Kazakhstan

The Kazakhs pride themselves on their hospitality, and if you’re invited back to someone’s place expect to be lavishly fed. Cafes and restaurants in the main cities tend to be snobby and expensive. Many different types of food are available, including Kazakh, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, Korean, Thai, Middle Eastern and French. Kazakh food is meat-based and revolves around lamb or horsemeat. Besbarmak, a dish of pasta strips, horsemeat and broth is the local speciality. It’s washed down with kumis, fermented mare’s milk – very much an acquired taste – and plenty of vodka. Manty, a cousin of ravioli, and plov, made from rice and meat, along with shashlyk – kebabs – are available everywhere. The eating scene is better in summer as street cafes selling cheap food spring up all over the place.

Bars range from basic dives with beer for a couple of dollars to flash designer joints serving imported beers for $6.00 a glass. Don’t be alarmed if your beer comes with a straw – this is just how it’s drunk here. Drinking plays a major role in local society so you can find a drink 24 hours a day.

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