As a travel blogger, I have always been fascinated by the rich culinary heritage of Russia. From the hearty soups to the delicate pastries, Russian cuisine is a true reflection of its history and culture. In this article, we will embark on a gastronomic journey through St. Petersburg, exploring the top 10 traditional Russian dishes that you must try when visiting this magnificent city.
The History of Russian Cuisine
Russian cuisine has a long and storied past, with influences from various cultures such as Greek, Turkish, and Asian. The country’s vast territory and harsh climate have also played a significant role in shaping its culinary identity. Traditional Russian dishes are often simple, yet flavorful, and rely heavily on locally sourced ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and grains.
The Top 10 Traditional Russian Dishes
1. Sirniki
Sirniki are fried fritters made with egg, ricotta, and flour. They can be prepared with simple dough or with fillings such as raisins, carrots, apples, plums, or other fruits.
Recommended Breakfast
Cost: €7.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Flour, Ricotta, Eggs
2. Blini
Blini are the Russian version of pancakes, but thicker than French crepes. They can be served with anything you like: honey, fresh fruit, cheese, meats, mushrooms, or no matter what.
Recommended Breakfast
Cost: €7.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Flour, Eggs, Water
3. Kasha
Kasha is almost the same as English porridge! Historically made from grain wheat but now includes oats, rye, and barley. It’s prepared quickly with butter or lard, meat or fish, and vegetables, then baked in the oven with cereals, aromas, and water.
Recommended Breakfast
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Grain Wheat, Oats, Rye, Barley, Butter, Water
4. Borsch
Borscht is a beetroot soup that gives it its characteristic red color. Other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, onions, potatoes, and meat (beef, chicken or pork) are added to taste.
Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Beets, Carrots, Mushrooms, Cabbage, Onions, Potatoes, Meat
5. Solyanka
Solyanka is a Russian soup that can be made with meat, fish or mushrooms, depending on your preferences.
For the meat version, you’ll sauté together beef, sausages and chicken with olives, onions, tomatoes and spices, then add the broth without bringing it to a boil. In the fish version, instead of using beef, you’ll use salmon and freshwater shrimp cooked directly in the broth with vegetables. For the mushroom version, you’ll cook the cabbage with butter, vinegar, and tomatoes and add cabbages and mushrooms separately to the broth and bake.
Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Meat, Fish or Mushrooms
6. Kharcho
The kharcho soup contains beef, rice, pear compote and walnuts, and is finally spiced with fresh coriander. You can substitute the beef with lamb or goat meat, depending on your recipe.
Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice, Pear Compote, Walnuts, Spices
7. Shchi
Shchi is a sour soup made from cabbage that’s used not only for making the soup itself but also for creating sauces to accompany other vegetables in the soup.
The soup is prepared by adding raw vegetables to a meat broth and serving it with a dollop of acidic cream and a piece of black bread.
Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Vegetables, Meat Broth, Acidic Cream, Black Bread
8. Rassolnik
The rassolnik soup is based on pickled cucumbers and a brine made from cucumbers to which you add potatoes, rice or barley pearls, meat scraps or fish pieces.
Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Potatoes, Rice or Barley, Meat or Fish
9. Okroshka
Okroshka is a cold soup that consists of raw vegetables mixed with eggs, beef or lamb, sausage and buckwheat and kvas, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rye bread.
The traditional recipe serves the soup with a dollop of acidic cream.
Recommended Lunch and Dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Meat, Vegetables, Eggs, Buckwheat and Kvas, Acidic Cream
10. Kompot
Kompot is an alcoholic-free drink that can be served hot or cold, depending on the season. It’s an infusion of fruits such as strawberries, apricots, apples, pears, rhubarb, grapes, and amaranth.
Recommended at any time
Cost: €5.00 per serving
Main Ingredients: Fruit Infusion
Where to Eat in St. Petersburg: Best Restaurants, Local Eateries and Street Food
St. Petersburg is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls offering traditional Russian cuisine. Here are our top recommendations for trying the most characteristic Russian flavors at restaurants in St. Petersburg:
- Podvor’ye
A cozy restaurant outside the city that serves excellent home products and exclusive wines.
Recommended dishes: Soup
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Price range: €25.00 per person
Address: Fil’trovskoye Shosse, 16 – Get directions / tel +78124545464
- Mari Vanna
An old local house in the late 18th century with original floors where you can try traditional Russian recipes.
Recommended dishes: Caviar
Price range: €15.00 per person
Address: Nevsky Prospekt, 28 – Get directions / tel +78124541181
- Vasileostrovskiy Rynok
A street food area where you can taste both local specialties and international dishes.
Recommended dish: Street food
Price range: €5.00 per person
Address: Bol’shoy Prospekt Vasil’yevskogo Ostrova, 16 – Get directions / tel +79219676770
- Kvartirka
A restaurant decorated according to the Soviet era with traditional Russian cuisine.
Recommended dishes: Russian specialties
Price range: €15.00 per person
Address: Nevsky Prospekt, 51 – Get directions / tel +78123155561
- Stroganoff Steak House
An elegantly decorated restaurant specializing in meat dishes but also soups and excellent desserts.
Recommended dish: Steak
Price range: €20.00 per person
Address: Konnogvardeyskiy Bul’var, 4 – Get directions / tel +79313145538
- City Grill
A modern local restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent hamburger.
Recommended dishes: Burger
Price range: €15.00 per person
Address: Griboyedov channel embankment, 20 – Get directions / tel +79218983771
- Dining Plate
A small restaurant entirely dedicated to soups with plenty of options.
Recommended dish: Soup
Price range: €10.00 per serving
Address: Griboyedov channel embankment, 25 – Get directions / tel +78122920032
- Marketplace
A large market where you can buy groceries in addition to food stalls offering local cuisine.
Recommended dishes: Russian specialties
Price range: €10.00 per person
Address: Apraksin Dvor – Get directions
- Singer
A wonderful restaurant located inside the Dom Knigi bookstore, housed in an old Singer building with a view of the Kazan Cathedral.
Recommended dish: Sweets
Price range: €15.00 per serving
Address: Nevsky Prospekt, 28 – Get directions / tel +78124541181
- Mamalyga
A restaurant specializing in traditional Georgian cuisine.
Recommended dishes: Khinkali and Ravioli
Price range: €25.00 per person
Address: Kazanskaya St, 2 – Get directions / tel +78126401616
- Gosti
A restaurant with two levels and decorated in an original and welcoming way.
Recommended dishes: Russian specialties, traditional soups, and desserts
Price range: €20.00 per serving
Address: Sestroretskaya Ulitsa, 2 – Get directions / tel +79117570145
Conclusion
In conclusion, Russian cuisine is a true reflection of its history and culture, with hearty soups, delicate pastries, and flavorful meat dishes that will leave you wanting more. St. Petersburg is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls offering traditional Russian cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a cozy restaurant or a bustling street food market, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to try Russian cuisine?
A: The best time to try Russian cuisine is during the winter months when the cold weather calls for hearty and comforting dishes.
Q: Can I find gluten-free options in St. Petersburg?
A: Yes, many restaurants and cafes in St. Petersburg offer gluten-free options, especially those that specialize in traditional Russian cuisine.
Q: Is it safe to eat at street food stalls in St. Petersburg?
A: Generally, yes, eating at street food stalls in St. Petersburg is safe as long as you follow proper hygiene practices and choose stalls with good reputations.
Q: Can I find vegetarian options in St. Petersburg?
A: Yes, many restaurants and cafes in St. Petersburg offer vegetarian options, especially those that specialize in traditional Russian cuisine.
Q: Is it possible to find vegan options in St. Petersburg?
A: Some restaurants and cafes in St. Petersburg may have limited vegan options, but there are also several vegetarian restaurants that cater to vegan diets.
Q: Can I order takeout or delivery from restaurants in St. Petersburg?
A: Yes, many restaurants in St. Petersburg offer takeout or delivery services, especially those that specialize in traditional Russian cuisine.
Q: Is it possible to find English-speaking staff at restaurants in St. Petersburg?
A: Many restaurants and cafes in St. Petersburg have staff who speak some English, but it’s still a good idea to learn basic Russian phrases before your trip.
Q: Can I use credit cards or cash at restaurants in St. Petersburg?
A: Both credit cards and cash are widely accepted at restaurants in St. Petersburg, but it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases.
Q: Is tipping customary in Russia?
A: Tipping is not mandatory in Russia, but it’s considered polite to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and cafes.
Q: Can I find free samples or tastings at food markets in St. Petersburg?
A: Yes, many food markets in St. Petersburg offer free samples or tastings of traditional Russian dishes.
