The Orto Say Bazaar (Орто-Сай базар) in Bishkek is another great place every visitor should explore to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Kyrgyz urban market.
The market is located in the southern part of Bishkek and is known for its wide variety of fresh food, local specialties, and everything you need for life in Kyrgyzstan.
Orto Say is a typical example of a large city market offering everything from food to clothing to household items. The market focuses primarily on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. The agricultural products available here often come directly from local farmers.
Orto Say started operating as a local market after the collapse of the Soviet Union, during Kyrgyzstan’s transition to a market economy and the decentralization of trade. In the 1990s, the market began to expand and gradually became one of the main market centers in Bishkek. Its location in the southern part of the city attracted a broad clientele, especially from the densely populated areas nearby.
The market features several fast food stalls where you can sample traditional Kyrgyz dishes. You’ll find stuffed samsa, bakers preparing the typical Kyrgyz bread tandyr nan (I couldn’t resist and bought one still warm), dumplings called manty, or freshly fried boorsok.
Orto Say is considered one of the most pleasant markets in Bishkek due to its relatively well-organized structure and convenient layout. I also found it easier to navigate compared to the more famous Osh Bazaar.
What makes Orto Say interesting for me is that compared to Osh Bazaar, there are significantly fewer tourists here. Most of the shoppers are locals, and the atmosphere is different, calmer.
Orto Say Bazaar is not just a place to shop but also a place where you can experience Kyrgyzstan in its more interesting form right in Bishkek. If you love markets where food and trade mix, Orto Say Bazaar is the right destination for you.
Happy shopping!
For more information about Orto Say Bazaar, click on the map link:
🇰🇬 Are you a fan of beshbarmak or do you love kumys? Want to discover more Kyrgyz foods? Subscribe to my newsletter and I will send you for free everything you need to know about Kyrgyz food and drinks.
