Top 10 Russian Dishes You Must Try

 

Russia is a country with a very rich history and culture but it is also well known because of its rich wholesome and varied food. Russian food is a story of comfort, home, and a tradition of the community, whether it is in the frozen tundra of Siberia or in the cosmopolitan streets of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Whether it is the piping hot borscht greased with sour cream or the pile of golden blinis with red caviar, the Russian cuisine is a testimony of the Russian people, hardy, hospitable and rooted in ancient traditions.

When Indian tourists want to experience the real Russia, and not just the most popular sites, exploring the culinary world of Russia is one of the tastiest options to Explore Russia in India. Having numerous Budget Russia travel packages that involve food-related tours, now you can see the most delicious dishes of the country, as well as admire its splendid architecture, culture and hospitality. This is the list of the 10 best Russian foods you should taste to make your journey memorable.

1. Borscht

The most recognizable soup in the Russian cuisine is borscht. It is prepared of beets and has a bright crimson color and sweet-sour taste. It is usually cooked in beef broth, potatoes, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes and served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. Borscht is a Ukrainian dish but very much ingrained in Russian food culture and it can be served hot and cold depending on the season. Borscht is a filling and soothing soup that is welcome in the cold winters of Russia.

2. Pelmeni

Pelmeni are Russian dumplings that contain minced meat (typically a mixture of pork, beef, and lamb). They are boiled and accompanied with butter, sour cream or in broth. Such delicacies are a classic of every Russian family. Pelmeni are especially popular in Siberia, which used to freeze them outside and cook them when necessary. They are the best blend of easy ingredients and complicated taste that one mustn t miss.

3. Blini

Blini are pancakes, thin and crepe-like, prepared of wheat or buckwheat flour. They may be sweet or savory, and filled with caviar, sour cream, jam, honey or mushrooms. Blinis are used to represent the sun and are honored as the festival of Maslenitsa. It is an adaptable meal that is not only a breakfast meal but also a holiday meal. Tourists on budget Russia tours tend to have an opportunity of making and tasting blinis in cultural cookery classes.

4. Beef Stroganoff

This creamy beef preparation is prepared using sauteed chunks of tender beef, mushrooms, onions and smetana (sour cream). It is normally accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice or pasta, which makes it a rich and complete meal. Beef Stroganoff was developed in the middle of the 19 th century in Russia, and it has spread all over the world. Nevertheless, it is a must to taste it in its native country, in its original form, as it is cooked there.

5. Olivier Salad

Olivier Salad is also called Russian Salad and it is a cold salad that is prepared by dicing boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, eggs, and bologna or chicken and mixing with mayonnaise. It is a holiday dish on New Year. This salad demonstrates the Russian talent of making something of a very basic nature into something surprisingly decadent. It is usually prepared as a side dish and it is ideal to vegetarians (except the meat).

6. Shchi

Shchi is an old cabbage soup that dates back to more than 1,000 years in the Russian cuisine. It is prepared using fresh or fermented cabbage (sauerkraut), potatoes, onions and meat or mushrooms. Shchi is also a favorite dish because of its souring and warming flavor and is served with rye bread or garlic buns. It is a symbol of Russian capacities to create delicious meals out of simple products - the best choice of those, who want to Explore Russia in India by means of food heritage.

7. Pirozhki

Pirozhki are small buns fried or baked and stuffed with mashed potatoes, cabbage, minced meat, mushrooms or even sweet jams. They are a common Russian street snack and food. Whether you are strolling through the local markets or just running between the sightseeing, pirozhki are both tasty and portable and cheap, so they are a good addition to your food experience in Russia.

8. Kholodets

Kholodets, or aspic is a peculiar and very typical Russian food that is cooked of meat jelly. It is traditionally prepared by simmering pork or beef legs over a few hours after which it is cooled to harden the naturally occurring gelatin. The outcome is a meaty jelly that has pieces of meat floating within it. It may not be something that all palates will enjoy, but it is common on Russian holiday tables, and certainly something that adventurous foodie should experience to get to the bottom of authentic Russian cuisine.

Conclusion

Culinary tour in Russia is as rewarding as visiting its palaces, cathedrals, and countryside. Every traditional cuisine symbolizes the ancient traditions, geographical diversity and centuries-old recipes of the country. You can eat in one of the luxurious restaurants of Moscow, or in a local family in their kitchen eating homemade pelmeni, but the tastes of Russia will be with you long after your trip is over.

In case you are going to Explore Russia as an Indian, choosing budget Russia travel packages with food experience can make your experience even more full and fulfilling. Having the choice of sightseeing, local cuisine and cultural interaction, you will not only realize the beauty of Russian landmarks but also will get the rich and warming flavor of Russian national dishes.