From a family kitchen in Astana.
We are ethnic Koreans, born and raised in Kazakhstan. Our grandparents are Koryo-saram — the Korean diaspora that was relocated to Central Asia in 1937 and built a new life here.
We grew up in Astana, where cuisine never had to choose a side. At our home table, beshbarmak, kimchi, and sauerkraut peacefully existed together. Onigiri came later — through Korean dramas, anime, and a trip to Seoul, where we tried onigiri for the first time and realized how convenient and delicious it is as a snack compared to traditional sandwiches.
We launched Kumuri in 2025 because we couldn't find onigiri in our city the way we wanted it: fresh, hearty, handmade and filled with the same love our grandmother put into every dish.
— Mariya & Katya, founders
«In Korea, we tried onigiri for the first time — and knew immediately: this is it.»
