Russian dishes are often underappreciated, but anyone who’s had a big plate of pelmeni or a hearty soup on a cold day will disagree. Russian dishes include a variety of meals from various areas and traditions, so it’s impossible to run out of new dishes to try in Russia. Both meat-lovers and vegetarians will find plenty of dishes to satisfy any craving, plus many can be made both with or without meat.
Though many of Russian dishes are popular and can be found outside of Russia, but it is best to try them while traveling in the country. Use this list as a starting point as you explore the best russian foods has to offer.
And while it’s nice to read about all of these dishes, it’s even better to start eating! Check out our list of the top dishes to try in Russia, and get ready to start craving a few yourself.
PELMENI
When you think about Russian food, pelmeni are probably the first dish that comes to mind. Pelmeni are bite-sized dumplings made with ground meat (usually beef or lamb), that are boiled and then most commonly served with sour cream (though they can come as a soup or served with butter, mustard, or vinegar). Though pelmeni have made most traditionally in the Ural Mountains for over 600 years, this dish is famous across Russia and beyond. Try a bowl of pelmeni in soup, topped with a dollop of thick sour cream and a sprinkling of dill.
SHCHI
Shchi is a deceptively simple soup with a complex taste. What may look like a simple cabbage soup is actually a filling but light soup made from sauerkraut, cabbage, or other green leaves. Shchi is an integral part of russian cusinie, and has been eaten almost daily for centuries in Russia. Enjoy a bowl of shchi with sour cream and a slice of dark rye bread for a dish straight from Russian history.
OKROSHKA
Not much is more refreshing than a bowl of okroshka on a hot summer day. Okroshka is made from either a milk base (buttermilk or kefir) or a kvass base (a traditional drink made of fermented bread). Add a bunch of vegetables and some meat, and okroshka is a refreshing meal ready for the hotter months. With a unique, slightly bitter taste, okroshka is perfect for those wanting to try a new taste from a dish not well known outside Russia.
RUSSIAN BORSCHT
Borscht is undisputedly the main soup of the Slavs which has long been present in traditional Russian and Ukrainian cuisines. Its place of prominence should come as no surprise, for the history of borscht likely dates back to 14th-century Kievan Rus’. While countless varieties of borscht can be found today, the most traditional version is based on a beef or pork broth to which beets, cabbage, carrots and potatoes are added. Cream or sour cream is often mixed in just before eating this healthy, filling soup. In Russia, a savory slice of pie or some fried bread may be served alongside borscht, while in Ukraine borscht is commonly eaten with rye bread and bacon.
BLINI
Think of French crepes, but often more savory. Blini are thin pancakes served with meat, caviar, cabbage, or something sweet. Blini with honey, jam, or condensed milk make for a sweet breakfast, while several blini with minced meat and sour cream is a satisfying dinner. Find blini in small stands on the street for a snack, wrapped with anything from a single filling to a whole meal.
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