Beshbarmak
The Kazakh and Kyrgyz dish of boiled meat and noodles, eaten with the hands.
Also: besbarmak
Beshbarmak, five fingers, is the festive dish of the Kazakh and Kyrgyz people, made of boiled horse or lamb served over wide noodles with an onion broth. It is eaten by hand, hence the name. The host carves and serves the meat, giving the best portions to the most honoured guests: the sheep's head to the guest of honour, who cuts a piece for each person. The broth, shorpa, is served in bowls. It is prepared for weddings, funerals and holidays, and for visiting guests. The dish reflects the nomadic way of life, where meat was the centre of a meal and hospitality a duty.
Region: Central Asia and the Caucasus