Real Madrid forced into a grueling journey after Atlético defeat

Real Madrid had to try to bounce back from their painful defeat against Atlético Madrid in the Derby by embarking on a Champions League trip nobody wanted to make. The visit to Kairat Almaty means a nearly 7,000-kilometer journey right in the middle of a demanding run of fixtures.

Xabi Alonso will be looking to turn things around—or at least heal wounds—in an exotic destination known for its unique traditions, such as eating horse meat and drinking camel milk.

Horse Meat and Camel Milk: The Unique Flavors of Kazakhstan

Horse meat is one of the great symbols of the cuisine of the Kazakh steppe, a land that is as harsh in summer as it is in winter, with extreme temperatures shaping daily life.

Its flavor, when stewed, is not too different from other meats, although Kazakhs prefer it smoked or made into sausages similar to longaniza. In Almaty, tradition blends with modernity, and you can even try the increasingly popular horse meat burger, an option that intrigues both locals and tourists.

The culinary experience also includes horse milk and camel milk, two traditional drinks widely consumed in the region. These are often paired with the classic balls of dried cheese that nomads carried with them on long journeys across the steppe, packed with nutrients to give them the strength needed to endure their travels.

The Bazaar: Spices, Herbs, and Local Fruits

Kazakhstan’s bazaars are a festival of colors and aromas, offering a wide variety of spices and herbs—some for cooking, others for strengthening health. Dried fruits, dried apricots, and fresh pomegranates (pressed with traditional metal tools for juice) also stand out, delighting visitors with their freshness and flavor.

Kazakhstan, the Birthplace of the Apple

Surprisingly, Kazakhstan is considered the birthplace of the apple. This once-wild fruit became a staple food across the globe, but Kazakh apples remain unique for both their intense flavor and large size. Even in the mountains, more than 2,000 meters above sea level, apple trees grow resilient to extreme cold, making the fruit a true national symbol.