Pappa Roti: South Asian Cuisine in Kyrgyzstan

Dining at the Pappa Roti – a newly started South Asian restaurant in Bishkek is an amazing place, I would recommend all to experience it. Palak paneer, chicken handi, samosas, masala chai, and lassi were some of the dishes I ordered with my friend Sehar, and they were all delicious.

Palak Paneer is the perfect blend of spinach, cottage cheese with a little bit of extra spices for a spicy tooth. If you are fond of chicken then handi, chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, is a great tempting option with either garlic or butter naan. Also, you should not forget about masala chai; loose leaf tea boiled in fresh milk with some added herbal spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. And, sipping lassi – a yogurt and milk drink, is a refresher after a long and tiring day.

Beautiful interior at Pappa Roti

I am, indeed, grateful to my grandmother and mother who have gifted me the art of cooking. I can recognize and appreciate the flavors of different dishes without any doubt, and the food at Pappa Roti is perfectly homestyle made. The entire menu is inspired by traditional Pakistani and Indian recipes. A little bit of fusion is added for local customers who are not really fond of spicy food. “We keep the amount of spices low for the local customers, and make sure they like it.” said Mr. Sheikh Salman Majeed – the owner of the restaurant.

Hailing from the cultural city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Mr. Majeed stands as an entrepreneur of the restaurant business. He recently decided to expand his business and opened his South Asian restaurant in the capital city of Bishkek.

Seeing my own cuisine been served among Kyrgyz People; a multi-ethnic society, make me feel proud. A testament to Pappa Roti’s success is its popularity with locals who form the majority of its customers. Mr. Majeed imports all the products used in his restaurant from Pakistan. “I came to Kyrgyzstan in 2005 for the sole purpose of tourism and got immersed in the Kyrgyz culture.” said Mr. Majeed.

Ownwer of Pappa Roti Mr. Majeed in the Center

Moreover, the interior is delightful as it is decorated with paintings, handicrafts, cultural ornaments and colorful lightings. It reflects the culture of Pakistan and shows how Mr. Majeed has immersed Pakistani culture into the Kyrgyz restaurant scene of the capital. Bollywood music adds more excitement to the environment.

The yummy food, delightful Bollywood music and the soft colorful lighting, altogether, make this place perfect to dine in.

If you are in Bishkek and if you are fond of South Asian cuisine, your best option is Pappa Roti. It offers you a combination of spicy and non-spicy food, diverse drinks, pleasant service, beautiful interior, relaxing environment, and combination of Bollywood music.

Entrance gate of Pappa Roti

Address: 74 Umetaliev St., Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan