Russia has a vast array of food and drink that it is famous for. From hearty soups to sweet treats, Russia’s culture is deeply rooted in its traditional dishes.
Soups are a staple of Russian cuisine, with some of the most popular being borscht and shchi. Borscht is a beet soup that usually contains cabbage, potatoes, carrots and onions as well as beef or pork.
Shchi is a cabbage-based soup that can also include mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables. Both soups are often served with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Pelmeni are a type of dumpling that are popular in Russia and other Eastern European countries. They are usually made with minced meat (typically beef or pork) wrapped in unleavened dough and boiled until they are cooked through. Pelmeni can be served with butter or sour cream and various condiments such as vinegar or mustard.
Pirozhki are another type of Russian dumpling that can be filled with various ingredients such as mashed potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, ground meat or cheese. Pirozhki can be baked or fried before being served with sour cream or ketchup on the side.
Vodka is perhaps the most iconic alcoholic beverage associated with Russia. It is typically made from grain (rye or wheat) but can also be made from other sources such as potatoes or corn. Vodka is traditionally consumed neat but can also be mixed into cocktails such as the Moscow Mule or White Russian.
Kvass is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rye bread and usually flavored with fruit juice or herbs such as mint or lime leaves. Kvass has been popular in Russia for centuries and it is often consumed during religious holidays like Easter and Christmas.
Russia’s cuisine offers something for everyone – from hearty soups to delicious desserts – so there’s something to please every palate! Whether you’re looking for something savory like pelmeni or sweet like pirozhki, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in Russian cuisine.
What Food and Drink Is Russia Famous For? Russia is famous for its hearty soups like borscht and shchi, dumplings such as pelmeni and pirozhki, vodka drinks, and kvass beverages flavored with fruit juice or herbs.