Bishkek
Among the tastiest and nicest of Bishkek's ubiquitous столовая (cafeterias). Walk through the glassed-in à la carte dining room for the cafeteria, through…
Must-see restaurants in Central Asia
Tajikistan
This pleasant restaurant set in a garden with daybeds and a fountain is near the new mosque north of the city centre. It serves a good plov and shashlyk…
Kyrgyzstan
Tucked behind the first row of bazaar stalls off Momunkulova, tasty national dishes are in abundance though coveted tapchan seats near the entrance are in…
Tajikistan
Behind a vine-fronted facade, eight tables are arranged around a central fountain pool in a shaded courtyard, making this a lovely choice for lunch or tea…
Bishkek
Classic Italian cuisine and a refined atmosphere keep this local classic a mainstay in Bishkek's higher-end dining scene. Try to save room for dessert,…
Bishkek
A stylish but expensive spot frequented by embassy staff working in the neighbourhood who enjoy the cooled patio in summer. It also serves great…
Kazakhstan
This cheerful place serves tasty Turkish pizza, kebabs, grilled meats and salads, and also dabbles in sushi. Good coffee and imaginative cocktails round…
Kazakhstan
This basement restaurant is a bit of a catch-all crowd-pleaser: the extensive menu offers dozens of salads, grilled meats and pizzas. We can vouch for…
Tajikistan
This central semi-smart cafe features mirror-facet flowers and chequerboard couch seats. The kitchen serves great barbecues, particularly okaroshka …
Kazakhstan
Doubling as a karaoke joint in the evenings, this restaurant is worth checking out for its unusual decor and some surprisingly imaginative dishes with an…
Tajikistan
This splendid traditional-style teahouse with wooden pillars and carved ceiling offers a range of local dishes for a dining experience that's a cut above…
Fergana Valley
For something fancier than plov, try Bosco, which serves up a standard menu of Russian classics under a classy backdrop of dark wood, crisp linens and…
Tashkent
Pricey and somewhat kitschy, Affresco remains riotously popular with locals and travellers. Its full Italian menu is well realised and there's a large…
Bishkek
Think of this as upscale Central Asian, with favourite local dishes done better than most, with fresh ingredients, attention to presentation and an…
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
A tasteful, spacious and relaxed coffee house that’s great to drop into for a late breakfast (including English and continental) or a caffeine-and-strudel…
Bishkek
Authentic Japanese noodles and sushi by an expat Japanese chef, though the service can be a little over the top. Reservations are a good idea, especially…
Bishkek
Classic French brasserie dishes, fresh baguettes and croissants, and addictive cakes make for a worthwhile stop, particularly after 7pm, when baked goods…
Kazakhstan
Highly popular local chain, serving pretty good pizzas, meat and fish dishes and salads, and great ice cream and bliny, in clean, bright surroundings.
Bishkek
The steak-heavy menu should be no surprise, given the name, but don't miss the takeaway burger counter accessible from a side entrance on Bokonbaev, as…
Almaty
One of several branches of a popular self-serve cafeteria where you can eat your fill of salads, soups, mains and desserts without drifting into…
Fergana Valley
Fergana’s best little boho cafe was under renovation when we visited last. Hopefully the sunny patio and live jazz music will survive the remont.
Kazakhstan
Shashlyk straight off the grill, laghman (long, stout noodles) and other Kazakh staples are served in garden booths at this relaxed local joint.
Dushanbe
This simple family-run restaurant in a vine-covered yard attracts a local crowd at lunchtime hoping to dine on Dushanbe's best plov (pilaf).
Dushanbe
This hugely popular bustling cafeteria makes a lively spot for Turkish breakfasts, kebabs, pizza, salads, cakes and instant coffee (but no alcohol).
Almaty
This popular cafeteria chain will feed you satisfactorily and cheaply all day. Soups, salads, breads, assorted hot mains and desserts are on offer.
Bishkek
Authentic Chinese cuisine and cheap cold beer, especially nice on a warm evening from the plastic patio furniture that overlooks Victory Square.
Dushanbe
A range of well-prepared Indian dishes, cooked by an Indian chef, is served at brightly clothed tables in this ever-popular central favourite.
Bishkek
Tender kebabs served as complete meals with salad, bread and rice are excellent value even if the ambience is a bit bland. Halal, no alcohol.
Almaty
Trendy, pleasant cafe that serves a good variety of salads, light dishes, pizza, coffee and cake. This branch is quieter than the main one.
Chalet Shymbulak Meat Restaurant
Kazakhstan
Rustic kitsch meets carnivore-enticing fare. The shashlyks are particularly good. Park yourself by the window for great mountain views.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Inside Khan Shatyr, this popular chain restaurant serves up nice enough pizzas and grilled meats. Two other branches around the city.
Bishkek
Stop in for a wide range of imported wines to pair with properly cooked steaks and even, unusually, horse steak as an option.
Kazakhstan
Just beyond the south end of the market, this hole-in-the-wall serves inexpensive shashlyk, salads and hearty breakfasts.
Kazakhstan
A branch of the popular local chain that serves decent pizza, Russian meat and fish dishes, bliny and more.
Kyrgyzstan
One of several eateries facing the east side of the bazaar, the standard local menu here is a good value.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Original branch of this popular cafe, serving large breakfasts, cakes, salads and other miscellanea.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Central branch of Italian-style cafe, with decent pastas, salads, snacks and coffee.
Bishkek
A general European menu with a focus on quality meat makes for nice meals in a stylish dining room, and lunchtime discounts of up to 15% make the somewhat…
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