Russia Famous Food: 20 Must-Try Dishes That Define Russian Cuisine

Russia’s culinary traditions are shaped by cold winters, warm hospitality, and centuries of diverse cultural influences. Whether you’re exploring Moscow’s street food or dining in a traditional St. Petersburg restaurant, Russia famous food offers both comfort and complexity.

Rooted in simplicity but full of soul, the traditional food of Russia often features ingredients like beets, potatoes, mushrooms, sour cream, and dill. These are dishes that warm the heart and satisfy the appetite, perfect for food lovers. If you’re wondering about the best food to try in Russia, this guide has you covered.

Non-Vegetarian Delights

1. Pelmeni – Siberia’s Signature Dumplings

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Pelmeni are soft, bite-sized dumplings traditionally filled with a mix of minced pork, beef, or lamb. Boiled and served hot, it is considered the best food to try in Russia.. The dish is cherished for its simplicity, heartiness, and satisfying flavor.

• Must Try: With melted butter and sour cream
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (300–500 RUB)
• Best Served With: A glass of vodka or rye bread

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2. Beef Stroganoff – Russia’s Global Star

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This creamy Traditional food of Russia features sautéed beef strips simmered with mushrooms, onions, and sour cream.

Originating in 19th-century Russia, it’s now a global comfort food. The texture is velvety, and the flavors are deeply satisfying—classic Russian comfort food.

• Must Try: Served over mashed potatoes or noodles
• Price Range: ₹500 – ₹900 (500–800 RUB)
• Best Served With: Red wine or buttered pasta

3. Shashlik – Russian-Style Skewered BBQ

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A golden, crispy chicken cutlet with molten herbed butter inside. Originally from Ukraine, it’s now a beloved Russian entrée. Usually made with pork, lamb, or beef, it’s a summer essential and a staple at outdoor gatherings. The meat is juicy, flavorful, and often served with tangy sides.

• Must Try: Lamb or pork skewers with onions
• Price Range: ₹400 – ₹700 (400–650 RUB)
• Best Served With: Pickled vegetables and flatbread

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4. Chicken Kiev – Crispy, Juicy Classic

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Chicken Kiev is a crispy on the outside and oozing with herbed butter inside. Each bite offers a delicious contrast between the crunchy golden crust and rich, buttery filling. A dish that feels both indulgent and nostalgic, it’s a must-have at Russian restaurants.

• Must Try: When freshly fried with a golden crust
• Price Range: ₹500 – ₹800 (450–750 RUB)
• Best Served With: Mashed potatoes and salad

5. Kholodets – Russian Meat Jelly

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Kholodets is a traditional cold appetizer made from meat (usually pork) that’s slow-cooked until its natural gelatin sets. The result is a savory meat jelly that might be unusual to some, but is loved for its rich, meaty flavor.

• Must Try: If you enjoy adventurous textures
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹500 (250–450 RUB)
• Best Served With: Horseradish or mustard

Vegetarian Russian Dishes

6. Borscht – Iconic Beet Soup

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Borscht is a vibrant ruby-red soup made from beets, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, often topped with a dollop of sour cream. It’s a hearty and earthy dish that can be served hot in winter or cold in summer.

• Must Try: Hot or cold, with sour cream swirl
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹450 (200–400 RUB)
• Best Served With: Pampushki (garlic bread rolls)

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7. Shchi – Cabbage-Based Comfort

Shchi is a traditional Russian soup made primarily with fresh or fermented cabbage, creating a warm, tangy, and savory broth that’s been a staple in Russian households for centuries.

• Must Try: With a dollop of sour cream
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 (150–350 RUB)
• Best Served With: A slice of rye bread

8. Olivier Salad – Russian Potato Salad

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Invented by a French chef in Moscow, Olivier Salad combines boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and mayonnaise. It’s creamy, crunchy, and surprisingly addictive, making it a holiday favorite on Russian tables.

• Must Try: With diced apples for a sweet kick
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹500 (250–450 RUB)
• Best Served With: Rye bread or alongside meat dishes

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9. Vareniki – Stuffed Dumpling Cousins

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Vareniki are soft dumplings typically filled with potatoes, cottage cheese, or cherries, making them a versatile favorite across Russian homes.

Thus, you can treat this as the best food to try in Russia. Unlike their meaty cousin pelmeni, these are vegetarian-friendly and often boiled or steamed to tender perfection.

• Must Try: Potato-mushroom or sweet cherry versions
• Price Range: ₹250 – ₹550 (250–500 RUB)
• Best Served With: Sour cream or butter

10. Grechka (Buckwheat) – Earthy & Healthy

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Grechka (buckwheat) is a nutritious grain that’s a cornerstone of Russian vegetarian meals. Earthy and nutty in flavor, it’s usually boiled and served with butter or sautéed vegetables. It’s not just healthy but also incredibly filling and comforting.

• Must Try: With sautéed mushrooms or butter
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹350 (150–300 RUB)
• Best Served With: Stew or eggs

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Breads & Savory Bakes

11. Blini – Thin Russian Pancakes

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Blini are soft, thin pancakes resembling French crepes, but with a unique Russian flair. Traditionally made with yeasted batter, they are light, slightly tangy, and versatile enough for both sweet and savory fillings.

• Must Try: With red caviar or sour cream
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (200–450 RUB)
• Best Served With: Honey or jam for sweet versions

12. Pirozhki – Fluffy Stuffed Buns

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Pirozhki are soft, baked, or fried buns filled with vegetables, mashed potatoes, cabbage, or mushrooms. These pocket-sized delights are perfect as snacks or light meals and are found in most local bakeries.

• Must Try: Cabbage or mushroom filling
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹300 (100–250 RUB)
• Best Served With: Black tea or soup

13. Kulich – Easter Sweet Bread

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Kulich is a tall, cylindrical sweet bread. This traditional food of Russia is baked during Easter in Russian Orthodox households. Studded with dried fruits and topped with a sugary glaze, it’s both a symbolic and festive dish.

• Must Try: On Russian Orthodox Easter
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹600 (300–500 RUB)
• Best Served With: Paskha (sweet cheese dessert)

14. Borodinsky Bread – Hearty Rye Loaf

This dense, dark bread is made from rye flour and flavored with coriander seeds, offering a slightly sweet and malty taste. Borodinsky bread holds a special place in Russian culinary history and pairs beautifully with cold meats, cheese, or soups.

• Must Try: With salted butter or smoked fish
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹350 (150–300 RUB per loaf)
• Best Served With: Soups or cold cuts

15. Chebureki – Deep-Fried Meat Pies

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Chebureki are crispy, golden-brown turnovers filled with juicy minced meat and onions, seasoned with traditional spices. Popular in Russian street food culture and originally of Crimean Tatar origin, these savory pies are deep-fried until perfectly crisp.

• Must Try: With lamb and onion stuffing
• Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 (150–350 RUB)
• Best Served With: Ayran or sour cream

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Sweet Endings

16. Syrniki – Cottage Cheese Pancakes

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Syrniki are soft, golden fritters made from farmer’s cheese (or cottage cheese), offering a delicate balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

These little pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a popular breakfast or dessert option.

• Must Try: With honey or berry jam
• Price Range: ₹200 – ₹400 (200–350 RUB)
• Best Served With: Tea

17. Medovik – Classic Honey Cake

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Medovik is a rich, layered cake made with honey, cream, and sometimes walnuts or caramel for extra flavor. Its soft, moist texture makes it a decadent dessert, perfect for special occasions or to pair with your afternoon coffee.

• Must Try: With walnuts or caramel cream
• Price Range: ₹300 – ₹700 (300–600 RUB per slice)
• Best Served With: Coffee or vanilla ice cream

18. Pryanik – Russian Gingerbread

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Pryanik is a Russia famous food that is spiced with cinnamon and cloves, often filled with sweet jam or a sugary paste. These cookies come in different shapes and sizes and are frequently served during the holiday season.

• Must Try: Honey-spice variety
• Price Range: ₹100 – ₹300 (100–250 RUB)
• Best Served With: A cup of black tea

19. Tula Pryanik – Tula Gingerbread

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Tula Pryanik is a regional variation of the classic Russian gingerbread, originating from the city of Tula. These heart-shaped cookies are filled with a variety of sweet fillings, like jam, condensed milk, or caramel, and are often decorated with intricate patterns.

Must Try: With jam or caramel filling
Price Range: ₹150 – ₹400 (150–350 RUB)
Best Served With: Tea or coffee

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20. Zefir – Russian Meringue Delight

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Zefir is a light, fluffy dessert similar to marshmallows, made with fruit puree, egg whites, and sugar. This best food to try in Russia has a smooth, delicate texture and comes in various fruit flavors such as apple, cherry, or raspberry, making it a refreshing and light option to end a meal.

Must Try: With raspberry or apple flavor
Price Range: ₹200 – ₹500 (200–450 RUB)
Best Served With: Hot tea or black coffee

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FAQs

1. What is Russia’s National Food?

Borscht is widely considered Russia’s national food. It’s a beet-based soup that’s rich, hearty, and typically served with sour cream. Another strong contender is Pelmeni, the iconic Siberian meat dumplings loved across the country.

2. Is Russian Food Cheap?

Yes, Russian food is relatively affordable, especially if you’re eating at local cafés or street vendors.

• A meal at a budget restaurant may cost between ₹400 – ₹800 (400–700 RUB).
• Street food and bakery items like pirozhki can be as cheap as ₹100 – ₹200 (100–180 RUB).
  Upscale restaurants in Moscow or St. Petersburg can be more expensive, but local eateries are budget-friendly.

3. What Type of Food Is Eaten in Russia?

Traditional food of Russia includes soups (like Borscht and Shchi), dumplings (Pelmeni and Vareniki), hearty stews, rye bread, buckwheat, and dishes with sour cream, potatoes, cabbage, and mushrooms. Russian cuisine balances meaty mains with vegetable-based soups and salads, and often features pickled items.

4. What Is a Typical Breakfast in Russia?

A traditional Russian breakfast might include:

• Kasha (porridge) made from buckwheat, oats, or semolina
• Syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes)
• Boiled eggs or blini (thin pancakes)
• Black tea or coffee
  It’s a warm, filling meal designed to start the day strong.

5. Which Are the Famous Restaurants in Russia?

Here are some well-known restaurants across Russia:

• White Rabbit (Moscow) – Modern Russian cuisine with panoramic views
• Café Pushkin (Moscow) – Elegant, imperial-style Russian food
• Beluga (Moscow) – Known for luxury caviar and vodka pairings
• Tarkhun (St. Petersburg) – Cozy eatery serving traditional Russian dishes
• Mari Vanna (St. Petersburg) – A homely spot designed like a Soviet apartment
  Each offers a unique take on Russia famous food, from classic to contemporary.

6. Which Is the Best Food to Try in Russia During Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Shashlik (grilled skewers) and Plov (rice pilaf) are popular for Iftar due to their protein content and satisfying nature. Chebureki (meat pastries) and Lentil soup are also favored in Muslim-majority regions like Tatarstan. For a sweet end, Syrniki or honey cake (Medovik) make great options.

7. What Is a Traditional Food of Russia?

Some iconic examples of the traditional food of Russia include:

• Pelmeni – Meat dumplings
• Borscht – Beetroot soup
• Blini – Thin pancakes
• Shchi – Cabbage soup
• Pirozhki – Stuffed buns

These dishes reflect Russia’s agricultural roots and cultural diversity.

8. What Currency Is Used in Russia?

The official currency of Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB). As of 2025, ₹1 = approximately 1.1 RUB (subject to market changes). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is useful for rural areas or street food stalls.