Kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and Ayran (a yogurt-based drink) are two traditional dairy drinks that have deep roots in the cultures of the Altai Mountains. These drinks are not only popular in the Altai region but also throughout Central Asia and Siberia, where they are enjoyed for their refreshing qualities and health benefits.
If you’re traveling to the Altai Mountains and want to experience these fermented drinks in their authentic form, here’s where you can sample the best Kumis and Ayran in the region.
1. Teletskoye Lake Restaurant (Teletskoye Lake)
Situated near Teletskoye Lake, one of the most beautiful locations in the Altai Mountains, the Teletskoye Lake Restaurant offers an authentic experience of local Altai cuisine. Here, you can enjoy Kumis and Ayran, along with other traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
What to Expect:
- Kumis: You can taste freshly made Kumis, fermented from mare’s milk, and served in a traditional manner.
- Ayran: The restaurant also serves Ayran, made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, offering a refreshing and mildly tangy beverage to complement your meal.
- Local Hospitality: The tranquil setting by the lake adds to the experience, as you sip on these drinks while enjoying traditional Altai meals.
Insider Tip:
Pair Kumis with grilled meats or beshbarmak for a truly authentic experience.
2. Chuya Valley Café (Chuya River)
In the picturesque Chuya Valley, the Chuya Valley Café offers traditional Siberian and Altai dishes, including Kumis and Ayran. The café focuses on farm-to-table ingredients sourced from the valley’s local farms, giving you the perfect opportunity to try these drinks made from fresh, local milk.
What to Expect:
- Kumis: Freshly fermented mare’s milk, served chilled for a refreshing and slightly tangy experience.
- Ayran: A cooling drink of yogurt, water, and salt that pairs well with meat dishes or simple bread.
- Fresh ingredients: The café also uses local herbs and vegetables to complement the drinks and meals.
Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the chance to try Kumis with wild game meat dishes like venison or lamb.
3. Sirius Café (Barnaul)
Located in Barnaul, a major city near the Altai, Sirius Café offers a blend of modern dining and traditional Altai flavors. The café serves a range of fermented drinks, including Kumis and Ayran, prepared using local dairy products.
What to Expect:
- Kumis: Enjoy Kumis made from mare’s milk, with a slightly alcoholic and tangy flavor that is refreshing and energizing.
- Ayran: Try Ayran, which is a more common yogurt drink, offering a perfect balance of saltiness and creaminess.
- Contemporary setting: Enjoy these drinks in a modern setting with an emphasis on local ingredients.
Insider Tip:
Pair Kumis with shashlik (grilled meat skewers) for a true taste of traditional Altai cuisine.
4. Siberian House (Gorno-Altaysk)
For those looking to explore Gorno-Altaysk, the capital of the Altai Republic, Siberian House offers a traditional dining experience that includes Kumis and Ayran as part of their local specialties. The restaurant uses fresh milk sourced from Altai’s local farms, ensuring an authentic taste of the region.
What to Expect:
- Kumis: This fermented mare’s milk drink is served chilled, offering a tangy and slightly alcoholic flavor that pairs perfectly with a hearty meal.
- Ayran: The café’s Ayran is creamy and tangy, providing a cooling effect alongside the rich flavors of Altai’s meats and grilled dishes.
- Traditional flavors: The menu features Siberian and Altaian dishes, such as pelmeni (dumplings) and beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles).
Insider Tip:
The Ayran at Siberian House is particularly refreshing during the summer months and complements the rich, spicy stews offered in the restaurant.
5. Karakol Valley Lodge (Karakol Valley)
For a truly authentic Altai experience, visit the Karakol Valley Lodge near Teletskoye Lake. The lodge specializes in serving traditional Altai meals and drinks, including Kumis and Ayran, using locally sourced dairy products from nearby farms.
What to Expect:
- Kumis: The lodge offers freshly fermented Kumis made from mare’s milk, a perfect pairing with grilled meats or hearty soups.
- Ayran: Ayran is served as a cooling beverage to balance the richness of meat-based dishes, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Local products: The lodge’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients means that the dairy products are incredibly fresh and authentically prepared.
Insider Tip:
After enjoying Kumis or Ayran, take a stroll around the Karakol Valley to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Altai Mountains.
6. Altai Tasting House (Gorno-Altaysk)
Altai Tasting House in Gorno-Altaysk is dedicated to offering an authentic Altai culinary experience with a focus on locally produced dairy. This restaurant is a great place to sample both Kumis and Ayran, made using fresh, local dairy products.
What to Expect:
- Kumis: The restaurant serves fresh, locally made kumis, which has a slightly tart, fermented flavor that is both refreshing and energizing.
- Ayran: Enjoy Ayran, the perfect accompaniment to the sour cream or fresh cheese served alongside meat dishes or in stews.
- Traditional Altai flavors: The restaurant’s menu highlights farm-to-table ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste of Altai.
Insider Tip:
Try Kumis with wild game dishes such as reindeer stew or shashlik, which perfectly complement the drink’s rich, fermented flavor.
Conclusion
The Altai Mountains offer several exceptional places to sample traditional Kumis and Ayran, two key dairy drinks deeply embedded in the region’s culinary culture. Whether you are exploring the capital Gorno-Altaysk, visiting the picturesque Teletskoye Lake, or enjoying the serene Karakol Valley, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try these refreshing drinks made from locally sourced milk. These drinks not only reflect the Siberian and Altaian heritage but also provide a refreshing and healthy way to immerse yourself in the flavors of the region.
