Russian cuisine, a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions, offers a unique gastronomic experience for anyone visiting Moscow or exploring Eastern European culture. Shaped by diverse environmental, social, geographical, economic, and historical influences, Russian food stands out for its generous use of ingredients and a wide array of dishes. From hearty soups and savory pies to delicate dumplings and refreshing drinks, Russian cuisine has something to delight every palate. When you plan your Moscow tour, be sure to ask your local guide for recommendations and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Russia.
One of the defining characteristics of Russian cooking is the sheer variety of products utilized. You’ll find an abundance of dishes made from dough, showcasing the creativity of Russian bakers – think of pies (pirogi), sweet pastries (vatrushki), pancakes (blini), and various types of noodles and dumplings. Reflecting Russia’s Orthodox Christian heritage, which includes periods of fasting, vegetarian dishes are also prominent, featuring mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and grains. Of course, Russian cuisine also boasts a rich selection of meat, poultry, and fish dishes, prepared for everyday meals and festive occasions alike. And let’s not forget the diverse range of soft drinks, perfect for quenching your thirst as you explore Moscow’s attractions.
If you’re eager to sample authentic Russian Foods during your trip, here’s a curated guide to some must-try dishes. For those inspired to recreate these flavors at home, many recipes are readily available online. Prepare to indulge in a truly delicious adventure!
Iconic Russian Soups to Warm Your Soul
Russian soups are legendary, known for their rich flavors and comforting warmth, especially appreciated during the long, cold winters.
Borscht
Alt text: Rich and flavorful bowl of Borscht soup, a staple in Russian cuisine, showcasing its distinctive reddish-purple color from beets.
Borscht, while originating from Ukraine, has become deeply embedded in Russian culinary culture. This vibrant soup is instantly recognizable by its reddish-purple hue, derived from beetroot and tomatoes. Served hot, often with a dollop of sour cream, Borscht is a hearty and flavorful soup that embodies the soul of Russian home cooking. read more
Shchi
Alt text: Steaming bowl of Shchi, a classic Russian cabbage soup, highlighting its long history and essential role in Russian diet.
Shchi is a true cornerstone of Russian cuisine, with a history stretching back to the 9th century. This cabbage soup, simple yet satisfying, is a staple in Russian households. Shchi can be made with fresh or sauerkraut, and often includes meat, making it a nourishing and deeply flavorful dish. read more
Okroshka
Alt text: Refreshing bowl of Okroshka, a cold summer soup in Russian cuisine, featuring diced vegetables, meat, and kvass.
Okroshka is the perfect antidote to a hot summer day. This cold soup is a refreshing mix of diced raw vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, and herbs, combined with boiled meat, eggs, and potatoes. The unique element of Okroshka is its base – kvass, a traditional Russian fermented drink made from rye bread, giving it a slightly tangy and effervescent taste. Sour cream is often added for extra richness. read more
Solyanka
Alt text: Hearty and piquant Solyanka soup, a popular Russian and Ukrainian dish, known for its rich and complex flavor profile.
Solyanka is a robust and piquant soup, popular in both Russian and Ukrainian cuisines. Known for its thick, rich broth and complex flavor, Solyanka can be made with meat, fish, or mushrooms. Key ingredients include olives, pickled cucumbers (and their brine!), cabbage, potatoes, sour cream, and dill, creating a symphony of salty, sour, and savory notes. read more
Sorrel Soup (Zeleny Borscht)
Alt text: Light and healthy Sorrel soup, a summertime favorite in Russia, showcasing fresh sorrel leaves and vibrant green color.
Sorrel soup, also known as “green borscht,” is a light and healthy soup especially popular during the summer months in Russia. The star ingredient is fresh sorrel leaves, which impart a slightly lemony tang. Combined with potatoes, carrots, parsley, and often hard-boiled eggs, sorrel soup is a refreshing and nutritious meal. read more
Dumplings and Dough: The Heart of Russian Comfort Food
Dishes made from dough hold a special place in Russian cuisine, representing comfort, tradition, and culinary artistry.
Pelmeni
Alt text: Authentic Russian Pelmeni dumplings, small meat-filled dumplings, highlighting their Siberian origins and popularity.
Pelmeni are perhaps the most iconic Russian dumplings, originating from Siberia. These small, flavorful dumplings are typically filled with meat (often a mix of beef, pork, and lamb) and are a beloved comfort food. Traditionally, pelmeni are frozen and then boiled just before serving, often accompanied by sour cream, butter, or vinegar. read more
Varenniki
Alt text: Assortment of homemade Varenniki, Russian dumplings similar to Pelmeni but with diverse fillings like cheese, potatoes, and fruits.
Varenniki are similar to pelmeni but offer a wider range of fillings. While meat is sometimes used, varenniki are frequently filled with cheese, mashed potatoes, cabbage, hard-boiled eggs, or even sweet fillings like cherries or plums. They are boiled and served like pelmeni, offering a delightful variety of flavors. read more
Blini
Alt text: Golden and thin Blini pancakes, a Russian crepe-like specialty, served with various toppings from sour cream to caviar.
Blini are thin pancakes or crepes, a Russian staple enjoyed in countless ways. They can be served simply with sour cream, jam, honey, or more lavishly with caviar or smoked salmon. Blini are incredibly versatile and are often filled with savory ingredients like mushrooms, cottage cheese, ground meat, or cabbage, then folded or rolled. read more
Sirniki
Alt text: Golden brown Sirniki, small Russian pancakes made from cottage cheese, a popular breakfast or brunch dish.
Sirniki are small, pan-fried pancakes made from cottage cheese (tvorog). These slightly sweet and cheesy pancakes are a popular breakfast or brunch dish in Russia, often served with sour cream, jam, or honey. read more
Pirog
Alt text: Savory Russian Pirog pie, a large baked pie filled with diverse ingredients such as fruits, mushrooms, meat, or fish.
Pirog is a large, baked pie that can be either sweet or savory. Pirogi come with a vast array of fillings, including fruits, berries, mushrooms, meat, fish, or cabbage. They are a centerpiece of Russian celebrations and family gatherings, showcasing the bounty of the season. read more
Pryaniki
Alt text: Assortment of Pryaniki, Russian gingerbread cookies, flavored with spices and often filled with jam, caramel, or honey.
Pryaniki are spiced honey cakes or cookies, often described as “Russian gingerbread.” These fragrant treats are flavored with a blend of spices and can be filled with jam, caramel, or honey. Pryaniki are enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert, especially during holidays. read more
Russian Salads: More Than Just a Side Dish
Russian salads are known for their heartiness and flavorful combinations, often featuring root vegetables and creamy dressings.
Salad Olivier (Russian Salad)
Alt text: Bowl of Salad Olivier, globally recognized as Russian Salad, featuring diced vegetables, meat, and mayonnaise dressing.
Salad Olivier, often simply called “Russian salad” in the West, is a wintertime favorite. This hearty salad is a mix of boiled potatoes, peas, meat (often chicken or bologna), pickled cucumbers, onions, eggs, and carrots, all bound together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It’s a staple for New Year’s Eve celebrations and other festive occasions. read more
Herring Under a Fur Coat (Seledka Pod Shuboy)
Alt text: Layered Herring Under a Fur Coat salad, a traditional Russian salad with herring, vegetables, and mayonnaise, known for its unique presentation.
“Herring under a fur coat” is a truly unique Russian salad that might seem unusual to foreigners but is deeply loved in Russia. This layered salad features salted herring as its base, covered with layers of chopped onions, potatoes, carrots, beets, and generous amounts of mayonnaise. Its striking appearance and savory-sweet flavor combination make it a memorable dish. read more
Vinegrette (Beetroot Salad)
Alt text: Vibrant Vinegrette salad, a classic Russian salad made with beets and root vegetables, showcasing its earthy and tangy flavors.
Vinegrette is a traditional Russian salad celebrated for its simplicity and vibrant colors. Made with boiled beets, potatoes, carrots, pickles, onions, and sauerkraut, this salad is both easy to prepare and incredibly popular, particularly during the winter months. Its earthy and tangy flavors make it a refreshing and nutritious side dish. read more
Other Must-Try Russian Dishes
Beyond soups, dumplings, and salads, Russian cuisine offers a diverse array of main courses and unique specialties.
Beef Stroganoff
Alt text: Creamy Beef Stroganoff, a globally recognized Russian dish, featuring tender beef strips in a rich sour cream sauce.
Beef Stroganoff is a Russian dish that has gained worldwide fame. Tender strips of beef fillet are sautéed and then simmered in a rich sour cream sauce, often with onions and mushrooms. Served over noodles, rice, or potatoes, Beef Stroganoff is a creamy and comforting classic. read more
Chicken Kiev
Alt text: Crispy Chicken Kiev, a popular Russian dish featuring breaded chicken breast filled with butter, herbs, and sometimes cheese.
Chicken Kiev is another widely enjoyed dish, consisting of a chicken breast pounded and rolled around cold butter, often infused with herbs. Variations may include grated cheese, mushrooms, or egg yolk in the filling. The chicken is then breaded and either fried or baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and a burst of melted butter when cut into. read more
Holodets (Meat Jelly)
Alt text: Traditional Holodets, Russian meat jelly, a cold dish made with meat, broth, and vegetables, often served during festive occasions.
Holodets, or meat jelly, is a traditional Russian dish often served during celebrations and holidays. The name comes from the Russian word “holod,” meaning “cold,” as the dish is prepared by simmering meat (often beef or pork hocks) for a long time to extract gelatin, then cooling it until it sets into a jelly. Pieces of meat, and sometimes carrots and spices, are embedded in the jelly. While preparation is time-consuming, the result is a unique and flavorful dish. read more
Kasha (Porridge)
Alt text: Bowl of Kasha porridge, a staple Russian food, highlighting its simplicity, healthiness, and affordability.
Kasha, or porridge, is a fundamental part of the Russian diet. Made from various grains like buckwheat, oats, or millet, kasha is easy to cook, healthy, and affordable. It can be served as a breakfast dish, a side dish, or even a main course, and is a testament to the simplicity and practicality of Russian home cooking. read more
Pickled Cucumbers (Pickles)
Alt text: Jar of Russian pickled cucumbers, showcasing a traditional Russian preservation method and popular accompaniment to vodka and potatoes.
Pickled cucumbers have been a part of Russian cuisine for centuries. With cucumbers being a widely grown vegetable, countless pickling recipes have emerged. Pickles are not just a side dish; they are deeply ingrained in Russian food culture. A classic tradition is to eat pickles as a “chaser” after vodka shots, and they are also a perfect accompaniment to boiled potatoes. read more
Traditional Russian Drinks
No Russian meal is complete without trying some of the country’s unique and traditional beverages.
Kvass
Alt text: Glass of Kvass, a traditional Russian fermented rye bread drink, known for its refreshing and slightly tangy flavor.
Kvass is a traditional fermented beverage made from rye bread, often called “Russian Coca-Cola” for its popularity. Slightly fermented, it has a low alcohol content (usually less than 1%), making it suitable for all ages. Kvass is incredibly refreshing, especially in summer, and has a unique, slightly tangy flavor. read more
Mors
Alt text: Glass of homemade Mors, a popular Russian drink made from sweetened berry juice and water, highlighting cranberry as the most traditional flavor.
Mors is a refreshing Russian drink made from sweetened berry juice mixed with water. While traditionally made with cranberries, you can also find mors made from blackcurrants, raspberries, sea-buckthorn, cowberries, and other seasonal berries. It’s a naturally sweet and flavorful alternative to sugary sodas. read more
Sbiten
Alt text: Steaming glass of Sbiten, a traditional Russian hot winter beverage, made with honey, spices, and herbs.
Sbiten is a traditional Russian hot beverage, particularly beloved during the cold winter months. Made with honey, spices, and herbs, sbiten is a warming and comforting drink, often enjoyed as a winter warmer or a remedy for colds. read more
Varenye (Russian Jam)
Alt text: Jars of homemade Varenye, traditional Russian jam or fruit preserves, showcasing a variety of fruits and berries used.
Varenye is a traditional Russian homemade jam, distinct from Western-style jam in its preparation and texture. Made from simmering fruits or berries with sugar, varenye often retains more of the fruit’s shape and has a slightly looser consistency. Popular fruits and berries for varenye include strawberries, apricots, cherries, raspberries, and other seasonal delights. read more
Embark on Your Russian Food Adventure
Exploring Russian foods is an essential part of understanding Russian culture. From the comforting warmth of borscht to the delicate sweetness of pryaniki, Russian cuisine offers a rich and diverse palette of flavors waiting to be discovered. When you visit Moscow, be sure to venture beyond the usual tourist fare and delve into the world of authentic Russian dishes. Your taste buds will thank you! And for a truly immersive experience, consider joining a Moscow tour to uncover even more culinary secrets and local favorites.
