Tary Coffee House brings taste of Kazakh culture to Chicago

Tary Coffee House is a new addition to the River North neighborhood, offering a taste of Kazakh culture right in the heart of Chicago. The coffee shop, situated at 111 W. Illinois St., features elegant dishware, cozy rugs, and a special green cabinet, all imported from Kazakhstan. The shop is the first of its kind in the U.S. and was the original representative of Kazakh culture, even in its home country.

Franchise owner Symbat Zharkynkyzy, who moved from Kazakhstan to Chicago in 2020, was inspired to bring a piece of her culture to the city. The coffee shop offers a variety of traditional Kazakh beverages and dishes, including the popular tary cappuccino made with millet.

One of the bestsellers is the tary porridge and bylamyk porridge, known for their nutritional benefits and traditional flavors. Tary Coffee House also serves a range of other breakfast options, soups, salads, and main dishes, all made with halal meat. The aim is to use organically sourced ingredients, with many items made in-house, such as specialty cheeses, jams, and desserts.

Some notable desserts and baked goods on the menu include the tary cheesecake, tary ice cream, baursak (fried dough bites), and homemade waffles. The coffee shop is open Mondays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For those interested in trying out Kazakh culture in the form of food and drink, Tary Coffee House is an excellent choice. With its unique offerings and warm ambiance, it’s a great spot to experience something new and flavorful in the city.