Salamatsyzby! This is Sugiura from ASHU TRAVEL, your guide to horse riding tours through Central Asia’s stunning landscapes.
Kyrgyz white honey caught a lot of attention at the Expo. It melts smoothly on the tongue, and its fragrant, “noble sweetness” has made it hugely popular. This time, I’ll introduce a hidden spot where you can get white honey for surprisingly little.
It’s delicious, inexpensive, and makes a perfect souvenir. I’ll also share some tips for buying it at a good price.
What Is White Honey? A “Natural Treasure” Nurtured by Kyrgyzstan’s Mountains
White honey is harvested in mountain areas more than 2,000 m above sea level. Gathered from wildflowers that bloom at high altitude, this special honey is as white as snow and astonishingly smooth on the tongue.
Outside the country, it’s known as “Kyrgyz White Honey.”
Characteristics and Flavor of White Honey
It’s as smooth as butter and melts softly the moment it touches your tongue. It has none of the strong, slightly bitter notes typical of ordinary honey; the sweetness is refined and the aftertaste is clean.
It’s also highly nutritious, rich in natural enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, and has long been loved locally as a natural food that’s gentle on the throat and stomach.
A Beekeeping Culture That Lives in Harmony with Nature
Beekeeping in Kyrgyzstan follows traditional methods that don’t rely on modern machinery. It’s done in a way that protects the health of the bees without putting a burden on the mountain environment.
Tasting this honey means touching Kyrgyzstan’s nature and the way of life of the people who have protected it.
A Hit at the Expo, Too
At the Kyrgyz Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the white honey was originally meant only for display, but in response to visitors’ requests, they made it available for tasting.
Its unusual appearance had people asking, “What is this honey?”
Expensive When Bought Outside Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz white honey can be bought at surprisingly affordable prices locally, but outside the country it’s often treated as a luxury item.
In Japan, for example, even a small jar costs ¥2,000 or more, and at high-end department stores it can sell for nearly ¥10,000.
At the Kyrgyz Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, held in 2025, a rare “Holy Clover Honey” sold for ¥6,800 a jar and became a talking point.
Where to Buy White Honey? Get It for Less Locally
In Kyrgyzstan you can buy white honey at places like the airport, but the city actually has shops that are cheaper and offer more variety. Check out places you can drop by while sightseeing and shop smart for souvenirs.
You Can Get It at the Airport, But…
If you’re short on time, buying at Bishkek’s airport is convenient. However, be aware that prices vary a lot even within the airport.
- Shop on the departure floor: 450 som (approx. ¥710 / approx. $4.50)
- Shop near the gates after security: 5 euros (approx. ¥850)
Both are small jars of white honey, but prices change depending on timing and location, so if you have time, look for it in the city.
Our guide’s pick: a local shop where it’s even cheaper
Our recommendation is “Eurasian Honey and Apitherapy Center” in Bishkek. It’s a specialist shop dedicated to beekeeping, and its appeal is local prices and high quality, with no tourist markup. It doesn’t have a website, but it’s a trusted, popular local shop.
Here a small jar is just 225 som (approx. ¥350 / approx. $2.20), and even a generous 1 kg jar is only 580 som (approx. ¥900 / approx. $5.80), a real bargain.
Whenever I go there, I always end up buying a lot. The woman at the shop is friendly, so shopping is fun too.
They also have plenty of flavors, so you can pick one that suits your taste as a souvenir.
📍Address: Usenbaev Street 153/8, Sverdlov District, Bishkek
(Улица Усенбаева 153/8, Бишкек)
It’s a two-story building with a sign, so it’s easy to find.
With a guide who knows the area well, it’s easy to get to hidden shops like this.
Enjoy White Honey Even More! Recommended Ways to Eat It
White honey’s charm lies in its refined sweetness and creamy texture. With no strong aftertaste, it’s easy to use in all kinds of everyday ways.
- Simply spread it on toast for a luxurious breakfast
- Pairs perfectly with plain yogurt or cheese
- Stir it into black tea for a soothing, gently sweet cup
My favorite is with slightly firm bread. Just a little bit makes an ordinary meal feel a bit more special.
With a Local Guide, Bargain Shopping Is Stress-Free
With a guide who knows the area, you can easily get to “shops that aren’t for tourists but are truly worth visiting.”
ASHU TRAVEL’s Japanese-speaking guide Nuriya and English-speaking guide Aibek are very kind. They’ll help you with everything from the local currency (som) to price negotiations, so even on your first trip to Kyrgyzstan you can feel completely at ease.
Recommended for First-Timers in Kyrgyzstan! A City Walking Tour Where You Can Also Enjoy White Honey
“I’d love to see local shops while I’m here.” “I want to try local transport, too.” If that sounds like you, the perfect fit is ASHU TRAVEL’s Bishkek Walking & Bazaar Experience Tour.
Besides advice on buying white honey, it includes Soviet-era architecture, city sightseeing, lunch at a local restaurant and more: a great-value day trip where you can experience the city, food, shopping, and transport all in one day.
It’s also perfect for your arrival day or a short stay. With a Japanese- or English-speaking guide, you can enjoy walking around the city with confidence, even on your first visit.
Bishkek sightseeing on foot
Day-trip city walking tour with a transport lesson (from $50)
- Efficiently visit the city’s must-see spots
- We’ll also take you shopping for souvenirs at the bazaar and to a hidden white honey spot
- Learn how to use local transport and travel more freely!
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