Russian food has this weird reputation. Either people think it’s all vodka and cabbage, or they have no clue at all. Honestly ? That’s a shame. Because Russian cuisine is comforting, generous, sometimes strange, often brilliant. The kind of food that sticks to your ribs and to your memory. Ever wondered what Russians actually eat on a cold Sunday evening ? Let’s talk about it.
I’ve tasted Russian dishes in tiny kitchens, noisy family tables, and a couple of cafés that looked stuck in the 90s. And if you want to dig deeper into the subject, I’ve found some solid inspiration on https://gastronomie-russe.fr, which helped me put words on flavors I couldn’t quite describe. Anyway. Ready to eat ? Let’s go.
1. Borscht – the soup that warms your soul
Yes, it’s red. Very red. Beetroot red. And no, it’s not “just soup”. A good borscht is rich, slightly sweet, a bit sour, and deeply comforting. Add a spoon of sour cream on top, some dill, and suddenly everything feels okay. I had my first one in winter, snow outside, foggy windows. Perfect timing.
2. Pelmeni – tiny dumplings, big obsession
Think dumplings, but Russian-style. Small, filled with meat (usually pork and beef), boiled, then drowned in butter or sour cream. Simple ? Yes. Boring ? Not at all. Once you start, you don’t stop. Ever tried eating pelmeni at midnight ? Dangerous. Very dangerous.
3. Blini – more than just pancakes
Blini look innocent. Thin pancakes, nothing fancy. Until you add toppings. Sour cream, smoked salmon, mushrooms, jam, honey… or even caviar if you’re feeling bold. Sweet or savory, breakfast or dinner, blini don’t judge. Do you prefer them rolled or folded ? Big debate.
4. Beef Stroganoff – creamy, classy, timeless
This one traveled far, but the original version hits differently. Tender beef strips, creamy sauce, slight tang from mustard or sour cream. Served with potatoes or pasta. It’s rich, no doubt. But sometimes you want rich. And honestly, it deserves its fame.
5. Olivier Salad – the king of celebrations
Every Russian New Year table has it. Potatoes, peas, carrots, eggs, pickles, chicken or sausage, all mixed with mayonnaise. Sounds odd ? Maybe. Tastes amazing ? Absolutely. I was skeptical. I changed my mind after one bite. Or two. Or five.
6. Pirozhki – small pastries, endless fillings
Pirozhki are everywhere. Baked or fried, filled with meat, cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms, or even sweet stuff. Street food, grandma food, comfort food. You grab one “just to try” and suddenly you’re full. Funny how that happens.
7. Shashlik – Russian-style barbecue
Marinated meat skewers, grilled slowly, usually outdoors. Shashlik is social food. People talk, drink, laugh, argue about politics maybe. The meat is juicy, smoky, slightly acidic. Best eaten with bare hands. Napkins optional.
8. Kholodets – not for the faint-hearted
Let’s be honest. Kholodets is weird. Meat in jelly. Cold. Transparent. The first time, I hesitated. A lot. But with mustard or horseradish ? Surprisingly good. Not my favorite, but I respect it. Would you dare try it ?
9. Syrniki – breakfast done right
Small fried cheese pancakes made with tvorog (a kind of cottage cheese). Crispy outside, soft inside. Served with sour cream, jam, or condensed milk. Morning happiness on a plate. I could eat them every day. Maybe I shouldn’t, but still.
10. Medovik – the honey cake you dream about later
Layer after layer of honey-infused cake and cream. Sweet, but not too much. Soft, fragrant, addictive. One slice is never enough. I once thought “I’ll just taste it”. Big mistake. Best mistake, actually.
So, which one would you try first ? Russian cuisine isn’t fancy for the sake of it. It’s honest, hearty, sometimes surprising. And if you ever get the chance to taste these dishes where they belong, don’t hesitate. Your taste buds will thank you. Probably twice.
