In late November, Paris hosted the anniversary ceremony of La Liste 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious gastronomic events. This year’s ceremony held special significance for Kazakhstan: Qazaq Gourmet, a restaurant specializing in haute Kazakh cuisine, not only represented the country at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also received a special honor, the La Liste 2026 Plate.
For the QazElles community in France, this recognition marked the continuation of a journey that began last year when Qazaq Gourmet was first included in La Liste’s global ranking of the best restaurants. That initial listing signaled international recognition; this year’s award reflects growing interest in Kazakh cuisine among the global culinary elite.
@Madina Kulman
Throughout the evening, chefs and representatives from leading restaurants in Japan, France, Spain, and Italy visited the Qazaq Gourmet table. Many were encountering elevated Kazakh cuisine for the first time, a novelty that sparked considerable curiosity. Guests asked about preparation techniques, native ingredients, and the cultural heritage of the dishes, exchanging impressions and expressing delight at discovering unfamiliar flavors.
Kazakhstan’s ambassador to France, Gulsara Arystankulova, was in attendance, lending diplomatic weight to the occasion and highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting its national cuisine on the international stage.
With Head Chef Artem Kantsev, @Madina Kulman
The La Liste 2026 Plate is awarded to restaurants that demonstrate consistent quality, make use of local products, and show potential for international influence. This recognition is particularly significant for Qazaq Gourmet at a time when La Liste is increasing its focus on Asian gastronomy. Kazakh cuisine is now firmly on the radar of global culinary experts. La Liste’s methodology combines expert reviews, critical ratings, and data-driven analysis, making its awards a credible benchmark in the culinary world.
For Kazakhstan, the recognition marks a step forward in gastronomic diplomacy. For Qazaq Gourmet, it affirms that its modern interpretation of national cuisine resonates on the global stage and suggests that further accomplishments are within reach.
