Beshbarmak, which means “five fingers” in Kyrgyz, is the national dish of Kyrgyzstan. It consists of boiled meat (usually lamb, beef, or horse meat) served on a bed of thin noodles and topped with onions and sometimes broth. It's traditionally eaten with the hands. 1)
Manty are steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, and spices. They're often served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and may be flavored with herbs like dill or parsley. 2)
Laghman is a noodle dish with Central Asian origins, consisting of hand-pulled noodles served in a savory broth with pieces of meat (usually lamb or beef), vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions, and seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander. 3)
Shashlik is a popular Central Asian dish of skewered and grilled meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) marinated in spices, vinegar, and onions. It's often served with flatbread and accompanied by pickled vegetables. 4)
Kuurdak is a hearty dish made with diced meat (usually lamb or beef) stir-fried with potatoes, onions, and spices until golden and crispy. It's a favorite comfort food among Kyrgyz people, especially during cold winters. 5)
Samsa is a type of savory pastry filled with minced meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, and spices, then baked until golden and crispy. It's a popular snack or appetizer in Kyrgyzstan, often enjoyed with tea. 6)
Naryn is a traditional Kyrgyz dish made with boiled and shredded noodles mixed with finely chopped meat (usually horse meat), onions, and sometimes radishes or carrots. It's typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and vinegar. 7)
Kymyz is a fermented dairy drink made from mare's milk, traditionally consumed by nomadic tribes in Central Asia. It has a slightly sour taste and is believed to have health benefits. It's often served cold and enjoyed during summer months. 8)
Borsok are deep-fried dough pieces served as a snack or side dish in Kyrgyz cuisine. They're made from a simple dough of flour, water, and salt, then fried until golden and crispy. They're often served with honey or jam. 9)
Chuchuk is a type of spicy sausage made from minced meat (usually horse meat or beef) mixed with spices like garlic, coriander, and red pepper. It's typically smoked or air-dried and served as a snack or appetizer. 10)
Ashlyamfu is a cold, gelatinous dish made from starch (often from mung beans or corn) mixed with water and flavored with vinegar, garlic, salt, and sometimes chili peppers. It's often served as a refreshing summer dish. 11)
Kuimak is a thick, creamy porridge made from fermented milk (usually from mare's milk or cow's milk) mixed with flour and salt. It's a traditional breakfast dish in Kyrgyzstan, often served with butter or honey. 12)
Kurut are small balls of dried sour milk cheese, often made from mare's milk. They're salty and tangy in flavor and are eaten as a snack or used in cooking, especially in soups and stews. 13)
Shorpo is a traditional Central Asian soup made with meat (usually lamb or beef) cooked with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth seasoned with spices like cumin and coriander. It's hearty and nourishing, perfect for cold weather. 14)
Bread holds a special place in Kyrgyz cuisine, with various types of flatbreads and leavened breads being consumed throughout the country. One popular variety is boorsok, deep-fried dough pieces often served with tea or as a side dish. 15)