Qaimaq
What is Qaimaq?
Qaimaq (also spelled qaymaq, kaymak, or clotted cream) is the thick, rich, slightly yellow cream that sits at the centre of the Afghan breakfast table. It is made by slowly simmering whole buffalo or cow's milk for several hours, allowing the fat to rise to the surface and form a thick, almost solid cream layer that is then lifted off and chilled. The result is denser than double cream, richer than crème fraîche, and entirely different from the fluid single creams of Western cooking.
In Afghanistan, qaimaq is most commonly eaten with fresh naan and honey - the classic breakfast combination that has been on Afghan tables for centuries. A good qaimaq has a subtle dairy richness, a pale yellow colour from the milk fat, and a slightly grainy texture from the slow setting process. It is the defining breakfast condiment of Central Asian food culture, found under various names from Turkey (kaymak) to Iran (sarsheer) to Central Asia.
Qaimaq Across the Region
The same product - thick, slow-simmered clotted cream - appears across the entire belt of countries that once sat along the Silk Road. Turkish kaymak, Persian sarsheer, and Afghan qaimaq are all variations of the same ancient dairy tradition. The technique of slow-heating milk to concentrate the fat and allow it to set is one of the oldest forms of dairy preservation, and it has survived because the result is extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does qaimaq taste like?
Qaimaq tastes like an intensely rich, mildly sweet cream - buttery, dense, and slightly grainy. It is similar in concept to English clotted cream but usually made from buffalo milk, which gives it a higher fat content and a more pronounced richness.
How is qaimaq eaten?
Qaimaq is most traditionally eaten spread on fresh naan with honey - the classic Afghan breakfast combination. It can also be stirred into tea (shir chai) or served alongside sweet pastries. It is a breakfast food, not a cooking ingredient.
Is qaimaq available in Toronto?
Qaimaq can sometimes be found at Afghan and Middle Eastern grocery stores in Toronto's Scarborough and Mississauga communities. It is not currently on the Naan Kabob menu, though our fresh naan is a natural pairing for anyone seeking the Afghan breakfast experience.
See also: Afghan Breakfast, Naan Bread ,Afghan Cheese.
Fresh naan is baked daily at Naan Kabob - the centrepiece of the Afghan table.
