Yurt: Central Asia’s Nomadic Flavours Arrive in SoHo

SoHo welcomes a quietly radical new opening with Yurt, Hong Kong’s first modern Central Asian halal restaurant. Located on Elgin Street, Yurt introduces a cuisine shaped by vast steppes, nomadic rituals, and deep-rooted hospitality—still largely unexplored in the city’s dining landscape.

Founded by a team from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Yurt is deeply personal in its mission. Head Chef Marat Zakaryayev, a Kazakhstan native with experience in Moscow’s acclaimed White Rabbit Group, leads the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in tradition yet refined through a modern lens. The result is a menu that feels both educational and emotionally resonant.

Guests can choose between a six-course tasting menu or à la carte dining. Highlights include Achichuk, a bright tomato salad reimagined with quinoa, and Uzbek-style pilaf rich with beef and raisins. The most talked-about centrepiece is beshbarmaq, a revered celebratory dish traditionally made with horse meat—served here with clarity, respect, and cultural context.

Desserts by award-winning pastry chef Anna Lobanova offer a gentle, honeyed finale inspired by nomadic comfort sweets. Fully halal and alcohol-free, Yurt instead focuses on tea culture and zero-proof pairings, reinforcing its authenticity. More than a restaurant, Yurt is an open invitation to discover Central Asia—warm, honest, and proudly uncompromising.