OTTB 1991 Almaty
Hub for the Modern Kazakh Soul
In a city of polished cafes, there is a special joy in discovering a place with a bit of grit and a whole lot of soul. OTTB is precisely that. While no longer in its original garage home, it has brilliantly carried that raw, industrial spirit with it. The space celebrates this heritage, its walls now serving as a canvas for vibrant murals with Kazakh motifs, creating a wonderfully unpretentious and welcoming clubhouse for the city's independent creative spirit. To add another layer to its rich character, this very building was once the home of the legendary ballet master, Bulat Ayukhanov.
This is a place of bold flavours and ideas. They have a particular genius for slow-cooked meats, prepared with immense care in a Texas smoker, resulting in dishes that are both rustic and sublime.
But more than just a place to eat, OTTB has become a vital gathering spot for the city's Kazakh-speaking youth. On any given evening, you might hear the air filled with heartfelt songs or powerful poetry recited in the Kazakh language, a beautiful and living expression of modern culture. And overseeing all of this is the true master of the house, a resident cat named Märmär—Kazakh for "marble"—who adds a final touch of serene, whiskered charm.
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Viktor Tsoi Monument
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Zhambyl Philharmonic
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Nedelka fountain
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Voronka Café on Zheltoksan
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Bon Bon cafe
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Esentai gallery
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The Spirit of Tengri
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Karavan Saray
A place to buy some souvenirs
Karavan Saray is a one-stop shop that captures the spirit of Kazakhstan in a very accessible way. Look around for gifts or meaningful reminders of the trip!
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