Hidden Gems of Almaty: Cafés, Markets, and Nomadic Heritage
Hidden Gems of Almaty: Cafés, Markets, and Nomadic Heritage
Almaty, Kazakhstan, greets you with mountains on the horizon, streets humming with life, and a mix of old and new around every corner. It’s a city where Soviet-era cafés share space with sleek roasteries, where bustling markets spill colours and aromas onto the streets, and where centuries-old nomadic traditions are celebrated alongside contemporary art and cuisine.
Our Travel Specialist and Head of Regent, Andrea, experienced it all first-hand. From sipping coffee in a café that evokes the city’s Soviet past, to wandering the Green Bazaar and tasting flavours she never expected in Central Asia, to witnessing eagle hunters and nomadic rituals at the Nomad Ethno Centre, she discovered a city that’s as rich in history as it is alive in the present.
Almaty isn’t just a city to see, it’s a city to feel, taste, and explore. And through Andrea’s eyes, you get an insider’s glimpse of the sights, sounds, and stories that make it truly memorable.
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“Almaty captivated me with its vibrant markets, rich nomadic heritage, and unexpected culinary delights; a city where past and present coexist beautifully.”
Andrea Godfrey
Head of Regent
First Impressions of Almaty & Lunch at Akku Café
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Akku Café
"Our trip to Kazakhstan couldn’t have started better. On our first afternoon in Almaty, we stopped for lunch and a coffee tasting at the newly opened Akku Café on Panfilov Street - and honestly, it was such a treat. The moment I walked in, I was hit by a wave of nostalgia. It took me straight back to my student days, visiting just after the Soviet Union broke up, when every city had those little park cafés serving ice cream and simple lunches.
Akku has captured that old spirit perfectly - but with a modern, beautifully designed twist. The original café was once a favourite hangout for Almaty’s creative crowd, known for its Turkish coffee brewed in sand, kebabs, and a pond with two swans. The building was destroyed by fire twenty years ago, but locals never forgot it, affectionately calling it “Akkushka.” The reborn café pays tribute to that memory with a mix of nostalgia and style - complete with an in-house bakery, roastery, and a menu full of familiar flavours.
We sat down to an incredible spread of fresh salads, bread, and beautifully prepared dishes - and I couldn’t resist ordering Doktorskaya sausage, a proper Soviet-era throwback. The cakes were out of this world, and the coffee tasting was the perfect pick-me-up after our flight. I also loved the décor - warm, inviting, and full of character."
- Our Culture & Cuisine of Kazakhstan tour takes you through soaring mountain ranges and a rich nomadic heritage, offering a taste of traditional cuisine and ancient recipes.
Soviet Heritage in Almaty: Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
"Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for Soviet Brutalism, so a visit to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen was a real highlight. The park is one of Almaty’s most atmospheric spots, home to the city’s eternal flame, which burns in memory of soldiers who fought during the Second World War. Surrounded by imposing stone memorials and shady walkways, it’s a striking reminder of Kazakhstan’s Soviet past."
- Visit Panfilov Park on our 'Culture & Nature of Kazakhstan Group Tour', which offers an in-depth exploration of Almaty and remote mountain villages in Kazakhstan.
Exploring Almaty’s Green Bazaar & Coffee Culture
Green Bazaar
"Next, we explored the Green Bazaar - another Soviet-era staple that still thrives today. It’s a sensory overload of colour and sound, with stalls piled high with nuts, fruit, spices, and sweets. I even tried horse milk, a Kazakh favourite, though I can’t say I’d rush to have it again (it’s surprisingly smoky and sharp).
While there, we met Mathijs Olij, the Dutch owner of Bowler Coffee Roasters Almaty, whose café overlooks the market. He shared how he ended up bringing his coffee expertise to Kazakhstan, giving a fascinating insight into the city’s evolving coffee scene."
- During a full-day sightseeing tour of Almaty, you'll visit this bustling hub with our 'Essential Kazakhstan' tour.
Fine Dining with a View: The Ritz-Carlton Almaty
The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty
"After a day of exploring, we ended our first evening with a memorable dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, located on the 28th floor of Esentai Tower, the tallest building in the city. The restaurant is modern yet warm, with soft lighting and sleek wood finishes, offering stunning views over Almaty.
The meal began with amuse-bouches: dates with creamy soy egg yolk, a touch of black caviar, a vibrant lime-infused minestrone, and a refreshing sorbet. For the main course, I enjoyed truffle baby chicken with mushroom duxelles, white asparagus, and chanterelles, alongside rich foie gras. The meal finished with a crisp apple tartin with cream - a perfectly balanced and elegant end to the day."
- On any of our tailor-made tours, we can arrange a stay at this incredible hotel.
Nomadic Traditions of Kazakhstan at the Nomad Ethno Centre
Nomad warriors
"Visiting the Nomad Ethno Centre was like stepping back into Kazakhstan’s rich nomadic history. We were welcomed with a traditional Shashu ceremony, where sweets and coins are showered over us by a hostess in national costume - a joyful ritual said to bring luck and abundance, especially popular at weddings and special events.
We then watched a spectacular parade of Nomad warriors, showcasing weapons and armour from across the centuries, from lightly armed Saka warriors to heavily armed Kazakh warriors, each representing the evolution of nomadic military traditions."
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Eagle hunting demonstration
"A real highlight was the Berkutchi eagle hunting demonstration, revealing the unique bond between hunter and eagle, a tradition that symbolises skill and resilience and is now practiced sustainably. We also tried horse riding, archery, and Asyq, an ancient sheep-bone game still played across Central Asia.
Food was another highlight - we saw how Nomads’ bread (taba nan) is made and even got to taste it ourselves. Lunch was another waist-expanding experience – we were served a mountain of plov and Dimlana, a hearty chicken stew served with potatoes, cabbage and carrots."
- Delve into the rich cultures and traditional customs at Huns Ethno Village. Our 'Discover Kazakhstan' offers you the chance to discover educational discussions, see folkloric acts and much more.
Georgian Cuisine in Almaty: Dinner at Darediani Restaurant
Traditional Georgian cuisine at Darediani Georgian Restaurant
"We arrived back in Almaty, and for dinner, we headed to Darediani Georgian Restaurant, a treat for fans of Georgian cuisine like me. We started with Ajapsandali, stewed eggplants with tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and cream, alongside a variety of Pkhali: spinach, carrot, beetroot, and eggplant versions, some served with Mukhammara sauce. The starters were complemented by dolma, grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and beef, and an array of fresh vegetables.
For the main course, we shared lamb and beef kebabs, Khbos (grilled beef tenderloin), Khinkali dumplings with beef and cheese fillings, and Ojakhuri, roasted chicken with potatoes and herbs. Dessert was a ring with poppy seed and curd cream, a perfect sweet ending."
Culinary Reflections from Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan cuisine
"Suffice to say, we certainly didn’t go hungry in Almaty!"
Plan Your Journey Through Kazakhstan
Experience Kazakhstan at your own pace with a bespoke itinerary designed around your interests, whether it’s exploring the soaring mountains around Almaty, wandering bustling markets, discovering nomadic traditions, or savouring the country’s unexpected culinary and wine delights. Regent can create a personalised journey that combines culture, adventure, and luxury for an unforgettable travel experience.
Contact us today to start planning your dream Kazakhstan adventure.