The Most Popular Food in Kazakhstan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 16, 2024 06:39
Food preferences can tell a lot about a country's culture and heritage, and Kazakhstan is no exception. With its rich culinary traditions, determining the most popular food can provide insights into what locals and visitors enjoy most. By compiling a ranking based on public votes, we can develop a better understanding of these preferences.
Such rankings not only reflect current tastes but also influence restaurant offerings and culinary trends within the country. Everyone is encouraged to participate in voting, ensuring that the results are representative of a wide array of tastes and perspectives. This dynamic list will continually update to reflect new votes and changing food trends.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Kazakhstan?
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153votesThis is the national dish of Kazakhstan and consists of boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over flat noodles with onion sauce. It is often served at special occasions and celebrations.Beshbarmak is a traditional Kazakh dish that is considered the national dish of Kazakhstan. The name 'Beshbarmak' literally translates to 'five fingers' in Kazakh, as it is traditionally eaten with the hands. It is a hearty and flavorsome meal that is commonly prepared for special occasions and gatherings.
- Main Ingredients: Boiled meat (usually lamb or beef), homemade noodles, onions, and sometimes potatoes and carrots.
- Preparation Method: The meat is boiled along with onions and spices until tender. Homemade noodles are separately prepared and cooked. The boiled meat is then placed on top of the noodles, and the dish is garnished with fried onions and served with broth.
- Serving Style: Beshbarmak is traditionally served on a large communal platter, where everyone eats from the same dish using their hands.
- Eating Etiquette: It is customary to begin eating Beshbarmak by first offering a piece of meat to the eldest person at the table as a sign of respect.
- Symbolic Significance: Beshbarmak is regarded as a symbol of hospitality, unity, and heritage in Kazakh culture.
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237votesA rice dish typically made with lamb or beef, carrots, onions, and various spices. It is a popular dish throughout Central Asia and can be found in many restaurants in Kazakhstan.Plov is a traditional Azerbaijani dish made with rice, meat, and various vegetables. It is a flavorful one-pot rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and sometimes saffron. Plov is typically prepared in large quantities and served on special occasions or as a centerpiece of festive feasts. It is known for its rich and hearty taste, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Main Ingredients: Rice, meat (usually lamb or beef), carrot, onion
- Spices: Cumin, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon
- Other Vegetables: Garlic, bell peppers, dried fruits (optional)
- Cooking Method: Slow and long heat cooking in a large pot called kazan
- Layers: Plov is often prepared in layers, with rice at the bottom and meat and vegetables on top
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315votesA noodle soup dish that is similar to Chinese beef noodle soup. It consists of thick noodles, vegetables, and meat (usually lamb or beef) in a tomato-based broth.Lagman is a traditional dish in Kazakhstan, known for its rich flavors and hearty nature. It is a noodle-based dish, typically made with hand-pulled noodles, and is often prepared with a combination of meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The dish is typically enjoyed as a main course and is popular among locals and visitors alike.
- Type: Main course
- Ingredients: Hand-pulled noodles, meat (commonly beef or lamb), vegetables, spices
- Flavors: Rich, savory, and aromatic
- Preparation: The hand-pulled noodles are cooked until tender, while the meat and vegetables are stir-fried separately. These components are then combined and cooked together with aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garlic.
- Variations: There are various regional variations of lagman across Kazakhstan, with some including additional ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, or different types of meat.
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424votesSteamed dumplings filled with ground meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and restaurants.Manty is a traditional steamed dumpling dish widely enjoyed in Kazakhstan. This delicacy consists of a flavorful filling of minced meat (commonly beef or lamb), onions, and various spices, wrapped in a thin dough and shaped into small pouches. The dumplings are then cooked by steaming, which creates a soft and tender texture while preserving the savory taste of the filling. Manty is usually served hot and accompanied by a side of sour cream or vinegar-based sauce for added flavor.
- Dough: Thin and soft
- Filling: Minced meat (beef or lamb), onions, spices
- Cooking method: Steaming
- Shape: Pouch-like
- Size: Typically palm-sized
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521votesGrilled meat (usually lamb or beef) on skewers, often served with bread and vegetables. It is a popular dish for outdoor picnics and gatherings.Shashlik is a traditional Kazakh dish consisting of marinated pieces of meat, typically lamb, skewered and grilled over an open fire. It is widely enjoyed in Kazakhstan, often served at social gatherings, picnics, and special occasions.
- Meat: Traditionally lamb, but can also be beef, pork, or chicken
- Marination: Meat is marinated in a mixture of onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and various spices for several hours to enhance flavor
- Skewering: Marinated meat is threaded onto metal skewers, alternating with slices of onion or vegetables
- Grilling Method: Shashlik is traditionally cooked over an open fire or charcoal grill
- Cooking Technique: The skewers are rotated frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent charring
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615votesA pastry filled with meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions, similar to a samosa. It is a popular snack and can be found in many bakeries and cafes.Samsa is a traditional pastry dish that is widely popular in Kazakhstan. It is a baked or fried triangular-shaped pastry filled with savory ingredients.
- Shape: Triangular
- Cooking Method: Baked or fried
- Dough: Flaky and layered
- Filling: Savory mixture of meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, and spices
- Size: Typically palm-sized or slightly larger
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716votesA sausage made from horse meat, often served sliced and cold as an appetizer. It is a traditional Kazakh food and is considered a delicacy.Kazy is a traditional cured sausage from Kazakhstan. It is typically made from horse meat, although other meats such as beef or lamb can be used as well. The sausage has a unique flavor that is slightly tangy and is known for its distinctive aroma. Kazy is usually enjoyed as a delicacy during special occasions and is an important part of Kazakh cuisine.
- Main Meat: Horse meat, beef, or lamb
- Flavor: Slightly tangy
- Aroma: Distinctive
- Preparation: Cured
- Appearance: Thin and elongated sausage
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84votesFried dough balls that are often served with honey or jam. They are a popular snack and can be found in many markets and bakeries.Baursak is a traditional Kazakh deep-fried bread that is immensely popular in Kazakhstan. It is a dough-based snack often enjoyed as a side dish or with tea. Baursak is known for its golden color, fluffy texture, and slightly sweet taste.
- Shape: Baursak is typically shaped like small, flattened spheres or triangles.
- Ingredients: The main ingredients for making Baursak include flour, yeast, salt, sugar, milk, and oil for frying.
- Preparation: The dough is kneaded, left to rise, and then divided into small portions. These portions are shaped and deep-fried until they turn golden brown.
- Size: Baursak is usually bite-sized, measuring about 5-7 centimeters in diameter.
- Texture: Baursak has a soft and fluffy interior, while the outer crust is slightly crispy.
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93votesA dish made with fried meat (usually lamb or beef) and potatoes. It is a hearty and filling meal that is often served during the winter months.Kuurdak is a traditional dish from Kazakhstan known for its hearty and flavorful taste. It originated in the nomadic era and continues to be a popular dish today. The word 'kuurdak' translates to 'fried meat' in Kazakh.
- Main Ingredients: Kuurdak primarily consists of lamb or beef, onions, spices, and potatoes.
- Preparation: The meat is typically diced and then fried until browned. Onions are added along with various spices, such as salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, to enhance the flavor. Potatoes are often added and cooked until tender.
- Texture: Kuurdak has a delightful combination of tender meat and soft potatoes, with a slightly crispy outer layer.
- Flavor Profile: The dish offers a rich and savory taste, with the flavors of the meat blending harmoniously with the aromatic spices.
- Serving Style: Kuurdak is commonly served hot and is a popular main course in Kazakh households and restaurants.
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103votesA fermented drink made from mare's milk. It is a traditional Kazakh drink and is believed to have health benefits.Kymyz is a traditional fermented dairy beverage that is commonly consumed in Kazakhstan. It is made from horse milk, which undergoes a fermentation process to produce a slightly sour and effervescent drink. Kymyz has been a staple in Kazakh culture for centuries and is known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits.
- Primary Ingredient: Horse milk
- Fermentation: Fermented drink
- Taste: Slightly sour and effervescent
- Color: White
- Consistency: Similar to thin yogurt
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Ranking factors for popular food
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Frequency of consumptionThe popularity of food can also be measured by the frequency at which it is consumed by locals. Foods that are prepared and consumed on a regular basis are likely to be more popular.
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Availability and accessibilityFoods that are easily available and can be accessed by people from all walks of life are more likely to be popular. Accessibility can also include factors such as affordability and ease of preparation.
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VersatilityFoods that can be enjoyed during different occasions and with different accompaniments are likely to be more popular. This includes dishes that can be served as main courses, side dishes, or even snacks.
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Health benefitsWith increasing awareness on health and nutrition, people are more likely to choose foods that offer health benefits. Foods that are rich in nutrients and can cater to various dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets) should also be considered.
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Influence and recognitionThe popularity of a food can also be determined by its influence and recognition outside of Kazakhstan. Dishes that have gained international attention, have been part of international food festivals, or have contributed to the global culinary scene should be considered.
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Tourism and culinary experiencesFoods that are commonly enjoyed by tourists when visiting Kazakhstan can also be considered popular. These dishes often represent the essence of Kazakh cuisine and leave a lasting impression on visitors.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Kazakhstan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1390 views
- 190 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the ninth-largest country in the world, is located in Central Asia and is known for its vast, open landscapes and diverse cultures. The country's cuisine, which is influenced by its nomadic heritage and neighboring countries such as Russia, China, and Uzbekistan, is a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. Kazakh cuisine is known for its meat dishes, particularly lamb and horse meat, as well as dairy products like kumis (fermented mare's milk) and shubat (fermented camel's milk). Other popular dishes include beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), plov (rice pilaf), and manty (steamed dumplings). With such a rich culinary heritage, it's no wonder that food is an important part of Kazakh culture and identity. So, what is the most popular food in Kazakhstan? Let's find out through a StrawPoll!
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