Where to eat shashlik in Almaty

Kazakhstan shashlik (shish kebab) comes from the Soviet one, which used vinegar and onions for marinating. Since childhood, large numbers of Kazakhstan residents associated this dish, primarily with visiting bazaars, where shashlik was cooked on mangals. Of course, over the past time, a pile of marinade options has appeared; not only with vinegar but also other options with kefir and mineral water. Lamb, duck, or chicken are mainly used for preparing shashlik.

Varieties of sauces, fresh vegetables, and pita bread are perfect for meals accompanied by shashlik, which adds diversity to this dish.

It is also important to note that Georgian shashlik presents a wide variety in Almaty. The difference is that chefs prefer beef or veal, with no vinegar in the marinade; instead, they use spices, and pieces of meat are much bigger than usual. That is why the taste differs from others. In our list below, we will present the most popular cafes, where you can eat shashlik in Almaty.

"Shashlik on Kirova Street"

Location: 72, Bogenbay street

This place is for those who don’t need an elegant atmosphere. Shashlik, which you can order with bread, sauces, and fresh salad is what attracts people to come here. Here you can order shashlik from lamb, duck, chicken, kebab, entrecote, sturgeon, vegetables, sausages, and mushrooms.

Visitors write: "If you want to visit a place that is popular with the locals, this is it. On weekends in the summer, there are quite a lot of people, so service may be delayed."

"Shashlik on Pastera-Smail"

Location: 29, Makataeva Street

If any place can be called a "shashlik temple," it would be "Shashlik on Pastera-Smile." Here, you can find more than 20 varieties of shashlik made from fish, lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, and duck. This place has several halls and two floors.

"Here you can have a delicious lunch and dinner, and you can also celebrate any holiday that comes to your mind," people write in the reviews.

"Shipudim"

Location: 81, Zheltoksan Street

Shipudim also adheres to the "Soviet" shashlik recipe, trying to provide customers with the opportunity to remember their childhood times by eating shashlik "like one made at the bazaar." This cafe has several branches throughout the city, the address given is for the one closest to the center. The menu, of course, includes Soviet-style shashlik; there is also Karski-style shish kebab, prepared according to an Armenian recipe. This place also has other types of shashliks made from lamb, fish, duck, and mushrooms.

"Chachapuri" cafe

Location: 15, Kasteeva Street

You can come here if you need a real Eastern cafe with a music and festival atmosphere. Here, you can try 23 types of shashlik made out of chicken, lamb, and fish with vegetables. The main focus is on lamb dishes. Shashliks are served on wooden trays. People praise this cafe for its family atmosphere and modern music.

"Mimino" restautant

Location: 122, Zhukova Street (Mount Giant); 6, Orbita district 1.

Mimino has 15 types of shashlik made from lamb, beef, sturgeon, chicken, and pork. There is a signature platter, shish kebabs made of fillet, ribs, and entrecote. Among the unusual options are the spicy oriental kebab, aji kebab, and lula kebab made in Georgian style - kababi. Customers praise the large size of the cafe, summer terraces, balconies, a bar area for watching football, banquet tables, and a children's playground.