World Travel Zone: Nine Surprising Things Russians Eat and Drink

1. Okroshka

Okroshka - Photo: nicknamemiket

Russia’s national soup is not borsch – their famous beet soup – but Okroshka, a cold soup made from raw cucumbers and spring onions combined with boiled potatoes, cooked meat and eggs. It is mixed with a lightly alcoholic brew made of fermented bread and garnished with sour cream or diluted kefir.

2. Olivier Salad

Olivier Salad - Photo: dancetrax

Olivier salad is a historic Russian dish that has gone through many changes over the years. The newest version can be found at both fine dining establishments and simple cafes. Basically a chunky potato salad, it combines mayonnaise with boiled meats, fresh vegetables and salty additions like capers, olives or pickles along with hard-boiled eggs.

3. Kvass

Kvass - Photo: robobby

Even though it is lightly alcoholic – 1.2 percent alcoho l – this drink is considered to be acceptable for Russian children to drink. It is made by fermenting rye bread and is flavoured with mint, spicy herbs or fruits like strawberries.

4. Dressed Herring (Herring Under Fur Coat)

Dressed Herring - Photo: jdoucet

Salted herring is hidden under a layered salad of boiled potatoes, carrots, onions and mayonnaise. Grated beet roots give the dish a purple hue, garnished with hard-boiled egg whites or sour cream.

5. Kholodets

Kholodets - Photo: Apple Min

Considered one of the best foods to eat with vodka, this cold jellied meat dish is usually served with horseradish or mustard. It is reported to be one of those dishes that ‘tastes better than it looks.’

6. Bliny

Bliny - Photo: ipasha

This thin Russian pancake – similar to French crepes – has surprising fillings, from condensed milk to mince meat to cheese curds. Smoked salmon, fried mushrooms and caviar can also be found tucked inside.

7. Kissel

Kissel - Photo: Evelien De Bruyne

This light sweet dish is traditionally presented after dinner but before desert. Served either hot or cold, the Kissel is made with fruit juice which has been thickened with a starch and lightly flavored with red wide or dried fruit.

8. Sbiten

Sbiten - Photo: автор

A once popular honey-based drink is trying to make a comeback in Russia and now mass produced. Sbiten is not brewed, but made by boiling down honey with spice and jam. Sometimes red wine is substituted for the water to give it an alcohol kick

9. Dried Fruit KomPot

Kompot - Photo: funtik.cat

This traditional Russian drink is a good way to liven up boiled water, which is often necessary to kill bacteria in tainted water supplies. Sugar is added to the boiled water and infused with either fresh or dried fruits such as apricots.

This guest post was written by the Baltic Travel Company. The Baltic Travel Company is a travel and tours specialist that operates guided tours in Russia and Eastern European holidays.

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