Kazakhstan turns iconic rock into dessert to promote mindful tourism

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — A new dessert inspired by Kazakhstan’s iconic Zhumbaktas rock formation in Lake Burabay is offering tourists a flavorful alternative to experiencing one of the country’s most mysterious natural landmarks.

The creation, developed by internationally renowned pastry chef and chocolatier Hans Ovando, uses locally sourced ingredients—such as honey from regional apiaries—to reflect the landscape and spirit of the Burabay region.

According to Kursive Media, the dessert is part of the Quality Mark program under Kazakh Tourism, which promotes sustainable travel and supports businesses committed to preserving cultural and environmental heritage.

“This isn’t just about taste—it’s about storytelling,” said Askar Kanapin, co-founder of the La Crème restaurant involved in the project. “We wanted the dessert to intrigue people, to make them curious about the landmark that inspired it.”

The Zhumbaktas rock, whose name translates to “mysterious stone,” rises dramatically from Lake Burabay and is steeped in legend. However, access to the site has been recently restricted after repeated acts of vandalism, including graffiti.

In the absence of direct access, the dessert offers a unique symbolic connection to the landmark—allowing tourists to engage with its cultural narrative through cuisine.

The initiative comes amid Kazakh Tourism’s broader efforts to develop niche sectors like film tourism, with Burabay National Park among the sites proposed as destinations for international filmmakers and travelers alike.

By blending local storytelling with sustainable practices, the campaign marks a creative shift in how Kazakhstan is promoting its natural heritage to a global audience.