
Kazakhstan has everything imaginable, but you will not see many fast food outlets here. No McDonald’s, apart from the new Shopping Centers in urban areas. They’re not bad, but they simply are not that successful. Why is that, given that Kazakhstanis are ready to embrace and pay for most Western trends with gusto? First of all, eating here is taken very seriously, and quality matters: quality ingredients and quality time. For Kazakhstanis every meal, however brief or frugal, must be an occasion. And there are really satisfying alternatives for western fast food. First, there are the “Rotisserie” sections at supermarkets, providing families with a range of pre-cooked dishes from a simple starter to the most complex main course to salads, desserts, breads etc – local and international alike. Take it home, heat it and enjoy it almost as if it had been prepared in the traditional way. Second, there are the “El Patio” -”Planet Sushi” - “American Bar Grill” chain of restaurants, offering reasonably priced diversity with service, ingredients preparation and atmosphere that has become a “hang-out place” of choice with youngsters and families alike. There one will find quality Italian, Japanese and American food.