When we travel to another country, one of the most intimate ways to experience its soul is through its food. Cuisine is more than a meal—it’s a story, a piece of history served on a plate, a reflection of people’s character and the land that nourishes them. Every spice, every aroma, every bite carries whispers of tradition passed down through generations. And for me, that story unfolded beautifully when I celebrated my 35th birthday at Navat Restaurant, one of Kazakhstan’s most beloved dining destinations.
When you search online for the best restaurants or must-try local cuisines in Kazakhstan, Navat almost always appears at the top. Locals recommend it; travelers rave about it. So, when I planned where to spend my birthday dinner, the choice was obvious. I wanted something authentically Kazakh, something that would give me not just a meal but a memory—and Navat delivered exactly that.
A Simple Disclaimer
I’m not a chef, food critic, or food blogger. What I share here comes purely from my experience—from my own taste buds, my curiosity for culture, and my appreciation for every meaningful encounter during my travels. My review isn’t based on culinary expertise, but on how the food made me feel, and how satisfied I was with the experience.
The Feast: What We Ordered
Navat’s menu is a celebration of Central Asian cuisine. It’s thick, diverse, and full of inviting choices that tell stories of nomadic traditions and family feasts. As any curious traveler would do, we asked for the restaurant’s bestsellers—the dishes that embody Kazakhstan’s culinary identity.
We ordered:
Beshbarmak with horse meat – Homemade dough with tender horse meat in a rich lamb broth.
Plov Toy Ashi – Fragrant rice cooked with lamb and veal, rich in flavor and comfort.
Lamb Kazan Kebab with French Fries – Juicy pieces of lamb roasted over an open fire, served with crispy fries and onions.
Baursaks – Homemade golden pastries, soft and slightly sweet, like little pillows of comfort.
To drink, we had Pineapple Signature Lemonade and Shalap, a traditional fermented milk beverage that’s both surprising and refreshing.
We didn’t make these choices alone. Our friendly tour guide helped us pick the must-try dishes—those that would give us a true taste of Kazakhstan. Looking back, I’m glad we trusted his suggestions.
What My Taste Buds Have to Say
It had been a while since I truly savored food the way I did at Navat. Each dish carried its own character, and together they painted a beautiful picture of Kazakh hospitality.
The Beshbarmak with horse meat was the star of the evening. The meat was incredibly tender—soft, flavorful, and unlike anything I’ve tried before. It was rich but not heavy, seasoned yet clean. It was the kind of dish that makes you pause after every bite just to appreciate it. Without exaggeration, it was the best horse meat dish I’ve ever had in my life.
The Plov Toy Ashi reminded me of my time in Egypt, where food also tells stories of warmth and togetherness. The rice was perfectly cooked, fluffy yet full of texture, and the blend of lamb and veal gave it a deep, comforting flavor. It felt familiar yet new—a dish that made me nostalgic for places I hadn’t even been to.
The Lamb Kazan Kebab was a pleasant surprise. The flavor was bold, slightly smoky, with spices that felt both exotic and comforting. You know that feeling when a taste triggers a memory, yet you can’t quite place where it came from? That’s how this dish felt. It made me wonder where else in the world I’ve tasted something like it—and I realized, nowhere. It was uniquely Kazakh.
And then there were the Baursaks. I’ve always preferred bread over cake, and these golden, fluffy pastries instantly became my favorite. I ended up ordering another plate! Simple yet satisfying, they’re the kind of comfort food that makes you feel at home, even when you’re miles away from it.
As for the drinks, the Pineapple Lemonade was light and refreshing, while the Shalap was an experience in itself—slightly salty and tangy, something you either love or find curious. Either way, it added to the authenticity of the experience.
The Experience and Value
Celebrating my birthday at Navat turned out to be one of the best decisions I made during my trip to Kazakhstan. The restaurant’s ambiance was warm and welcoming, with interiors that echoed Central Asian art and tradition—colorful patterns, intricate details, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
What made it even more memorable was the service. The staff were friendly, attentive, and eager to help. Despite the language barrier, they tried their best to communicate in English, smiling through every interaction. That small gesture of effort and kindness meant a lot.
The food prices at Navat are above average for local standards, but you absolutely get what you pay for. The portions are generous, the presentation thoughtful, and the flavors unforgettable. For me, it wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience worth every tenge.
I remember sitting there, looking around at families laughing, couples dining, and travelers like me savoring every bite. It was a moment of gratitude. I wasn’t just celebrating another year of life—I was celebrating the privilege of experiencing a different culture, a different world.
A Birthday Shared with Strangers Who Became Friends
Traveling solo for my birthday was something I had promised myself—a way to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate quietly. But fate had its own plans. On this journey, I met two wonderful people: Ate Ross and Marie. Meeting them felt like destiny, as if we were meant to cross paths in this faraway place.
We decided to celebrate my birthday together at Navat. What started as a casual dinner with newfound friends turned into one of the most heartwarming nights of my trip. We laughed over shared stories, compared our favorite dishes, and talked about the beauty of Kazakhstan. There was something so pure about that evening—three travelers, strangers just days before, now sharing laughter and food under the soft glow of Navat’s lights.
In that moment, I realized how travel brings people together in the most unexpected ways. It’s not just about the places we see but the people we meet, the meals we share, and the memories we build.
A Taste of Culture, Tradition, and Connection
Navat wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a window into Kazakhstan’s soul. Through its flavors, I tasted history. Through its people, I felt warmth. And through that simple birthday dinner, I found connection.
If someone asked me to describe Navat, I would say it’s not just a must-try restaurant—it’s an essential experience. It captures everything that makes Kazakhstan beautiful: its hospitality, its authenticity, and its love for good food shared in good company.
I left Navat that night with a full stomach and a fuller heart. As I stepped out into the cool Almaty evening, I looked up at the quiet sky and smiled. Thirty-five never tasted this good.
