Enjoy The Taste Of Kazakhstan's Horses

By Nur Aimidiyana Zuher This last of two-part article is based on the writer’s recent visit to Kazakhstan in conjunction with the country's 21st independence anniversary celebrated on Dec 16. The story shines light on local cuisines and a shopping trip. ASTANA (Kazakhstan), Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Kazakhstan is a land blessed with natural resources like uranium and natural gas. In addition, it is a land with unique traditions. The people of Kazakhstan are friendly. However, a foreigner may face communication problems since English is not spoken widely in Kazakhstan. The country is also home to colourful customs and tasty dishes. BESHPARMAK AND KASAN In Kazakhstan, this writer had an opportunity to savour several local cuisines. One of the cuisines is Beshparmak, a popular stew made from the meat of a goat, sheep or a horse. The meat is boiled for several hours in a 'Kasan', a traditional metal cauldron. Then, herbs and spices like parsley, coriander, onions and pepper are added to the meat. The stew is eaten with potatoes and a dish that looks like lasagna. However, just how did the stew taste, as for this writer it tasted like any other soup, just that it was not salty. HORSE MEAT AND MILK This writer also tasted horse meat in Kazakhstan. Initially, it felt awkward as images of horses were running in her mind. How did horse meat taste? It tasted like beef or mutton, but the horse meat was tougher. A horse’s milk is low in fat and is lighter than a cow's milk. Horse meat is available in various forms: stew, grilled and steak. Makhambet Yensegenov, 28, a Kazakh, said horse meat tastes better than beef and mutton. He added that horse meat has high nutritional value, is rich in proteins, and low in cholesterol. GREEN BAZAAR After savouring these delights, this writer went shopping at the Green Bazaar in Almaty, which sold food, handicrafts and fresh flowers. This writer wanted to purchase a t-shirt with the word 'Astana' printed on it, but she had a hard time negotiating the price of the t-shirt as the salesperson hardly knew English. Despite the communication barrier, this writer was impressed with the salesperson because she made an effort to communicate in sign language. Initially, she packed the item. However, when the writer started bargaining, she signalled ‘no’ with her finger. What impressed this writer is that despite communication problems, the salesperson did not lose patience. This writer finally bought the t-shirt for 2000 Teng (US$13) and said rakmet (thank you in Kazakh). On the whole, items sold in this market were affordable. A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY The two weeks stay in Kazakhstan taught many things to this writer, especially on the Kazakhs’ way of life. The writer fell in love with the beautiful country. -- BERNAMA