Postcard from Bishkek

They say that “there is no point in arguing about taste” and that “one man’s meat is another man’s poison“.  Different people like different things.  In Bishkek we are quite fortunate in that we have a wide selection of restaurants offering cuisines to choose between.

Last week I had a “business lunch” with a publisher from the UK.  He suggested that we meet at the Alabama Steak House on Baitik Baatyr Street, (formerly Sovietskaya).  They claim to be the only Steak House in Bishkek, although there are lots of places where you can find steak in the city.  However, I have to admit that heard very good things about both their steaks and shashliks … and, as it happens, I have been there before and so I was happy to agree.

As well as being a Steak House, they have an extensive menu of European and Georgian Cuisine.  I have tried the steak before but as I like to try different cuisines and was particularly keen to try some of the Georgian dishes.

This time I chose the Satsivi, (Chicken in a walnut sauce), but there is quite a variety of other traditional dishes.  The Khachapuri, (stuffed breads), were an interesting variation and would make a good snack in themselves.  

There is a wide variety of salads and soups on the menu, and a good choice of Pizzas which should please Maksim who is very fussy about what he eats, but loves Pizza.  He’ll also like the choice of Iced Teas.

The portions are a good size and the food tasty – cooked individually to order.

The bar is quite well stocked.  I like Georgian wine, so that went down well.  There also have a number of spirits including a selection of Scotch Whiskey, such as the exclusive Gold and Green Label Johnny Walkers and an 18 year old Chivas Regal.  They even have a couple of brands of Absinthe, which was made illegal in France in the First World War but is being decriminalized.

For those who are interested, (I am not), they also offer a range of cigars.

Despite that, they are not pretentious.  They describe themselves as “cozy”.  Certainly, it’s been quiet and friendly when I have been there.

I am not sure, however, why they call it Alabama.  They have renovated the interior and wooden surfaces abound with booths like in an American diner.  Although the rooms are quite small, there is a large patio out front with some tables set in the shade provided by trees. As summer progresses I will be keen to go back as I quite like sitting outside in the sunshine, “people watching” as pedestrians pass by.

It’s not exactly a “budget” place, but it isn’t very expensive.  My soup, main course, bread and a drink cost about 600 som, (or the equivalent of about USD13).

The one disadvantage, as far as I am concerned, is the location … it’s quite a way from the city center which means making a special journey.

For anyone in Bishkek who wants to try it out, you can find more information on their website: http://alabama.kg/

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Oh, and, for the record … this is not an advert.  The other day I was asked by a visitor to Bishkek if I could recommend somewhere to eat, and when I asked what sort of food he wanted, (European: French, Italian, , Local: Kyrgyz, Uzbek; Russian; Chinese; Japanese – e.g. Sushi; Turkish; Mexican; Georgian, etc.), he said he would like to try the Georgian and I told him about the two Georgian restaurants in town that I know.  He then suggested that I might like to post a few revues on the site … and that’s what led to this particular post.

I’ll do some more from time to time and try to cover a range of places available in Bishkek.

Tags: Bishkek, Expat, Food and Drink, For_the_Record, Life_in_Kyrgyzstan, Places_to_eat