Javaria Khalid
If food is a window into a country’s soul, then Kazakhstan and Pakistan offer two distinct yet equally fascinating views. While Kazakhstan’s cuisine is deeply rooted in nomadic traditions, Pakistan’s food is an explosion of spices and diverse influences.
Anyone who is a fan of food vlogs must have come across Mubashir Siddique YouTube channel, Village Food Secrets. His simple yet heartwarming cooking style, set in the serene backdrop of his Pakistani village, has won millions of hearts worldwide. But this time, 36-year-old Mubashir is on a completely different adventure—exploring the culture and cuisines of Almaty, Kazakhstan.
From a Pakistani Village to the Heart of Central Asia
Known for his love of traditional and authentic food, Mubashir has taken his journey beyond Pakistan’s borders. His recent visit to Almaty – Kazakhstan’s largest city, is a treat not just for food lovers but also for those fascinated by cross-cultural culinary experiences. He visited Almaty during the ongoing Nowruz celebrations.
Kazakhstan: The Land of Hearty and Meat-Heavy Delights
Some of the popular cuisines of Kazakhstan are as follows:
Beshbarmak – A Meat Lover’s Dream
The national dish, Beshbarmak, is a hearty meal of boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over flat noodles and topped with onion broth. Traditionally eaten with hands, it translates to “five fingers,” referring to the traditional food consumption method.
Shashlik – The Kazakh Barbecue
These skewered and grilled pieces of marinated meat (often lamb, beef, or even horse) are Kazakhstan’s answer to the global love for barbecue. Shashlik is best enjoyed with fresh bread and pickled vegetables.
Kymyz – The Drink of the Steppes
Fermented mare’s milk drink, Kymyz, is traditional Kazakh beverage believed to have numerous health benefits. It’s slightly sour in taste, slightly fizzy, and definitely an acquired taste.
Baursaks – Kazakh Donuts
These deep-fried dough balls are Kazakhstan’s staple dish at celebrations and pair beautifully with tea or honey. They are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them undoubtedly an instant comfort food.
While Kazakhstan is famous for its rich flavor of traditional cuisines, Pakistan is also not far behind.
Pakistan: A Spice Lover’s Paradise
Pakistani cuisine is a bold mix of flavors, drawing influences from Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Indian culinary traditions. It is all about spices, slow-cooked meats, and rich, aromatic dishes.
Some of the famous Pakistani cuisines are as follows:
Biryani – The Crown Jewel
No discussion about Pakistani food is complete without Biryani. This fragrant, spiced rice dish is layered with marinated meat (chicken, beef, or mutton), rice, and sometimes with potatoes. Each bite of biryani is an explosion of flavor, making it easily the most popular Pakistani cuisine.
Nihari – The Breakfast of Champions
This slow-cooked beef or mutton stew, rich with aromatic spices, is a breakfast favorite in Pakistan. Traditionally, it is eaten with naan. Nihari is known for its deep, complex flavors that develop over hours of cooking.
Seekh Kebabs
These juicy, spiced minced meat skewers (often beef or chicken) are grilled to perfection and are a staple food at BBQ gatherings. It is served with mint chutney and fresh naan.
Lassi – The Ultimate Cool Down Drink
A traditional yogurt-based drink, Lassi can be sweet or salty and is the perfect antidote to Pakistan’s hot climate. The mint, and mango lassi variations are especially popular for their rich and creamy sweetness.
Mubashir’s visit to Kazakhstan is more than just about food. It is about bringing people of Kazakhstan and Pakistan together through shared culinary traditions. Watching him appreciate Kazakh cuisine while drawing comparisons to Pakistani flavors is a great way to see the similarities and differences between these two cultures.
As fans eagerly follow his journey, one thing is certain: whether he’s cooking in his Pakistani village or exploring the flavors of Kazakhstan, Mubashir Siddique continues to be an inspiration for food lovers worldwide.
