Insider Tips for Eating in Russia

Russian cuisine is hearty, comforting, and steeped in tradition.

Here’s an insider food guide for Russia, where each meal tells a story of history, culture, and hospitality.

Borscht

A vibrant beetroot soup, often served with sour cream and fresh dill. Can include beef, cabbage, and root vegetables. Warm, tangy, and iconic.

Must-Try Spots:

• Café Pushkin, Moscow
• Mari Vanna, St. Petersburg

Pelmeni

Russian dumplings filled with minced meat, onions, and spices. Usually boiled and served with butter or sour cream. Comfort food at its best.

Must-Try Spots:

• Pelmenya, St. Petersburg
• Teplo, St. Petersburg

Blini

Thin pancakes often filled with sweet toppings like jam, honey, or condensed milk, or savory options like caviar or smoked salmon.

Must-Try Spots:

• Pyshechnaya, St. Petersburg

Beef Stroganoff

Tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, usually served with mashed potatoes or noodles. Rich, satisfying, and traditionally Russian.

Must-Try Spots:

• Café Pushkin, Moscow
• Mansarda, St. Petersburg

Pirozhki

Small baked or fried buns filled with meat, cabbage, potatoes, or mushrooms. Perfect as a snack or street food.

Must-Try Spots:

• Teremok, St. Petersburg
• Pyshechnaya, St. Petersburg

Fun Food Tips for Russia:

• Soups are essential: Start meals with borscht, shchi (cabbage soup), or solyanka.
• Sour cream is everywhere: Used to complement soups, dumplings, and pancakes.
• Tea culture is strong: Expect black tea with jams or sweets, especially in St. Petersburg cafés.
• Street food works: Pirozhki, blini, and pastries are ideal for quick bites while sightseeing.
• Sharing is common: Russian meals are often communal, especially traditional dinners.