Famous Russia Food

Russia is a country with vast topography and cultural diversity. Each state and region has its own food specialty. Russian people mostly prefer non vegetarian, but you will find ample vegetarian options too. If you are planning to go to Russia, you should have an idea about the best Russian food you can try out there. This blog guides you about the famous Russian dishes.

Russian Cuisine

• Russia’s food reflects its rich culture and vast geography. The dishes are designed to keep warm during long, cold winters and to make the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Cereals, vegetables, and meats, often prepared with flavourful sauces and seasoning, are staple cuisine in Russia. The focus on soups is one of the characteristics of Russian cooking. Fish is also often consumed, particularly around the coastal areas, where meals like salmon and sturgeon are highly valued delicacy.
• Russian cuisine relies heavily on bread, and black bread is a common option. It is used to absorb sauces or served with meals. Pickles and preserves are used to enhance flavour and prolong the shelf life of products. Desserts in Russia often feature honey, berries, and nuts.
• Russians prefer non-vegetarian over vegetarian cuisines. The modern trend leans towards healthy lifestyle. So, people are embracing vegetarianism. During the days of fast, people in Russia eat vegetarian meals only.

Famous Russian dishes

Most street foods in Russia are found in Moscow. Following are the the best Russian street foods :

• Pelmeni: Pelmeni is nothing but dumplings. It is the national dish of Russia. These Russian Dumplings are made with minced meat, onions, garlic. They are boiled and cooked which are served with side soup, cream and black pepper.
• Blini: These crepes are soft, sweet and thin in shape. They are served with jam, milk or caviar. They made up of dough, but they are stuffed with meat, eggs and vegetables
• Pirozhki: Small, savoury pastries that are stuffed with various ingredients like meat, potatoes, cabbage, or cheese. It is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
• Shashlik: This Russian BBQ is a great option for picnics and get-togethers. They are served with bread, vegetables, or fresh herbs.
• Oliver Salad: This creamy dish mixes diced potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and meat with mayonnaise, creating a rich and versatile side dish, especially popular during festive occasions. It is also known as Russian salad.
• Kamchatka crab: This dish is seafood’s lover dream come true. The Red King Crab is known for its sweetness and succulent texture after cooking. It is served with lemons and butter.
• Caviar: It is one of the most expensive foods in Russia. It is made from the salt-cured roe (eggs) of sturgeon fish and known for its rich, briny flavour and delicate texture. It is often served chilled, and pairs beautifully with blinis, toast points, or crème fraîche.

Famous Soup Dishes of Russia

• Schi: A classic Russian cabbage soup cooked with either fresh or sauerkraut, flavoured with sour cream and dill, and frequently containing potatoes, meat, or mushrooms. It’s tart, filling, and ideal for cold climates.
• Solyanka: A hearty, flavourful Russian soup made with tomatoes, pickles, meat, and olives. Brine gives it its distinct sour salty flavour, which makes it a hearty, tasty dish that’s frequently topped with sour cream and lemon.
• Okroshka: A cool soup made with diced vegetables, boiling potatoes, fish or meat, and kefir or kvass (a fermented bread beverage). It has a mild and tangy flavour. It is a favourite soup in the summer.

Vegetarian Food of Russia

Following are the famous vegetarian dishes in Russia:

• Borscht: This soup is made up of beetroot, beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions, and often served with a dollop of sour cream. This is a staple food of Russia.
• Vinegret: This colourful salad is prepared with beets, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and onions. It is served as a side dish.
• Meatless Schi: ‘Schi’ is a traditional Russian cabbage soup. The meatless version is cooked with vegetables and mushrooms as stuffing. This simple and flavourful soup has a tangy flavour and rich consistency.
• Turnip soup: The name suggests that this soup is prepared mostly with turnip. It is like ‘schi’, simple and delicious. The soup is light, and the broth is mildly sweet. It is served as a side dish with bread and salad.
• Meatless mushroom pies: A hearty vegetarian meal is meatless Mushroom Pies. These pies, as the name suggest, are stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables. These pies have a sweet, earthy flavour. It is also served as a side dish.
• Kascha: This porridge is a healthy yet satisfying meal which is made with bucket wheat, oats, millets, vegetables. It is a staple dish in Russia.

Indian food and restaurants in Russia

Most well known restaurants in Russia are situated in Moscow. Some of the best Indian restaurants out of them are:

• Darbars
  • A modern Indian restaurant that serves vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan dishes. It is well known for its South and North delicacies. The ambience is also good. It is open12:00 pm to 12:00 am.
  • Notable Dishes: Hyderabadi Biryani, Chicken Korma, Palak Paneer, Naan
• Khajuraho
  • A rustic setting and cozy establishment that serves authentic Indian meals.It is open from 12noon to 11pm.
  • Notable Dishes: Butter Chicken, Dal Makhni
• Moscow-Delhi
  • It’s a simple and cozy restaurant where you get the best Vegan food. It is known for its home style cooking. It’s located in St Petersburg. It is open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day.
  • Notable Dishes:  Dosa, Paneer Paratha, Kashmiri Pulao
• Jai-Hind
  • A serene restaurant with traditional Indian setting. You can enjoy your meal with the classical melodies from the musicians. The restaurant is famous for its culinary experiments.
• Jagannath
  • A purely vegetarian restaurant where you can also easily find Indian thalis at cheap prices. It has a nice and peaceful atmosphere. The restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. It is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Notable Dishes: Thali, Dosa, Samosa, Paneer Tikka Masala

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FAQs

What is the most popular food in Russia?

Borscht, Pelmeni, and Blini are the most popular traditional Russian dishes.

Do Russians eat a lot of soup?

Yes, soup is an important part of Russian meals, especially during winter.

Why is bread important in Russian cuisine?

Bread is a staple in Russia and is served with almost every meal.

Do Russians eat seafood?

Yes, Russian people in coastal regions eat seafood. Fish like salmon and herring are very common in Russia.