The western Kazakh city of Aktau will host a significant culinary event on 29 August as the country’s leading producers of shubat gather to compete for the crown, reports Kazakhstan Today.
The Amphitheatre Square is set to be the destination for a predicted 25,000 people, all keen to sample some of the best of this traditional Central Asian drink, an enduring symbol of Kazakh hospitality.
Shubat is fermented camel’s milk, this national delicacy to feature alongside other similar products in the summer event which it is hoped will not only help select the best shubat producer but also promote gastronomic tourism in the region.
Shubat is typically fermented for one to two days and should be consumed fresh. If stored in a refrigerator, it keeps for up to five days, which means that it is not always found in shops and can be better bought directly from the farm.
According to Otandastyr Qory, the drink is an excellent source of amino acids, as well as Vitamins B, D and calcium, among other nutrients. Scientist Tabusi Manaer and his colleagues claim that shubat has antidiabetic properties, because some believe that the drink reduces the amount of glucose in the blood.
While those with dairy allergies are advised to be careful when sampling shubat, Kazakhs have long believed in the health benefits of this ancient drink.
The press service of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reports that the contest will crown the best shubat producer in the country, with many people hoping to pick up the generous cash prize of a million tenge for the winner, as well as 700,000 and 500,000 for second and third place, respectively. The overall Grand Prix winner will also receive a car.
Individuals, companies, as well as agricultural and farming enterprises producing camel’s milk-based products are eligible to take part. Twenty participants will be selected for the final, with samples of their shubat tested by an independent accredited laboratory.
Winners will not be chosen solely by the judges, as these lab tests will also be taken into consideration, scientists responsible for adjudicating the safety of the product. The general public also has a say.
Shubat Fest 2026 is not just to celebrate the drink itself, but some of the other products made from this milk: kurt, balkaymak, desserts, ice cream, and coffee.
