The Saryarka Shopping Centre was opened in early 2008 by the President himself. Such is the prestige of malls in Astana that he is the favourite for their official openings, and even requests the pleasure himself (Khan Shatyr opened on his birthday in 2010). It is located on the same street as Mega and Khan Shatyr, barely a five-minute walk from each. But Saryarka is a good choice for anyone looking for a quieter experience, and its size is significantly more manageable. Two dozen or so clothes shops of mostly western origin are nicely spaced out over two floors, as well as a couple of good home décor shops and a gift shop opposite the atrium café selling Kazakh souvenirs. You can even pick up a Kazakhstan Asian Winter Games-branded ski suit if you’ve gone overboard buying felt slippers. The café in the atrium is worth a stop, too, for a taste of local tea and hospitality.