Qymyz Bar, a new spot dedicated to kumys (or kymyz) — the traditional Central Asian drink made from fermented mare’s milk — opened in Almaty on Aug. 1. The bar offers 20 different varieties of kumys from 11 regions across Kazakhstan, each with a distinct level of fermentation, ranging from light to bold and well-aged.
In addition to the wide selection of kumys, visitors can explore flavors with the help of a professionally trained sommelier, who offers tasting guidance and insights into the drink’s history and production.
The food menu features a mix of traditional dishes from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Mongolia. Guests can enjoy marrowbone-stuffed samsa, camel meat dolma (grape leaves or vegetables with minced meat, rice and herbs), venison and rabbit, horse meat with prunes, as well as saumal (fresh, unfermented mare milk) and shubat (a fermented camel’s milk drink).
The bar is part of the Yurta Boutique Hotel & Restaurant complex, which features interiors designed in a traditional Turkic style. According to the venue’s representatives, guests can also experience the authentic scents of herbs and wool, which further immerse them into the cultural atmosphere.
The project is backed by prominent restaurateur Alexander Orlov, known for his involvement in distinctive culinary concepts around the world.
