For a cheap and quick traditional Kyrgyz meal, head to the Izium cafe near the Ala-Too Square in Bishkek. Here, you'll find all the main national dishes in different versions: lagman, plov, manty, kurdak, shorpo…
They serve dishes very quickly. The food here is delicious and, on top of that, served in generous portions. You can even order half-portions.
This cafe is right in the center of Bishkek, but it's cheap: you'll be able to eat for less than 200 soms, including service and drinks. The only down side, for some, is that you can't drink alcohol in Izium.