Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport

Astana's airport has come a long way from its utilitarian Soviet-era roots, and the dining scene airside reflects the city's confident, cosmopolitan energy. The departures hall on the upper level hosts a handful of sit-down options alongside a well-organized food court, where you can grab a proper meal rather than settling for a sad sandwich. Arrive with a little extra time — the queues move at a relaxed Kazakhstani pace, and that's half the charm.

For a genuine taste of the steppe before you fly, head straight to any of the Kazakh-leaning eateries and order beshbarmak if it's on the menu — wide, silky noodles layered with tender braised lamb and onion broth, eaten with your hands the traditional way. Samsa, the flaky baked pastry stuffed with meat and onion, makes a brilliant carry-on snack and costs almost nothing. Kumiss, the fermented mare's milk, is an acquired taste but a rite of passage; most spots stock a tamer kefir if you want something familiar yet local.

Beyond the Kazakh staples, the food court covers the usual international bases — Russian pelmeni, decent plov from the Uzbek-style counter, and a coffee kiosk serving strong, properly pulled espresso that will sharpen you up for a long connection. The upstairs lounge-style restaurant has a broader menu and table service, which makes it worth the slight premium if you want to sit down properly and decompress. Overall, NQZ punches above its weight for a regional hub, and you won't leave hungry or bored.