If you’re walking around Almaty or Astana and spot a familiar-looking burger place called “I’m” — don’t worry, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you.

It looks like McDonald’s. It smells like McDonald’s. It even serves fries that taste suspiciously familiar.

And that’s because… it basically used to be McDonald’s.

🧾 So what happened?

In 2022, McDonald’s officially left Kazakhstan due to supply chain issues. But instead of closing up shop entirely, the local team decided:

“Hey, we can still make great burgers without the golden arches!”

And thus, “I’m” was born.

Same kitchens. Same buildings. Same friendly staff.

New name. Locally sourced ingredients. Global fast food energy.

🍟 What’s on the menu?

The menu might look a little different — no Big Mac or Filet-O-Fish in name — but you’ll definitely recognize the vibe.

You’ll find:

 • Familiar-style cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches

 • Crispy fries that could pass any side-by-side taste test

 • Local twists like plov burgers or regional sauces (yes, seriously)

 • And yes… they’ve got ice cream cones and McFlurry-style desserts, too

😎 Why you should go:

 • It’s clean, fast, and reliable — a solid option if you’re short on time or tired of explaining your dietary preferences through mime.

 • It’s a fun, very Kazakhstani twist on something international — you’ll spot groups of teenagers, office workers, and families all chilling together.

 • And let’s be honest: sometimes you just want a burger that reminds you of home, wherever home may be.

So next time you see “I’m” on a bright red sign, go ahead — walk in, order a combo, and say,

“I’m… lov—uhh… enjoying this local experience.” 😄