Central Asia, consisting of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, offers simple but hearty food, which has been shaped by the region's nomadic roots, Silk Road influences, and agricultural abundance. The food in Central Asia is very meat heavy with little in the way of fresh ingredients, owing to the harsh winters.
Plov
If there was going to be one dish that defines Central Asia, it has to be plov. Plov is a savory rice dish typically cooked with lamb, beef, or chicken. The dish is flavoured with a combination of onions, carrots, garlic, and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, and sometimes saffron. The rice is simmered slowly, and it is often served in large communal pots, making it a dish for family gatherings or celebrations. In Uzbekistan, plov is considered a national dish, and each region has its unique twist on this recipe.
Lagman
Another popular dish across the region is lagman. The dish is prepared with hand-pulled noodles (often made fresh on the spot) and cooked with a combination of meat (usually lamb or beef), peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Spices such as garlic and chilli give the dish its distinct flavour. While Lagman can be served as a soup, in some places, the noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and meat, creating a dry version. Often both versions are available.
Shashlik
Shashlik is the Central Asian equivalent of kebabs – skewered pieces of marinated meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, that are grilled over an open flame. The meat is often marinated in a mixture of onions, vinegar, spices, and yogurt, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. It is served with flatbread, grilled vegetables, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect street food or picnic dish throughout the region.
Samsa
A beloved snack or appetizer in Central Asia is samsa, a flaky pastry filled with savoury ingredients such as minced meat (lamb or beef), onions, and spices. These pastries are often shaped into triangles and baked until golden and crispy. Sometimes samsa can be filled with vegetables like pumpkin or potatoes, providing a vegetarian alternative.
Manty
Manty are large steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, usually lamb or beef, and seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. These dumplings are similar to the dumplings found in many Central Asian and Turkish cuisines, but their size and hearty fillings set them apart. The dough is thin and chewy, and the dumplings are steamed or fried and served with sour cream.
Beshbarmak
One of the most traditional dishes in Kazakhstan is beshbarmak, which translates to “five fingers”, referring to the way the dish is traditionally eaten with hands. The dish consists of boiled meat, typically horse meat, served over flat noodles and topped with onions and a rich broth. It is commonly served during celebrations and family gatherings, particularly at weddings or special events.
Chak-Chak
No meal in Central Asia is complete without a sweet treat to round it off, and chak-chak is one of the region's most beloved desserts. Made from fried dough that is soaked in honey and sugar syrup, this dish forms sticky clusters of dough, which are then served in small pieces.
Drinks
Kumis – Fermented Horse Milk
A unique beverage that you may encounter in Central Asia is kumis, a fermented drink made from mare’s milk. Slightly alcoholic due to the fermentation process, this drink has been consumed by nomads for centuries for its health benefits, believed to aid digestion and promote energy. It has a tangy, slightly sour taste and is often enjoyed chilled, particularly during the warmer months. This drink is especially popular in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Ayran
Ayran is another popular beverage in Central Asia. Made from yogurt, water, and salt, this refreshing drink is perfect for quenching thirst, especially in the hot summer months. It is typically served chilled and often accompanies meals, providing a cooling contrast to the spicier, hearty dishes that dominate the region’s culinary scene.
Tea
When you think of tea drinking, you normally think of the British. However, Central Asians make the British look like they’ve never heard of tea. Tea is central to life in Central Asia, where it plays an important role in hospitality. The tea is often served with lots of sugar and sweets.
