How to bring kazy abroad: Kazakhstanis share their experience

Tengrinews.kz - Kazy is one of the most recognizable dishes of Kazakh cuisine, which not only decorates festive tables, but also symbolizes our traditions and hospitality. For many Kazakhstanis traveling abroad, this is not just food, but a piece of home that they want to take with them. Recently, users shared their experience of transporting kazy abroad.

A video has become popular on Instagram, where a Kazakhstani woman shared a humorous life hack for transporting kazy abroad. In the video, the girl humorously explained that you need to freeze the product, wrap it in cling film, then in foil, and hide the meat deep in your luggage. However, she also warned: if customs officers notice the kazy, the consequences can be serious - from fines to deportation.

The video has collected many comments, where users told their stories about transporting meat across borders. Some noted that with proper packaging and the presence of a factory label, meat can be transported without problems.

"In a vacuum with a label in two languages ​​indicating the ingredients - they let it through in Los Angeles and San Francisco without any problems. Use it!" "You can bring in boiled kazy. Wrap it in film, then in baking paper, then in newspaper. I always do this, and have never had any problems," "If it is packed in the original packaging and there is a label with all the ingredients listed, then it will pass," the users wrote.

©️ Turar Kazangapov

Many commentators shared that they faced strict control.

"At the New York airport, as soon as they see a Kazakh passport, they immediately search for meat," "I was detained at the Prague airport with 23 kilograms of kazy. I showed the certificate, but they said that it does not work in the EU. At least they let me go, and it was the happiest day of my life!" "We were added to the database of kazy carriers, and now they always take us for inspection," "Don't do this. Now everyone from Kazakhstan is checked," "In California, they checked my suitcase for food. Kazakh passport. I asked what you were looking for. They said that a dog smells food in luggage. But they found nothing," "I went through customs control, and they asked me: ‘Are you from Kazakhstan?’ I said: ‘Yes.’ Then come with us to the inspection for kazy - and smiled. But I did not take it," the travelers shared.

Others warned that in some countries breaking the rules could be costly.

"In Europe, it's a 100% fine. For example, in Poland, they take away the meat and impose a fine of 500 euros. Think about whether it's worth that kind of money," "In Stockholm, at Arlando Airport, they'll find out 100% there, and you'll pay a fine of 500 euros, so think about whether you need a 500-euro kazy! In Poland, it's the same, they take away everything and the fine, and in Germany, there's a ban on meat and dairy products," "It's a big fine of 500 dollars, and they'll put a tick for 10 years," commentators said.

©️ Tengrinews.kz / Turar Kazangapov

Some users described original ways of transporting it, for example, hiding the meat inside bread. However, such methods rarely lead to success.

"I put it in bread, but they still threw it out," one of the commentators said.

The topic sparked a heated discussion: some users took the author's advice with humor, while others criticized her approach, believing that it is necessary to respect the laws of the countries where the products are imported.

"If it is not allowed by law, then it is not allowed. Misleading people is bad. It is better to save up money, go home and enjoy your favorite dishes there," wrote one of the critics.

Some advocated that kazy, as part of the national heritage of Kazakhstan, should receive international recognition.

"This is not just food, but our culture and traditions. We need to create a certificate to legalize the transportation of kazy in all countries," noted the commentator.

There was also humor.

"When a flight from Kazakhstan lands at Heathrow, customs officers know that a herd of horses has arrived in parts," joked one commenter.

Experience from travelers shows that even with careful preparation, success is not guaranteed. For those who do not want to take risks, there is always the option of enjoying your favorite dish at home.

Tell us, our readers, have you ever transported kazy or other edible gifts for foreign friends? Share your experience in the comments.

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