Tea in Kazakhstan is more than just a drink—it's a true national tradition, a key element of culture and hospitality. Statistics from the Bureau of National Statistics for the first seven months of 2026 confirm that the love for this hot beverage is measured in thousands of tons, reports infohub.kz.
From January to July, the country produced 9,143 tons of tea and coffee, of which 3,829 tons were tea. Almaty, the southern capital, is the absolute leader in production, accounting for 92.1% of all domestic tea (3,528 tons).
Despite substantial domestic processing volumes, the Kazakh market heavily relies on imports, which make up 74.1% or 18,300 tons.
"Among the main tea suppliers is Kenya, which accounts for nearly 27.2% of imported products, with significant volumes also coming from India, Russia, Italy, and China," the Bureau reported.
If you enjoy traditional Kazakh tea with milk, opt for granulated Kenyan tea. It yields a deep amber color, a refreshing bitterness, and retains its strength when milk is added. If you prefer tea without additives, consider Indian leaf varieties, which offer a richer bouquet and a milder flavor.