An Edible Voyage

March 2018 If you're craving a good espresso-based coffee, there are a couple of places where you can get your fix - Karakol Coffee in Karakol, and cosy Bublik in Bishkek.

March 2018 The national dish of Kyrgyzstan, this just had to be tried.  The name translates as 'five fingers', possibly because it is traditionally eaten with the hands - I definitely was not skilled enough to eat noodles and broth with my hands so I had to cheat and opt for utensils.   Boiled horse meat and it's broth are served on a bed of noodles.  It's hearty, rich, meaty, a little greasy and incredibly filling - great for a nomadic lifestyle but difficult to finish when your only exercise for the day is wandering around a city.  Find it on most restaurant menus in Bishkek.

March 2018  Cooked in a tandyr clay oven and decorated with the baker's individual stamp, t his pretty disc of bread is found on every street corner in Kyrgyzstan, and eaten with every meal.  .

March 2018 Kymyz, or kumis, is commonly found on the streets of Bishkek where stall holders pour it to order from large vats.  A bit like watery, slightly sour milk, it is an acquired taste!