Bashbarmak recipe | The easiest dish in Kyrgyzstan

Last updated Aug 24, 2025

Bashbarmak recipe

Bashbarmak recipe is the most popular dish in Kyrgyzstan, and even neighboring countries cook this dish. Another name of this dish is five fingers. Bashbarmak is prepared with fresh meat. You can use fresh veal or chicken.

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If you enjoyed learning about the Bashbarmak recipe, you might also want to try Sheer Yakh, a traditional Kyrgyz frozen milk dessert that perfectly complements this hearty dish.

Necessary ingredients for Beshbarmak recipe

You can buy Beshbarmak dough ready in stores or you can make it at home in the amount you need.

Beshbarmak paste ingredients

Flour	500 grams
Water	250 grams
Egg	1
Salt	As needed

Necessary ingredients to prepare Beshbarmak

Meat	1 kg
1	Onions
Salt, black pepper, turmeric, coriander seeds	As needed
Carrot	1
Potato	2

How to prepare Beshbarmak recipe

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix flour, eggs, and salt. Add some water to make the dough soft and not stick to your hands. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then cover it with a cloth and put it in a bowl. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Chop the onion and fry in a pan until golden and set aside.

Step 3

Chop the meat and put three glasses of water on the heat in a pot and add salt, pepper, and turmeric to it until it is fully cooked. Boil potatoes and carrots.

Step 4

Spread the dough completely and cut it into small squares. You can cook it in water or meat broth for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Put the cooked dough in a serving dish and put the cooked meat and potatoes on it along with the red onion and decorate it with any kind of vegetables you like.

Note: The presence of vegetables, carrots and potatoes is completely optional.

Benefits of Bashbarmak recipe: The easiest dish in Kyrgyzstan

Rich in protein and calories
Increase sexual power
Bone strength

Disadvantages of Bashbarmak recipe: The easiest dish in Kyrgyzstan

Excessive use of it can cause heart problems
Digestive problems and slow digestion in the stomach

What is Bashbarmak and where does it come from?
What are the main ingredients in a traditional Bashbarmak recipe?
How long does it take to prepare and cook Bashbarmak?
Can Bashbarmak be made with different types of meat?

What is Beshbarmak?

Beshbarmak is a hearty dish made primarily from boiled meat and noodles, typically served with a rich broth called shorpo. This dish is a staple in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The unique combination of tender meat, soft noodles, and flavorful broth makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

In Kyrgyz tradition, Beshbarmak is more than just food—it’s a symbol of hospitality, celebration, and respect. It’s often served during special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and national holidays. Sharing Beshbarmak is a way to show honor to guests and loved ones.

What Makes This Dish Special?

The quality and selection of ingredients are key to making an authentic Beshbarmak. Here are the primary beshbarmak ingredients used in the traditional recipe:

1. Meat

The star ingredient of Beshbarmak is the meat. Traditionally, lamb or mutton is used, but beef or horse meat are also common alternatives. The meat is boiled slowly until it becomes tender and flavorful. The broth from boiling the meat is saved and used as a base for the accompanying soup.

2. Noodles

The noodles in Beshbarmak are homemade and flat, similar to wide pasta or dumplings. The dough is made from simple ingredients such as flour, water, and eggs. After rolling out the dough, it is cut into squares or diamonds and boiled before serving.

3. Onions

Thinly sliced onions are sautéed in broth or fried slightly and served on top of the noodles and meat. The onions add a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture to the dish.

4. Broth (Shorpo)

The broth, called shorpo, is made from the meat stock and is served alongside Beshbarmak or poured over the dish. It is rich and savory, enhancing the overall flavor.

5. Spices and Herbs

Beshbarmak is seasoned simply, often with just salt, pepper, and occasionally bay leaves or parsley. The emphasis is on the natural flavors of the meat and broth.

How to Make Beshbarmak: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Beshbarmak may seem complicated, but with the right ingredients and patience, you can prepare an authentic Kyrgyz dish right in your kitchen. Here is a simplified recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

2 kg lamb or beef (preferably with bones)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
Water (for dough and boiling)
2 large onions, thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Broth
Place the meat in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming off any foam that forms on top. Once the meat is tender, remove it from the broth and keep the broth warm.

Step 2: Make the Dough for Noodles
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, eggs, a pinch of salt, and enough water to make a firm dough. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Noodles
Roll the dough into a thin sheet, about 2-3 mm thick. Cut into squares or diamonds roughly 5 cm in size.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Bring the meat broth to a boil and add the noodles. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the noodles float and are tender. Remove noodles with a slotted spoon and place on a serving platter.

Step 5: Prepare the Onions
Sauté the onions in a bit of the meat broth or fry lightly until translucent. Spread the onions over the noodles.

Step 6: Serve
Slice the boiled meat into bite-sized pieces and arrange on top of the noodles and onions. Pour some warm broth over the dish or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Why Beshbarmak is a Culinary Treasure of Kyrgyzstan

Beshbarmak is not only a delicious dish but also an important cultural symbol in Kyrgyzstan. It reflects the nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz people, who relied on livestock for sustenance. The dish brings warmth and a sense of community to the table, embodying the values of sharing and respect.

In addition, Beshbarmak is deeply connected to Kyrgyz hospitality. Offering this dish to guests is a sign of generosity and honor. It’s common for the eldest or most respected person at the table to be served first.

In the end

Bashbarmak recipe: The easiest dish of Kyrgyzstan is the easiest and tastiest dish of this country that you can prepare at home. The presence of vegetables in it is a matter of taste, and in many countries things are added to it, such as aromatic vegetables and peas. Of course Onions can be used raw in this dish.