Shelpek

Shelpek is a Central Asian flatbread that is especially important for Muslim communities.

Lastest Updated May 27, 2024
Verified by A-Z Cuisines Team
  • Traditional
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Fact: People use shelpek as an offering to honor the memory of the ones who passed.

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Basic Information

Shelpek: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/shel-pek/

Alternative Name(s)

Chalpak, chalpyak (Uyghur), çelpek (Turkmen), шелпек (Kazakh), май токоч or челпек (Kyrgyz), чалпак (Uzbek)

Dish Type

Breads and Doughs

Course

Dessert

Mealtime

Anytime

Popular Variations

No
Origin and Region

Shelpek: Origin and Region

Origin

Kazakhstan

Continent’s Region

Central Asia

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified
Kazakhstan Map
Ingredients and Preparation

Shelpek: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

All-purpose flour, milk, butter

Main Cooking Method

Pan-frying

Preparation Process

The dough is shaped into balls and rolled for frying in hot vegetable oil
A Deep Dive

Shelpek: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Especially important on Fridays for Muslims to honor the memory of those who passed away

Taste

Sweet

Texture

Typically light and soft

Aroma

Mild

Color

Golden

Serving Style

On plates

Serving Temperature

Warm or cold

Accompaniment

Cheese, jam, sour cream, tea

Occasions

Festivals

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Non diet-specific

Calories

304 calories per serving of 100 grams, according to data of MyFitnessPal for shelpek (Kazakh).

Popularity

Central Asia (especially Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan)

Popular Similar Dishes

  1. Chebureki
  2. Qistibi
  3. Puri
  4. Khuushuur
  5. Haliva
  6. Börek
  7. Samosa
  8. Lörtsy
  9. Qutab

Popular Dining Area

Local markets, festivals, and fairs in Central Asia

Shelpek is a flatbread variety in Central Asia created by the Oghuz Turk people. This flatbread version requires a batter of flour, milk, sugar, baking soda, salt, vegetable oil, and kaymak (a type of sour cream), usually shaped into a ball before rolling for frying.

Shelpek Overview

When added with yeast, shelpek’s dough gets a softer profile. Commonly, the Central Asian flatbread is an essential part of the Muslim population, especially on Fridays, a holy day in this religion.

For serving, locals opt for a wide range of options like jam, sour cream, cheese, or jam to enhance the flavor of shelpek. Also, tea is a favorite pairing with shelpek to enjoy in the afternoon. Alternatively, curries and stews are great to have with the flatbread.

These features of shelpek are intriguing to look at, but there is more to it in terms of benefits and drawbacks when consuming. Furthermore, I’ll also gladly provide you with answers to some frequent inquiries.

Key Points

  • Shelpek is a flatbread served with a range of accompaniments.
  • Shelpek is enjoyed all over Central Asia, especially in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan
  • The Muslims highly value shelpek in their culture for religious purposes, especially on Fridays.

Shelpek Images

Pros and Cons of Eating Shelpek

Like any food, shelpek comes with a few features in terms of the advantages and disadvantages that anyone needs to know:

Pros

  • Versatility: There is a wide range of fillings that perfectly elevate the flavors of shelpek.
  • Simple Cooking: Shelpek is easy to materialize at home with simple-to-get ingredients.
  • Convenience: Shelpek is a great hand-held snack.

Cons

  • Health Concern: Fried foods like shelpek often come with higher levels of fat and calories, potentially causing health issues.
  • Storage: Since fried, shelpek doesn’t stay fresh for long, losing its texture gradually.

Having explored the various pros and cons of shelpek, there are still more nuances to explore about this flatbread of Central Asia. For that, let me share with you some common queries.

Shelpek FAQs

While both are traditional Central Asian bread, baursak is usually smaller, bite-sized, and sometimes has a different shape. The preparation method and ingredients are similar.

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, are preferred for frying Shelpek.

Adam Sam

Adam Sam

Senior Food and Drink Editor

Expertise

Food Writer & Recipe Developer, Recipe Tester, Bartender, Cooking-video Maker, Editor In Chief

Education

  • University of Gastronomic Sciences – Pollenzo (Italy) (MA Food Culture, Communication & Marketing)
  • Johnson & Wales University (US) (Baking and Pastry Arts)
  • Professional Bartender at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Adam Sam, an experienced food writer and recipe developer, is passionate about blending diverse culinary traditions, national dishes, and innovative beverages, showcasing his proficiency in both traditional and modern recipe testing.

As the Editor-in-Chief, he elevates culinary content from street food to fine dining, focusing on Western cuisine and types of drinks at azcuisines.com, and is professional in creating engaging cooking videos that simplify complex dishes and ingredients.

His passion for food is evident in his writing, where he uniquely merges various cultures, traditions, and contemporary trends, skillfully combining classic recipes with modern cooking methods.

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