Navat restaurants are a popular chain in Bishkek, focusing on authentic Central Asian and particularly Kyrgyz cuisine. The special charm of these establishments lies in the combination of traditional Eastern dishes, an atmosphere that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage, and a Western-style service approach.
Navat restaurants are one of the places in Bishkek where you can try festive Kyrgyz dishes such as beshbermak and naryn traditionally made from horse meat.
In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, the Navat chain has several branches. You can also find another branch, for example, in the city of Osh.
The interiors of the restaurants are richly decorated, evoking the atmosphere of the ancient East. These restaurants are a favorite among tourists (but also locals), and honestly, in this case, I don’t mind.
Due to their focus on tourists, they offer Western-standard service, and most of the menu items are available, the preparation is quick, the service is professional, and often at least one member of the staff speaks English. Moreover, the entire menu is available in English.
The restaurants are large, often two-storied, so you can get a table immediately without a reservation. I spent the beginning and end of my trip in Bishkek (great spots for long walks for me were the Osh Bazaar and the Orto Say Bazaar), and due to the long opening hours and the fact that I stayed nearby, I often visited Navat (specifically the branches on Kiev and Turusbekov Streets).
The food here was always excellent (I tried dishes like beshbermak, naryn, kuurdak, shashlik, and more), the prices are higher for Kyrgyzstan (but still very low for us Czechs), and the restaurant automatically charges a 15% tip. But this is common for better establishments in Kyrgyzstan. You can pay by card.
Navat is also expanding into other countries, specifically into Kazakhstan, where they have branches in the cities of Almaty and Astana. These branches maintain the same concept – a mix of authentic oriental flavors and a luxurious, stylish environment. So if you happen to travel to this neighboring country, you can try Navat there as well; however, I haven’t had the opportunity yet.
Bon appétit, and enjoy the delicious Kyrgyz food!
For more information about the Navat restaurant on Turusbekov Street in Bishkek, click on the map link:
For more information about the Navat restaurant on Kiev Street in Bishkek, click on the map link:
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