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Russia has a rich food culture influenced by its cold climate and long history. Food in Russia is hearty, warm, and filling, often made with potatoes, bread, meat, and dairy. Soups are very popular, especially borscht and shchi. Russian meals also include dumplings like pelmeni, porridge, and rye bread. For extra flavour, many dishes use sour cream, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Tea is the most common drink, often with sweet pastries like blini. Russian food is simple but full of taste, and many traditional dishes are now enjoyed worldwide.
10 Best Food In Russia
Here’s a selection of Russia’s most delicious and iconic dishes, showcasing the hearty flavours, rich textures, and deep culinary traditions that define Russian cuisine:
1. Borscht
Photo: Кулинар1952 / Wikimedia Commons
Borscht is a well-known food in Russia, made primarily from beetroot, which gives it a deep red colour. This hearty soup includes ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions, often with beef or pork for extra richness. Traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill, Borscht has a tangy, slightly sweet taste. It can be eaten hot or cold and is a staple in Russian households. Often enjoyed with rye bread, it’s a comforting and nutritious dish.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk
2. Pelmeni
Photo: Eugene Kim / Wikimedia Commons
Pelmeni is a famous food in Russia, consisting of dumplings filled with minced meat, usually a mix of pork, beef, and lamb. The dough is thin and soft, while the filling is juicy and flavourful. These dumplings are boiled and served with butter, sour cream, or vinegar. Pelmeni is believed to have originated in Siberia and is often eaten during cold winters. Some variations include vegetarian fillings like mushrooms or potatoes. They are a favourite among locals and a must-try for visitors.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg
3. Blini
Photo: Hugo.arg / Wikimedia Commons
Blini is the best food in Russia, resembling thin pancakes or crêpes. Made from wheat or buckwheat flour, they are served with sweet and savoury toppings. Traditional versions come with butter, sour cream, honey, or jam, while luxury versions include red or black caviar. Blini are an important part of Maslenitsa, a Russian festival marking the end of winter. The light, fluffy texture and variety of toppings make them a favourite dish across the country.
Popular Places To Try: St. Petersburg, Moscow, Sochi
4. Shashlik
Photo: MOs810 / Wikimedia Commons
Shashlik is a street food in Russia, similar to kebabs, made by marinating chunks of meat—usually lamb, pork, or beef—with vinegar, spices, and onions before grilling over an open flame. The result is juicy, smoky skewers often served with fresh vegetables, flatbread, and sauces. It’s a popular dish at outdoor gatherings, picnics, and street food markets. The marinade enhances the meat’s flavour, making each bite tender and well-seasoned. It’s widely enjoyed across Russia, especially in summer.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, Vladivostok, Samara
5. Pirozhki
Photo: Ra Boe / Wikipedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pirozhki is a popular street food in Russia, consisting of small, stuffed pastries filled with ingredients like potatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, or meat. They can be baked or fried, resulting in a crispy or soft texture. Pirozhki are commonly sold at bakeries, street stalls, and markets, making them a convenient snack. Some versions include sweet fillings like apples or cherries. These handheld pastries are a favourite comfort food, enjoyed with tea or soup.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnoyarsk
6. Okroshka
Photo: Nikkolo / Wikimedia Commons
Okroshka is a chilled food in Russia, ideal for summer. This cold soup combines diced vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, and potatoes with boiled eggs and ham or sausage. The base is a tangy liquid made from kefir, kvass (fermented rye drink), or sour cream mixed with water. It has a refreshing taste, balancing creaminess and acidity. Light yet filling, Okroshka is a popular choice when temperatures rise, offering a contrast to Russia’s traditionally hearty meals.
Popular Places To Try: St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan
7. Beef Stroganoff
Photo: Ash Craig / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Beef Stroganoff is a famous food in Russia, featuring tender beef strips cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce with onions and mustard. Often served with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, it has a rich, savoury flavour. This dish originated in 19th-century Russia and has since gained popularity worldwide. Variations exist in different countries, but the Russian version remains a classic comfort meal. The combination of tender beef and creamy sauce makes it a favourite in Russian homes and restaurants.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok
8. Medovik
Photo: omar essa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Medovik is a beloved street food in Russia, a layered honey cake with a soft, moist texture. It consists of multiple thin cake layers with honey sandwiched between a creamy filling of condensed milk or sour cream. The cake absorbs the filling over time, becoming tender and flavourful. Medovik is a common dessert at Russian celebrations and is enjoyed with tea. The balance of sweetness and lightness makes it a favourite among locals. This delicacy is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi
9. Syrniki
Photo: Off-shell / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Syrniki is a sweet food in Russia. It is made from cottage cheese mixed with flour, eggs, and sugar and then fried until golden brown. These pancakes have a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy inside. They are commonly served with honey, jam, or sour cream for breakfast or dessert. The slightly tangy taste of the cheese balances perfectly with the sweetness of the toppings. Syrniki is a staple in Russian households and can be found in many cafés. They offer a simple yet delicious way to enjoy traditional Russian flavours.
Popular Places To Try: St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan
10. Kholodets
Photo: MYCCF / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kholodets is a traditional food in Russia, made by boiling pork or beef with bones until it forms a natural gelatin. The broth is then cooled into a jelly-like dish with meat suspended inside. It is typically served cold, accompanied by mustard or horseradish for extra flavour. While its texture may be unusual to some, Kholodets is highly nutritious and commonly enjoyed during festive meals. It pairs well with rye bread and pickles. This dish is a true reflection of Russia’s hearty and resourceful cuisine.
Popular Places To Try: Moscow, Novgorod, Vladivostok
Food in Russia is a big part of daily life, bringing people together during cold winters and family gatherings. Traditional dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and blini have been passed down for generations, making Russian meals warm and filling. Tea and soups are also an important part of the cuisine. Book your trip with TripXL and savour the authentic flavours of Bhutan.
Cover Photo: Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
