Traveling through Kazakhstan isn’t just about endless steppes and snow-capped mountains, it’s also about experiencing the legendary warmth of its people. An invitation into a Kazakh home is a mark of trust and respect. Knowing how to conduct yourself will help you honor that trust and create a genuine connection. There’s a well-known Kazakh proverb: “Қырықтың бірі Қыдыр” (“One in forty guests may be a saint.”) It reflects the belief that every visitor brings good fortune to the home.

While many traditions remain strongest in rural areas, city life has woven them together with a more modern, European-influenced manners. In this article, we’ll skip the ancient ceremonial details and focus instead on the etiquette you’re most likely to encounter in a modern Kazakh household.

1. What to Know Before You Visit

In Kazakh culture, a guest is considered an honored person. Even if the family is not wealthy, the hosts will do their best to set a generous table. It’s considered impolite to decline an invitation without a valid reason.

Although people often joke about “Kazakh punctuality” – the tendency to arrive a little late – it’s still polite to show up at the agreed time.

It’s also not customary to show up empty-handed. A thoughtful gesture would be to bring sweets, fruit, tea, or a small souvenir from your own country. If there are children in the household, consider bringing them a toy or a treat.

2. How to Greet the Hosts

A common greeting in Kazakhstan is “Salemetsiz be!” [sah-le-MET-siz beh] (the respectful form when addressing one person) or “Salemetsizder me!” [sah-le-MET-siz-der meh] when addressing several people politely. Another widespread greeting is “As-salamu alaikum!” (from Arabic, “Peace be with you!”), to which the traditional reply is “Wa-alaikum as-salam!” (“And peace to you!”). If you’re visiting during the day, it’s appropriate to say “Kaiyrly koon!” [kai-yr-LY koon] (“Good afternoon!”), and in the evening – “Kaiyrly kesh!” [kai-yr-LY kesh] (“Good evening!”).

Men usually greet each other with a handshake, and upon entering the home, a man may shake hands with all the men present. Women often limit the greeting to a verbal exchange, though close friends or relatives may hug and kiss on the cheek.

3. Shoes and Clothes

Before entering a Kazakh home, it is customary to remove your shoes. This is not only about keeping the house clean, but also a sign of respect for the hosts. You’ll often be offered a pair of house slippers, though some guests prefer to stay in socks.

When it comes to clothing, choose something neat and modest. In traditional families, overly revealing or provocative outfits can cause discomfort for both you and your hosts.

4. Dining Etiquette: More Than Just a Meal

One of the symbols of Kazakh hospitality is the traditional dastarkhan (a round, low table laden with food). While you won’t always find one in modern city apartments (where high dining tables are more common), in rural homes, especially during celebrations, the dastarkhan still can be seen.

Seating guests at a festive dastarkhan is a matter of tradition and etiquette. The hosts consider age, social standing, and public position. The most honorable seat is at the head of the table, farthest from the entrance, and is reserved for elders or respected guests. Others are seated according to their status, with younger family members usually closer to the door. As a guest, you might be given the place of honor.

Unlike in some neighboring cultures of Central Asia and the Caucasus, men and women in Kazakhstan sit together at the same table. Children may have their own table, but often they join the adults.

A Kazakh feast usually unfolds in several stages. The first is tea with light snacks – baursaks (fried dough balls), kurt (dried cheese curds), and salads. Early in the meal, you’ll often see shelpeks (round fried flatbreads). On Fridays, they are almost guaranteed to be on the table, as it’s traditional to prepare them that day. The host may break off a piece and hand it to you personally – a gesture you should never refuse.

After the snacks, it’s time for the main meat course – most often beshbarmak, the national dish of Kazakhstan. Sometimes several meat dishes are served, but if beshbarmak is on the table, the eldest in the family traditionally portions out the meat. The guest of honor receives the largest, juiciest pieces. On special occasions, a boiled sheep’s head may be brought out. It’s a high mark of respect for the most senior or honored guest. The person who receives the head doesn’t simply eat it. They distribute its parts among the diners according to custom:

• Ears are given to children, so they will grow up obedient.
• Eyes are given to a single person, usually the guest of honor (never to two people, as it is believed they might quarrel).
• Tongue is given to children, wishing them eloquence and strong speaking skills.

Foreign guests are not usually asked to take part in distributing the head; this is done by the eldest person at the table. The ritual is both a symbol of hospitality and a way of expressing wishes for wisdom, success, and well-being. It’s worth noting that a sheep’s head is not always served. Beshbarmak is often prepared simply with meat and kazy, a traditional horse-meat sausage.

At the end of the meal, the eldest member of the family recites batá – a blessing that expresses gratitude to the Almighty for the food and wishes goodness upon everyone present. While it is being said, guests place their hands in front of them, cupped together, and bow their heads slightly. When the batá ends, everyone draws their palms over their face, as if washing with water – a gesture showing that the blessing has been received.

As at any table, basic etiquette applies: avoid slurping, don’t reach across the table, never talk with your mouth full, don’t interrupt elders, and keep your voice at a moderate level.

When the guests are full, the main dishes are cleared away and dessert with tea is served.

5. Tea Is More Than Just a Drink

In a Kazakh home, tea is not simply a beverage – it’s a central ritual of hospitality. It is usually poured into a piala (tea bowl) only partway, not to the brim. This is a sign of care: the tea will be replenished more often, ensuring it stays hot and fresh.

Pouring tea is traditionally a woman’s role. If you’ve finished your cup, simply pass it to the hostess or the person serving, and they will gladly refill it. Asking for more is not only acceptable but encouraged. It shows you are enjoying their hospitality. By contrast, refusing tea can be seen as impolite.

Tea may be served black or with milk, and the hosts will often ask your preference before pouring.

At the end of the feast, you may be offered sarkyt – a portion of treats to take home. Usually, the hosts will pack it for you, but sometimes they will hand you a bag and invite you to choose sweets or fruit from the table yourself. This warm tradition is a gesture of generosity, and it’s best to accept it with gratitude.

6. Farewell

Before leaving, be sure to thank your hosts for their hospitality and say goodbye. In Kazakh, you can express it in several ways:

• Rakhmet! [rahkh-MET] – Thank you!
• Köp rakhmet! [kuhp rahkh-MET] – Thank you very much!
• Sau bolynyzdar! [SAH-oo boh-lyh-nyz-DAR] – Goodbye! (respectful form when addressing several people)
• Sau bol! [SAH-oo bol] – Bye! (informal, when speaking to one person)
• When seeing you off, the hosts might say Jolyn bolsyn! – Have a safe trip! You can reply with Rakhmet! (Thank you!).  
• Another friendly parting phrase is Kezdeskenshe! [Kehz-des-KEN-sheh] – See you!

Kazakh hospitality is a centuries-old tradition, rooted in the nomadic way of life. Here, sincerity and respect are treasured, and guests are surrounded with warmth and care. Be polite, honor your elders, and thank your hosts sincerely and your visit to a Kazakh home will become one of the most vivid and heartwarming memories of your journey through Kazakhstan.