class (starting from CA$37.25)
Schedule your cooking class here: Lagman Cooking Master Class
Lagman is a traditional dish in Central Asian cuisine, and it is a hearty noodle soup or stir-fry that features hand-pulled noodles, a variety of vegetables, and often meat, typically lamb or beef. The noodles in lagman are a defining feature and are usually made from wheat flour. They are hand-pulled and stretched to achieve a chewy texture, which is a skill that requires practice.
The broth or sauce in lagman is rich and flavorful, often made with a combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and various spices like cumin and coriander. The dish can be prepared as a soup with a generous amount of broth or as a stir-fry with a thicker sauce, depending on regional preferences and personal taste.
3. Kyrgyz Family Dinner in Bishkek with Cooking Class of Boorsok (starting from CA$84.00)
Schedule your cooking class here: Kyrgyz Family Dinner and Boorsok
Borsok, also known as boorsok or baursak, is a traditional fried dough delicacy commonly found in Central Asian cuisine. It is particularly popular in countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, where it is often enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions. I can simply describe it as soft, pillowy-like fried bread and once you eat one, you won't be able to stop.
Borsok is often served as an accompaniment to tea, soups, or main dishes. It can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings such as honey, jam, or powdered sugar.
Embarking on a culinary journey through Central Asia's vibrant flavors, you're not just learning to cook; you're preserving a rich heritage. So, tie on your apron and gather around to make Kyrgyzstan's traditional dishes. There's no better way to travel than through taste.
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