A meal with local family, Kazakh food, direct talk to locals in their house

A meal with local family, Kazakh food, direct talk to locals in their house

Traditional kazakh food: beshbarmak, manty or kuwurdak.

Tea with traditional nomadic sweets.

Introduction into kazakh traditions, family/tribe structure and organization, housekeeping, transition to modern life.

Timing is flexible and adjusted up to convenience of visitors. Most typically lunch starts at 1PM, dinner starts about 7PM.

Because of being nomads for many centuries, kazakh cookery is mostly about meat. Usually, we have a cup of kymyz before it. Kymyz  is fermented horse milk. Don't be afraid of trying it :-)

Vegetables and salades are mostly a tribute to european taste. Usually, 1 or 2 salads are offered before main dish.

Another staple of kazakh meal is strong black tea with milk with nomadic sweets. Again, according to nomadic lifestyle all "candies" are very simple but very.... original. Up to guests' taste green team may be served.

A meal may be held in three different settings:

1. Young local family. They married recently, both are newcomers to Astana. Both are young and active, and managed to buy new flat for themselves - success for such a young people. They have 2 years daughter. This is regular option.

2. Rural family that recently migrated to Astana. They bought small house in a village near the city and after moving capital to Astana this place is almost in the center of the capital. Four sons, who repair cars and run retail outlets, built new house for their parents and now whole family of three generations lives in new big house. Old one is given for rent. The family is very talented, there are singers, dancers, grandfather is writer, grandmother was journalist. This family needs longer time ahead for booking, at least a week.

3. Family of local jeweller. This meal is extended with visiting his private museum of nomadic arts - jewelry, souvenirs made out of wood, leather, felt, national costumes, shoes, painting, antiquities. This meal also requires early booking.

All families live within the city and do not nee special transport cost. A bus comes near, taxi is also very cheap ($3-5 per a ride).

The price includes meal itself and a guide/translator. No tickets are required.

Depending on a person of a guide, different stories may be told - history, culture, architecture, economy, finance, global politics, healthcare, education, science, housekeeping etc.