Local food and drink

If you visit Kyrgyzstan, you must try the local cuisine. Kyrgyz cuisine is a mash-up of Russian, Central Asian, and nomadic foods. This is definitely one of the top Things about Kyrgyzstan You Should Know. It consists of a large amount of meat, bread, and sweets. Many people have commented on how similar Kyrgyz cookery is to that of the Caucasus. In addition to these foreign cuisines, Kyrgyzstan has some truly intriguing native foods that should not be missed. Manta, a Kyrgyz variant of dumplings, is incredibly delicious, especially with a dollop of yogurt on top. Look for shorpa, which is slow-cooked meat that literally melts off the bone.

You must also try Kyrgyzstan's most famous drink, kumis. It's fermented mare's milk that has turned semi-alcoholic, and while you won't be able to drink much of it, it's worth trying at least once. If you want to sample a unique delicacy in Kyrgyzstan, horse is widely consumed and, when appropriately prepared, is rather tasty.