TURKMENISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN

1 Chal

This fermented camel’s milk is white in colour with a sour bite. As it is hard to export because of its short shelf life, chal is a beverage unique to the region.

KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, AND UZBEKISTAN 2 Boza

Boza is a thick, yeasty, slightly fizzy concoction made from boiled fermented millet or other grains. It is a malt drink with a thick consistency, a low alcohol content (around 1%), and a slightly acidic sweet flavour.

KYRGYZSTAN 3 Kvass

Kvass is a mildly alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread. The colour of the bread used contributes to the brownish colour of the resulting drink. It may sometimes be flavoured with strawberries or raisins, or even mint.

AFGHANISTAN 4 Sharbat-e-rayhan

A refreshing summer drink, sharbat-e-rayhan is a jelly-like, sweet beverage made with soaked basil seeds that is mixed either with plain water or fruit cordial. Rose essence may also be added to enhance its local flavours.