Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
out this inexpensive cafeteria hidden in the
basement of an outwardly drab concrete
theatre. The windowless dining room's
unique feature is the luridly colourful wall-
paper portraying giant 16th- to 17th-century
paintings whose gentle debauchery con-
trasts comically with the squat waitress-
babushka
s in their blue apron-pinnies. The
re-heated snacks are forgettable but cheap
(albeit 10som more than the labelled prices
unless you're a theatre employee). Access is
from the theatre's north-side foyer; no ticket
required.
Vefa¨Center¨Food¨Court¨
FAST FOOD $
(Map p240; Vefa Mall, 3rd fl, Soviet (Baytik-Baatyr)
100;
h
10am-10pm)
Numerous cuisines from
Indian to Japanese to burgers are available
in the typical international-style food court
on the top floor of this mall overlooking the
fountain show in the octagonal atrium.
Narodnyy/Shumkur¨
CAFETERIA $
(Map p234; Chuy 162; mains 60-110som;
h
24hr)
Central all-night supermarket with cheap
queue-and-pay cafeteria attached.
Derevyashka¨
RUSSIAN, CENTRAL ASIAN $$
(Map p234;
%
32 35 74; Riskulova 1; mains 110-
280som, beer 60-120som;
h
24hr)
Airy if bare,
this pine-and-glass beer hall has large in-
door spaces with low couches plus ample
outdoor bench tables. Fine pub food in-
cludes excellent 'snow chicken' (fried with
onions, mushrooms and cheese) and Mc-
Donalds-style fries. Big TVs screen pop-vids
or sports matches.
Manty¨Bar¨
CENTRAL ASIAN $$
(Map p234;
%
055-011 7711, 89 80 27; Shopokova
108b; mains 180-300som, beer/cocktails/wine from
100/180/250som;
h
11am-11.30pm;
W
)
This
is a cosy, comfy and very friendly place to
compare speciality foods from several Cen-
tral Asian countries. The signature
manty
(steamed dumplings) have a gourmet bril-
liance, encased in dreamily light dough as
thin as angel wings. The traditional-meets-
contemporary decor features warm, tastefully
cohesive oranges and browns, and distinc-
tive terracotta tableware. Summer terrace.
Arzu¨Style¨
KYRgYZ, INTERNATIONAL $$
(Map p234; Togolok Moldo; local mains 130-
230som, international 250-500som;
h
11am-11pm)
One of central Bishkek's most convivial up-
per market eateries has back-lit filigree pan-
els in the more attractive smoking room, but
an overload of brand new 'antiques' in the
South Bishkek
Ø
Activities, Courses & Tours
1
London School ........................................ D2
ÿ
Sleeping
2
Asia Mountains-2.................................... C2
3
Bishkek Boutique Hotel ..........................D1
4
Demi Guesthouse ....................................F4
5
Hotel Vizit.................................................. F4
6
InterHouse............................................... D3
ú
Eating
Vefa Center Food Court .................. (see 8)
û
Drinking & Nightlife
7
Retro Metro ..............................................A2
þ
Shopping
Red Fox ........................................... (see 10)
8
Vefa Center.............................................. D2
ï
Information
9
Afghan Embassy ......................................E2
10
Ak-Sai ........................................................D1
11
CBT ............................................................E2
12
Dostuck Trekking.....................................C1
13
Edelweiss ................................................. C2
14
Tajikistani Embassy.................................F3
ï
Transport
15
Avia Traffic............................................... C2
16
Velopro......................................................A4
topped tables. Expect queues at lunchtime.
Tea costs 30som per pot.
Chaikhana¨Jalal-Abad¨
CHAIKHANA $
(Map p234; Togolok Moldo 30; mains 80-160som,
tea per pot 20som, koumys/bozo/maksim per half-
litre 50/30/20som;
h
8am-midnight;
nE
)
The
faceted facade evokes an archetypal Central
Asian teahouse with carved wooden columns,
tea beds and octagonal lattice-work pavil-
ions. The main restaurant interior has far
less character, but produces a fine selection
of well-priced local, Kazakh and southern
Kyrgyz dishes.
Kebab¨Ojak¨
TURKISH $
(Map p234; Erkindik 27; shashlyk meals 110-170som,
soup 40som;
h
10am-9pm;
n
)
Tender kebabs
served as complete meals with salad, bread
and rice are excellent value if you can forgive
hopelessly over-lit lavender decor. Halal, no
alcohol.
Russian¨Drama¨¨
Theatre¨Buffet¨
RUSSIAN, CENTRAL ASIAN $
(Map p234; Tynystanov, Dubovy Park; mains 60-
90som;
h
8am-8pm)
For sheer novelty, seek
