Craving some authentic Chinese cuisine in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan but not sure where to go? You're in for a treat! There's a vibrant selection of Chinese restaurants in the capital city, each offering a delightful culinary journey from savory noodle dishes to succulent peking duck.
I'm from Toronto, Canada so I grew up eating delicious Chinese food and going to Chinatown to grab dinner at my favorite hotpot restaurant. What surprised me how authentic the Chinese cuisine was and its popularity. Whether you're a local foodie or a traveler searching for gastronomic adventures, I'll share with you some of my favorite Chinese restaurants in the city.
WHY IS THERE A LARGE CHINESE COMMUNITY IN KYRGYZSTAN?
China and Kyrgyzstan are in close geographical proximity, with the two countries sharing a border, making it easy for Chinese people to migrate for work, trade, or tourism. This proximity has facilitated the establishment of Chinese communities in Kyrgyzstan. Economic opportunities have also played a crucial role in attracting Chinese people to Kyrgyzstan to conduct business. In recent years, China has invested heavily in infrastructure projects across Central Asia, strengthening its presence in Kyrgyzstan. There have also been educational opportunities for Kyrgyz students in China. I've seen many Kyrgyz people go to China for international education.
Trade relations between China and Kyrgyzstan have been growing steadily. Kyrgyzstan imports a significant amount of goods from China, ranging from electronics to textiles. This robust trade relationship has encouraged Chinese traders and businesspeople to establish a presence in Kyrgyzstan to manage and expand their operations.
THE BEST CHINESE RESTAURANTS IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
1. Imperator
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/imperator_resto/?hl=en
Located in the Southern part of Bishkek, Imperator draws locals with its authentic dishes and inviting atmosphere. What stands out is they have popular dishes such as Peking duck, seafood, tofu, and various barbeque meat dishes. The interior is designed with Chinese cultural elements and whether you're dining with family, friends, colleagues, or large groups, the setting is perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend you make reservations as the restaurant gets quite packed and busy on any day.
They have two locations:
Ибраимова,146а
Жукеева-Пудовкина,85/1
2. Chinatown Restaurant
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/chinatown.kg/?hl=en
Located in the city center of Bishkek, Chinatown Restaurant offers an authentic Chinese dining experience. The ambiance at Chinatown Restaurant is much more elevated, fancier, and sexier compared to Imperator. They have decorations mimicking bamboo with figurines of Chinese warriors. The menu features a wide range of dishes from dim sum, seafood, rice, and noodle dishes. I recommend coming here for a nice date or when trying to impress!
3. HOGO (Hot Pot)
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/hogo.kg
I love hot pot and HOGO is one of the few restaurants that offer the hotpot experience. Hot pot is a cooking method where diners can cook various ingredients in a simmering pot of broth right at the table. They have a wide range of broths, from mild to spicy, and they offer a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles. It's not as well set up compared to restaurants in the West or popular chains such as Hai Di Lao, but this should satisfy your cravings.
Unfortunately, their business is not registered on Google Maps, but you can search for this address:
4. Lanzhou Noodles
Lanzhou Noodles Chinese Restaurant in Bishkek is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Chinese noodle dishes. Known for its specialty in hand-pulled noodles, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that showcases the rich culinary traditions of the Lanzhou region in China.
The restaurant's signature dish is the beef noodle soups, which is a harmonious blend of tender beef slices, flavorful broth, and perfectly textured noodles. The interior might not be the fanciest and a bit outdated, but the food is delicious. It is located further away from the city center.
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/lanzhou.kg/?hl=en
5. SICHUAN (Hot Pot)
SICHUAN restaurant provides a diverse menu that includes a variety of dishes, from the famous Sichuan hot pot to mouth-watering grilled vegetable and meat dishes. This variety caters to different palates and preferences, making it a great choice for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/sichuan_kg/
Bishkek's Chinese dining scene offers something to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you're craving those distinct flavors, remember that the city is brimming with delicious options waiting to be discovered. Happy dining!