Russia is the largest nation in the world and is famous for its traditional cuisines. Many people who savour Russian delicacies are often surprised by the variety of delicious food that the country has to offer. Apart from its own traditional recipes, this country also serves cuisines from worldwide to satiate the hunger pangs of every local and global tourist. However, none could beat the original and traditional dishes of Russia’s food culture that speaks about the origin of each dish to date.

Being a die-hard foodie, my last visit to Russia was all about exploring the famous and the traditional dishes it serves in its food outlets, cafes and restaurants. So, I tried out 6 traditional dishes that were not only delicious but also quite different from the other cuisines I have tried before. So, if you are a true food connoisseur just like me, you can plan a trip to Russia to taste its delectable delicacies and I can assure you won’t regret your decision. All you need to do is get your international flight tickets booked from Intermiles online and reach the destination during the off-season. Once checked in, you can savour the following traditional Russian dishes on your tour and gain knowledge about the country’s age-old food culture.

Borscht

Borscht, which is originally from Ukraine, is considered to be an important traditional Russian dish. This is a  red beet soup which is very famous among the locals as well as the tourists. The dish is loaded with meat, sauteed vegetables that include potatoes, carrots, beet, cabbage and onions. This dish has different variations which are prepared by modifying the ingredients to suit the taste of the locals. Borscht is generally served with a fresh cream topping and is quite palatable both in winters and summers. You can taste the delicious Borscht soup with a glass of ice-cold vodka and a clove of garlic to appreciate its true flavours.

Solyanka Soup

Solyanka Soup is another famous soup in Russia. This soup is a hearty meal for every Russian for its rich ingredients that are used to prepare it. Solyanka soup is a favourite during the winter months and can be taken as a full course meal. This soup is creamy in nature and diced bacon, beef, ham and sausage are used in cooking this dish. Sauteed vegetables such as onions, carrots, potatoes and cabbage are also added to Solyanka Soup. Some people like to have it with pickles and garnish it with a slice of lemon that gives it a unique flavour. This dish is also sometimes made with fish and chicken and you can try the variations as per your food choice.

Blini

Russians love their pancakes! Blini is a type of sweet pancake that resembles French crepes. This is a wheat pancake that is stuffed with jam, onions, caviar and topped with sour cream or condensed milk. You can even roll these pancakes with diced vegetables or cream cheese to make them more delectable. It is a savoury breakfast and is famous during the Maslenitsa festival or pancake week in Russia where you start the celebration with this sweet dish.

Pelmeni

Pelmeni is the national dish of Russia and is cooked during important occasions. Pelmeni is a dish of boiled dumplings and is usually stuffed with minced pork or chicken or lamb along with diced vegetables. Onions and garlic are also added to enhance the taste of the food. They are also available in sweet flavour. Pelmeni is generally served with broth but sour cream on the sides is a must add-on. You can also buy a pack of frozen Pelmeni from any nearby store and boil it before serving hot Pelmeni to your guests.

Beef Stroganoff

A renowned Russian dish, Beef Stroganoff includes sliced beef, mushrooms and onions in a deliciously creamy white sauce, served with noodles, pasta or rice. It is believed that this dish dates back to the 19th century and since then, has been a favourite among people worldwide. You can find several variations of this dish in different parts of the world. Some like to top it with paprika, some love to have it with mustard whereas others add tomato paste to make it more tempting.

Pirozhki

Try out these miniature bread rolls when you are in Russia for your breakfast. Pirozhki are small baked buns with a variety of stuffings. These buns are also sometimes fried with fillings of meat and diced vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes and mushrooms. These buttery soft buns are popular during Christmas and Pirozhki is a regular dish in Russian houses. These pastries are also stuffed with cherries, apples, cottage cheese and jam for those who are fond of the sweeter variation of this dish. During elaborate dinners and parties, Pirozhki is a favourite snack for its rich aroma and mouth-watering taste.

Consider this list for your next food sojourn to Russia and indulge in these traditional dishes that have formed an integral part of the country’s food culture today.

Paul Petersen