Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is known for its unique and diverse culinary offerings, and one of the most distinctive dishes in the region is smoked horse meat. A traditional delicacy, smoked horse meat (known locally as kazy) is a flavorful, tender, and aromatic dish that reflects the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Tatarstan. If you’re visiting Kazan and want to experience this unique meat, here are the best places where you can try smoked horse meat in the city.
1. Tatarstan National Restaurant
Tatarstan National Restaurant is a fantastic place to explore the flavors of Tatarstan, offering a variety of traditional Tatar dishes, including kazy (smoked horse meat). The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and its dedication to preserving the region’s culinary traditions.
Why Visit:
- Authentic Tatar Cuisine: Tatarstan National Restaurant is well-regarded for serving authentic local dishes, and its kazy is smoked to perfection, bringing out the rich flavors of the meat.
- Traditional Dining Experience: The restaurant’s interior is designed to reflect Tatar traditions, providing a cultural dining experience that complements the food.
- Variety of Dishes: Alongside smoked horse meat, the menu offers a variety of traditional Tatar foods, such as echpochmak, samsa, and beshbarmak.
Recommended Dish:
- Be sure to try the smoked horse meat platter alongside other Tatar specialties, allowing you to taste the full range of local flavors.
2. Chak-Chak Café
If you want to enjoy a traditional Tatar meal with a focus on quality ingredients and local flavors, Chak-Chak Café is a great place to try smoked horse meat. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and dedication to Tatar cuisine, Chak-Chak Café offers an excellent selection of Tatar delicacies, including kazy.
Why Visit:
- Tatar Specialties: Chak-Chak Café offers kazy as part of its diverse menu of Tatar delicacies, providing an authentic taste of the region.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: The café is known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal with family or friends.
- Focus on Quality: The café emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that you get the best taste of Tatar cuisine.
Recommended Dish:
- Try the smoked horse meat (kazy) served with tatar flatbread or paired with a side of tufkha (Tatar pastries) for a truly authentic experience.
3. Tugan Avylym
Tugan Avylym is a popular restaurant in Kazan that offers visitors an opportunity to explore traditional Tatar village life through food. The restaurant specializes in locally sourced meats, including smoked horse meat. It’s an excellent place to enjoy kazy in a rustic, authentic setting.
Why Visit:
- Traditional Village Cuisine: Tugan Avylym prides itself on bringing the tastes of a traditional Tatar village to the heart of Kazan, making it an excellent place to try authentic smoked horse meat.
- Rustic Ambiance: The restaurant’s décor mimics a Tatar village home, providing a cozy, welcoming environment to enjoy your meal.
- Locally Sourced: The restaurant uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including horse meat, for a truly authentic experience.
Recommended Dish:
- The smoked horse meat platter at Tugan Avylym is a great way to experience kazy, often served with traditional side dishes like kystybyi and samsa.
4. Kazan Central Market
For those who prefer a more authentic, local experience, Kazan Central Market is the perfect place to sample smoked horse meat. The market features a variety of local butchers and vendors selling kazy, often hand-crafted and smoked to perfection.
Why Visit:
- Fresh and Local: The market is a fantastic place to find freshly smoked kazy directly from local vendors who specialize in Tatar meats.
- Authentic Tastes: The kazy you find at the Central Market is often smoked traditionally and is served in various forms, including sliced or as part of a mixed platter.
- Cultural Experience: The bustling atmosphere of the market offers a true taste of local life and culture, where you can interact with locals and sample regional delicacies.
Recommended Dish:
- Look for vendors who specialize in kazy and ask for a sample. Pair it with tufkha or shashlik (grilled meats) for a true local experience.
5. Restaurant “Süleymaniye”
For a more upscale dining experience, Süleymaniye is a fine-dining restaurant in Kazan that serves a variety of Tatar and Turkish-inspired dishes. One of their highlights is their offering of smoked horse meat (kazy), expertly prepared and paired with sophisticated side dishes.
Why Visit:
- Fine Dining with Tatar Flavors: While offering a refined atmosphere, Süleymaniye still celebrates the bold, hearty flavors of Tatar cuisine, including its signature kazy.
- Unique Pairings: The restaurant often pairs kazy with fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice, elevating the flavors of this traditional dish.
- Elegant Ambiance: Süleymaniye is an excellent choice for a special occasion or a more formal dining experience, where you can enjoy kazy in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Recommended Dish:
- The smoked horse meat (kazy) served with pilaf and fresh herbs is a beautifully balanced dish that highlights the depth of Tatar cuisine.
6. Prikamye Restaurant
Located in the heart of Kazan, Prikamye Restaurant is a great spot to experience a variety of local meats, including kazy. This restaurant focuses on traditional Tatar dishes, and the kazy is one of the standout menu items.
Why Visit:
- Focus on Traditional Tatar Meats: Prikamye Restaurant takes pride in its focus on traditional meats, and kazy is one of their specialties.
- Traditional Setting: The rustic décor and cozy atmosphere make it a welcoming spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Exceptional Service: The friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the menu, ensuring you get the best experience with kazy and other Tatar delights.
Recommended Dish:
- Try the smoked horse meat (kazy) served alongside tatar salads or pita bread for a delightful and filling breakfast or lunch.
7. Kazanskaya Usadba
Kazanskaya Usadba is a cozy, rustic restaurant that offers a deep dive into Tatar traditions. Known for serving regional specialties, this restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy smoked horse meat in an authentic setting.
Why Visit:
- Tatar Culinary Tradition: Kazanskaya Usadba is dedicated to preserving the traditional flavors of Tatar cuisine, and kazy is a staple of their menu.
- Local Experience: The restaurant’s ambiance mirrors the charm of Tatar village life, and it offers a warm, rustic environment for a relaxed meal.
- Delicious Side Dishes: The restaurant pairs kazy with delicious side dishes like kashkash (cheese-stuffed pastries) and fresh herbs, adding complexity to the meal.
Recommended Dish:
- The smoked horse meat platter (kazy), often served with fresh bread and pickles, offers an authentic and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
Smoked horse meat, or kazy, is a beloved Tatar delicacy that reflects the culinary heritage of Kazan and Tatarstan. Whether you prefer a traditional experience at Kazan Central Market, a cozy meal at Tugan Avylym, or an upscale dining experience at Süleymaniye, Kazan offers numerous places where you can enjoy this flavorful dish. Sampling kazy in Kazan allows you to delve into the region’s culinary traditions and savor the rich flavors that have been passed down through generations.
