Manty, kebab, lagman are just a few traditional Kyrgyz dishes you’ve gotta devour in Bishkek.
Since it’s the capital city, Bishkek doesn’t have a shortage of international options when it comes to eating out. But while you’re in Kyrgyzstan, why not venture and try this country’s authentic flavors. From restaurants best known for a variety of steamed dumplings, to gastronomic fine-dining elegance; here are some of the best restaurants in Bishkek serving traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, recommended by our local guide!
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Ethno-Complex Supara
For a throwback dining experience, head over to Ethno-Complex Supara for eating inside traditional yurts and tasting its signature shashlik, which is skewered meats cooked on hot stone plates. The entire restaurant is designed to highlight Kyrgyz nomadic life, there’s even live music during the meal with musicians accessorized by feathered hats, performing songs emblematic of folk culture. The meal starts with a plate of golden borsok, which is a traditional fried dough.
Supara. PHOTO WENDY HUNGNavat Restaurant / Чайхана NAVAT
Wildly popular in Bishkek, Navat is also a restaurant offering a traditional and nomadic setting. For travelers curious about Kyrgyzstan’s past, Navat is a sophisticated choice that typically welcomes both locals and travelers. With several locations throughout Bishkek, there are also musicians that perform Kyrgyz tunes during dinnertime. There’s English menu available, making it easy for travelers to navigate through delicious choices.
INSTAGRAM @navat.oshFrunze restaurant
For a high-end experience, check out Frunze led by chef Emil Djangirov who is determined to use local ingredients in order to create older recipes while adding modern twists, particularly in regards to presentation. The menu is a celebration of traditional Kyrgyz dishes, exalted with gastronomy techniques. Since Frunze often hosts politicians and statesmen, the restaurant is elegant and upscale. There are various halls, even a library and an art gallery at the entrance.
FACEBOOK Frunze RestaurantBarashek
Barashek is another fan favorite, providing a menu full of typical Kyrgyzstan’s traditional foods like: Mashhorda soup (mung bean soup,) honey cake and berry sorbet (honey is one of the main natural resources in the country.) Of course, don’t miss anything grilled on the open fire, including: kebab roll, saddle of lamb, liver…etc.
FACEBOOK Ресторан БАРАШЕКArzu Restaurant
Arzu is another grand restaurant featuring Kyrgyz cuisine with Middle Eastern influences, located near the stadium. Accompanied by live music on certain nights, you can expect to taste some classic dishes, including: lagman (pulled noodles,) and manty (steamed dumplings stuffed with minced meat and onion.) There are different Arzu locations for distinct dining experiences, like a banquet hall, a restaurant with nine VIP rooms or a more laid-back café.
INSTAGRAM @arzu_restaurants 
Testo Mesto
Testo Mesto arguably serves up the best dumplings in all of Bishkek. The restaurant’s name translates to “dough palace,” so the menu shows off an array of manty stuffed with various meats and fillings. There are also vegetarian options available, and frozen dumplings for locals or travelers staying for a longer period of time. Don’t forget to try the pies too, as well as homemade alcoholic drinks.
FACEBOOK Тесто МестоBukhara Restaurant
Bukhara Restaurant infuses other regions of Central Asia, including: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan into its Kyrgyz dishes. If you love Navat (also on this list,) then you’ll certainly enjoy Bukhara with a similar cozy atmosphere and traditional plates. You should try charred kebabs or plov which happens to be Uzbekistan’s national dish comprised of long grain rice with lamb, onions, and carrots.
FACEBOOK Bukhara RestaurantOasis Asian doner & kebab
Craving for a savory wrap? Doner is a must in Kyrgyzstan, so stop by Oasis Asian Doner & Kebab for an appetizing quick bite that won’t break the bank. Inside a restaurant marked by a green signage, Oasis makes killer comfort food with marinated meat, vegetables, drizzled on top is a luscious sauce. All blanked by a grilled wrap.
INSTAGRAM @oasis_kgCafe Faiza
Compared to the other addresses on this list, Faiza delivers a more local vibe. For experienced travelers that want to be surrounded by tables filled with Krygyz indulging in their favorite dishes. Try the Boso-Laghman (prepared from stretched noodles by hands, mixed with meat and vegetables,) or Roasted Manty (prepared from finely chopped meat and onions in thin dough. Steamed, then roasted to give the manty a crispy crust.)
FACEBOOK Anna Gamarnik