Russian cuisine is completely different from American cuisine. It consists of a lot of soups, salads, porridge, meat and vegetables. Here is a list of the most popular Russian foods you should try:
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Borsch. Borsch is perhaps the most recognized food beyond Russia’s borders. It originates from Ukraine but is considered an essential part of Russian cuisine. Borsch is made with meat and potatoes. It has a red color because it contains beetroot.
2. Okroshka. If you are looking for something refreshing and nourishing during the hot summer, then you should definitely try okroshka, a cold soup. It uses either buttermilk or kefir or kvass as a base, and is made with vegetables. Its name came after the Russian word “kroshit” which means “to crumble.”
3. Pelmeni. Pelmeni are small meat-filled dumplings which are made from unleavened dough and are often served with smetana (a sour heavy cream.) Believe me, it is really difficult to stop eating them once you start, so try to limit yourself.
4. Olivie. It is a salad which consists of eggs, potatoes, pickles, carrots and mayonnaise. If you come to Russia during the New Year’s Eve, you will definitely see olivie on every family’s table.
5. Blini. If you ask Russians to cook some Russian food for you, they will probably make blini, Russian pancakes, which look like crepes. Blini are thinner than American pancakes and might be greasier. They are usually topped with smetana, meat or jam. It is a perfect option for cozy mornings with hot tea. Russians eat a lot of blini, which symbolize the sun, during the Maslenitsa, when the beginning of spring is celebrated.
6. Pirozhki. Pirozhki are baked dumplings. They can have a variety of fillings from meat and potato to cabbage and strawberry. It will take you a lot of time to try all existing types, but you will find your favorite one for sure. A lot of Russians love eating pirozhki as snacks.
7. Medovik. Medovik, a sweet honey cake, is one of the most popular Russian desserts. Medovik has several layers with cream (made with sour cream, sugar, and milk) between them and is made with dough which contains honey. This dessert is soft and will perfectly match with Russian hot tea.
8. Chak-chak. It is a Tatarstan’s (region in Russia) national dessert. Chak-chak is made with deep-fried dough, sugar and covered with honey syrup. Chak-chak can be of different sizes and shapes, either noodles or squares. Chak-chak is greatly loved by Tatars and they even have a museum dedicated to this sweet.
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9. “Alyonka” chocolate. “Alyonka” (a girl’s name) is one of the most recognized Russian chocolates, which has a smiling little girl wearing a traditional kerchief on its packaging. “Alyonka” is sold in many flavors, so that everyone will find something to their liking. It was first released in 1966 and since then it has been loved by many generations.
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10. Kvass. In the summer, Russians drink a lot of kvass. It is a traditional refreshing beverage made from fermented rye bread which influences the color of kvass. In fact, it contains a small percentage of alcohol, and is considered a non-alcoholic drink. Kvass is presented in various flavors such as a horseradish, fruit or honey kvass.
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Of course, there are a lot more delicious Russian foods. You can start by trying these 10 dishes. Приятного аппетита! (Bon appetit!)