Dried yogurt? Yes of kurt!
Take a look at my pictures of these hard lumps of dried yogurt. Take a look at my pictures of these hard lumps of dried yogurt. You will find similar products everywhere between Inner Asia and the Middle East by names such as kurt (Kazakh), …
Sayram: of saints and samsas
On the surface it’s an unassuming dusty little town, but Sayram (Сайрам) is known over Kazakhstan and Central Asia for being the resting place of many holy men and called “a city of countless saints” («Сайрамда бар сансыз баб»). While researching the things worth seeing …
What is Shelpek?
Shelpek (шелпек), a round deep-fried flatbread, is often prepared by Kazakh families on Thursdays or Fridays in memory of ancestors. The duties of observing the ‘releasing of fragrance’ (иіс шығару) ritual lies principally with women. Seven shelpeks are prepared. The released cooking oil aroma has …
Koreyskiye salaty
Korean salads (корейские салаты) can be found all over the post-Soviet states. They are the most colorful spots at local food markets. And in Central Asia, there is hardly a single market without them! You may think “kimchi” and you will be only partially right. …
Almaty’s Green Bazaar
Markets are microcosms of local food culture. Whichever new country I go to, I always try to visit food markets. It’s a perfect way to learn about local diet, eating habits, seasonal products, traditions, language and even history. The status of Kazakhstan’s capital belongs to …
