Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, offering scenic horse riding tours in Central Asia.
Today I’m introducing a popular dish you can eat in Bishkek: fried manti.
Manti is a classic dish loved across Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. But did you know there’s also a fried version?
What Is Manti?
Manti are dumplings made by wrapping ground meat (mutton or beef) and onions in a wheat-flour wrapper, then steaming them. Packed with juicy meat broth, they’re basically Central Asia’s version of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Simple, yet once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
Some versions use plenty of vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. It’s fun that the flavor and ingredients vary from household to household.
There’s Also “Fried Manti”
Fried manti are simply regular manti deep-fried in oil. The outside is crispy and fragrant, and the inside bursts with juicy meat broth. They’re filling, yet somehow you can polish them off in no time.
My Russian teacher and her grandchild took me, and it was my first time trying fried manti.
The Restaurant We Visited: “Манты по 199”
“Манты по 199 (Manti 199)” is a popular spot about a 13-minute walk from central Bishkek’s popular sights, the Kyrgyz National History Museum and the Manas statue.
Inside, it’s clean with a modern feel. The signature dish is of course manti, but they also have salads and drinks, making it perfect for lunch or a light meal.
Restaurant Information
- Name: Манты по 199 (Manti 199)
- Address: БЦ Sphera Улица Токтогула, 112/1 Первомайский район, Бишкек, 720040
- Map: here
My Impressions
Fried manti have a crispy, fragrant wrapper, and the meat juices gush out as you bite in. I’m usually satisfied with about two manti, but that day I ate five! They were that addictively delicious.
The tables also have vinegar and spicy sauces, so you can switch up the flavor as you go.
Perfect for a Break While Exploring Bishkek
When you’re tired from walking around sightseeing, fried manti are perfect for a snack. If you come to Bishkek, be sure to give them a try.
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