Abstract
When I applied to join the Zhelezka project I wanted to explore that sentimental connection between food and the trains. Through later discussions during and after Zhelezka, I realized that it was just one of the facets of a bigger question. I started to think about my identity as a Kazakh and a Central Asian: what stories do I tell about myself that could be shared with other Central Asians too? The journey allowed me to rediscover my sense of belonging, those rituals and myths that my family shared and that almost everyone else with a similar background to mine shares as well; to rediscover my Kazakh, but as well as Central Asian identity.

Key words
Identity, Kazakh and Central Asian identity, food and identification