Central Asian fare comes to Farmer’s Market
By Jill Alexander
It may have taken some time, but Elmira Yedigeyeva and Oleg Bondarenko, both 45, are now doing what they love: serving up authentic Central Asia-inspired cuisine from their native Kazakhstan.
They have a booth at the the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market under the name El Miracle Cuisine.
Before diving into the food business, the couple visited San Diego on tourist visas and instantly fell in love with the area. Despite not knowing anyone locally, they applied for political asylum and made La Jolla their permanent home in 2019.
While juggling all kinds of jobs – from cleaning and bank security to construction – they’ve now found their passion selling traditional dishes at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market on Thursdays.
“We made a life-changing move – from the wide-open landscapes and rich traditions of Kazakhstan to the sunny, ocean-kissed city of San Diego,” Yedigeyeva said. “Back home, food was never just about eating. It was about bringing people together. Hospitality runs deep in Kazakh culture, and every meal was a chance to connect, laugh and share stories. That’s where our love for cooking took root.”
One reason they chose to relocate, Yedigeyeva explained, was because of religious and cultural challenges at home. Bondarenko is Ukrainian and Christian; and Yedigeyeva is Muslim. That made life in Almaty – the city where they formerly resided – complicated.
“The coastal air, the blend of cultures, and the city’s (San Diego) appreciation for clean, fresh ingredients inspired us,” Yedigeyeva said. “We were drawn to farmer’s markets not only for the vibrant produce but for the community they created. It became the perfect place to introduce locals to the rich flavors of Central Asia, one dish at a time.”
At the Farmer’s Market, they serve the traditional meals they grew up with, dishes that reflect both their roots and a deep sense of hospitality. Their goal: “to make every visitor feel like a welcome guest at our table.”
Here’s what they’re serving:
• Pilaf – Their signature dish of seasoned rice, tender meat and carrots, slow-cooked with fragrant spices. True comfort food.
• Kebabs – Juicy, marinated meats grilled over open flames, just like at family gatherings back home.
• Manty – Steamed dumplings filled with savory meat or vegetables. Soft, hearty and full of flavor.
• Samsa – Flaky pastries stuffed with spiced filling – crisp on the outside, warm and satisfying inside.
• Fresh salads – Light and vibrant, made with seasonal produce. A perfect complement to the rich main dishes.
• Desserts – From sweet baklava to homemade cookies and pies, there’s always something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The couple rents a commercial kitchen space where they prep everything using fresh, local ingredients and avoid heavy processing, staying true to the simple, flavorful style of cooking they knew in Kazakhstan.
“We’re not just here to serve food, we’re here to share a piece of our heritage. Our stall is a place where stories are swapped, cultures meet and friendships begin. Whether you’re curious about the food of Central Asia or just want to try something new, we hope to offer more than a meal. We aim to give you a genuine experience,” Yedigeyeva said. “Food has a way of crossing borders. It brings people together. For us, cooking is our way of saying welcome. We hope every visitor walks away with a full belly, a new favorite dish and a smile.”
Married for eight years, the couple met in a parking lot where they had been parking their cars for months, without ever speaking, until one day, Yedigeyeva approached Bondarenko and said, “Hello, we should probably talk.”
“We hit it off and have been through a lot together,” Yedigeyeva said.
Three years ago, Yedigeyeva was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy and is now in remission.
“We’ve had good and hard times,” Yedigeyeva said. “That’s why we named the company El Miracle Cuisine, LLC. It’s no secret – we love cooking, people and preparing our food. That’s why we opened our company.”
Looking ahead, they hope to open a small café or cafeteria they can call their own. But for now, they’re enjoying being part of the farmer’s market scene.
“We like Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market because the people are friendly, and so are the other vendors. It’s a family atmosphere,” Yedigeyeva said.
Visit the El Miracle Cuisine booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, held every Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.