10 Must-Try Russian Dishes That Will Delight Your Taste Buds
The Soul-Warming Magic of Russian Cuisine
Russian cuisine is more than just food—it's a reflection of centuries of resilience, tradition, and hospitality. Born from snowy winters, rich soil, and deep-rooted cultural customs, every dish tells a story. Whether it’s a bowl of steaming soup on a cold day or the sweet aroma of home-baked pastries, Russian food warms you from the inside out.
At Russian On The Go, we believe that one of the best ways to understand a country is through its kitchen. Whether you're moving to Russia, studying here, or simply passing through, these 10 dishes will introduce you to the heart of Russian life. And if you're wondering where to try them or how to make them at home—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
1. Borscht – The Vibrant Beet Soup That Defines Russian Cuisine
Rich, vibrant, and soul-warming, borscht (борщ) is one of the most iconic dishes in Russian cuisine. It’s a beet-based soup, but calling it “just beet soup” hardly does it justice. The deep red color hints at its bold, earthy flavor, while the combination of tender meat, potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables makes each bowl filling and satisfying. The sour cream on top gives it a creamy tang, and the fresh dill adds a fragrant final touch.
Borscht is best enjoyed hot on a cold day, often with a slice of dark rye bread or a garlic bun called pampushka. Families usually make it in large pots, letting the flavors deepen overnight. Some say it tastes even better the next day — richer, stronger, more comforting. It's a dish that brings people together, whether at the family table or in a cozy café.
Best place to try it: Café Pushkin in Moscow, where it’s made using a 19th-century recipe or make authentic borscht at home
2. Pelmeni – Juicy Siberian Dumplings That Melt in Your Mouth
Pelmeni (пельмени) are small dumplings that pack a big punch. They originated in Siberia, where long winters called for hearty, easy-to-preserve meals. The dough is thin but strong, wrapped around a juicy filling of seasoned minced meat — usually pork, beef, or a mix of both. Boiled until tender, they’re often served with sour cream, vinegar, butter, or all three.
There’s something relaxing about making pelmeni by hand. Russian families sometimes gather around the kitchen table and make hundreds in one sitting, chatting and laughing as they fold the dough. You can eat them plain or in a broth — they’re quick, warm, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re eating them in a student dorm, a friend’s home, or a local café, they never fail to comfort.
For the best pelmeni, try them at a Siberian-style restaurant like Mari Vanna in St. Petersburg.
3. Blini – Russia’s Versatile Pancakes (Caviar Not Required!)
Blini (блины) are thin, crepe-like pancakes that Russians love for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re incredibly versatile — you can enjoy them sweet with jam, honey, or condensed milk, or go savory with fillings like mushrooms, cheese, or caviar. Light, soft, and a little crispy at the edges, they’re often served stacked high, warm from the pan.
Cooking blini is almost like a ritual. The batter is simple — flour, eggs, milk — but getting the thickness and flip just right takes practice. They’re a common dish during Maslenitsa, the Russian spring festival, where they symbolize the sun and the end of winter. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea in someone’s home or at a local eatery, blini bring comfort and joy to every table.
4. Beef Stroganoff – The Creamy, Luxurious Dish Fit for Tsars
Beef Stroganoff (бефстроганов) is a creamy, savory dish that dates back to 19th-century Russia. Tender strips of beef are cooked with onions and mushrooms, then coated in a rich sour cream sauce that’s both tangy and smooth. It’s often served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, depending on the region and the cook.
The combination of soft meat and silky sauce is simple yet luxurious. It’s the kind of meal you might find in a family kitchen as well as a fine dining restaurant. It’s comforting, filling, and has just the right balance of richness and acidity. A plate of Stroganoff is perfect for a quiet evening meal, especially when shared with someone over warm conversation.
Where to try the original version: The Stroganoff Steakhouse in Moscow
5. Olivier Salad – The Festive Dish That Sparked a Thousand Variations
Known around the world as Russian Salad, Olivier Salad (салат Оливье) is a classic festive dish in Russia. It’s made with diced potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, eggs, and usually some form of meat like chicken or bologna, all mixed with mayonnaise. Creamy, slightly tangy, and full of flavor, it’s a familiar sight on Russian holiday tables.
The texture is soft and chunky, and the balance of salty, sweet, and sour makes it irresistible. It’s a dish that people grow up with — a taste of celebration and nostalgia. During New Year’s or birthdays, it’s often the first thing to disappear from the table. Simple, satisfying, and easy to prepare in big batches, it brings people together with every bite.
Where to try the best:
- Any Russian home on December 31st!
- Upscale versions at Moscow's Turandot Restaurant
6. Shashlik – Russia's Answer to BBQ That'll Make You Forget About Burgers
Shashlik (шашлык) is Russian-style grilled meat, often made from pork, lamb, or chicken. It's marinated with onions, vinegar, herbs, and spices, then grilled on skewers over open flames. Juicy and smoky, each bite is packed with flavor, thanks to the long marinade and charcoal grill.
Shashlik isn’t just a dish — it’s an event. Russians love to cook it during picnics, dacha trips, and outdoor gatherings. Friends and families gather around the fire, talking, laughing, and flipping skewers together. The aroma alone will make your mouth water. Served with flatbread, fresh tomatoes, and onion rings, it’s best eaten outside with good company.
You can try the Adyghe-style shashlik at Shashlik Mashlik in Moscow for an authentic experience.
7. Pirozhki – The Portable Russian Snack You'll Want to Eat Daily
Pirozhki (пирожки) are small stuffed buns filled with savory or sweet fillings. You might find ones filled with mashed potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or meat — or sweeter versions with jam, apples, or tvorog (a type of cheese). They’re usually baked or fried until golden brown and smell as good as they taste.
Pirozhki are everywhere — in school canteens, bakeries, street stalls, and homes. They’re great as a snack on the go or as part of a light meal. You can hold one in your hand and enjoy it while walking through a park or riding a train. Warm and flavorful, they bring a little joy to an ordinary day.
Where to find the best:
You can try freshly fried pirozhki at Moscow's Stolovaya No. 57
8. Solyanka – The Intense, Tangy Soup That Cures All Ills
Solyanka (солянка) is a thick, sour-salty soup made with a mix of meats like sausages, ham, and beef, along with pickles, olives, lemon, and tomato paste. The flavor is bold and layered — meaty, tangy, and slightly spicy all at once. It’s a soup that warms you up from the inside.
Often considered a hangover cure, solyanka is also just a satisfying meal in cold weather. It’s usually served hot with a slice of lemon floating on top and a spoonful of sour cream. The richness of the broth and the sour notes from the pickles make it incredibly comforting. It's a favorite in many Russian homes and a go-to in traditional cafés.
Where to try authentic versions:
- Moscow's Dr. Zhivago Restaurant makes a legendary version
9. Medovik – The Honey Cake That Takes Patience (But Rewards It)
Medovik (медовик) is a beautiful layered honey cake that’s popular across Russia. Thin cake layers, flavored with honey, are stacked and spread with a creamy filling made from sour cream or condensed milk. It’s soft, sweet, and slightly tangy — and gets better the longer it rests.
Making medovik takes time and patience, but the result is delicate and rich. Each layer melts slightly into the next, creating a smooth, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s often served at weddings, birthdays, or weekend tea times. A slice of medovik and a cup of hot black tea is one of the coziest combinations in Russian life.
Where to taste perfection:
- Moscow's Café Pischon makes a legendary version
- Look for homemade versions at Russian bakeries for authentic medovik
10. Kvass – The Fermented Drink That's Russia in a Glass
Kvass (квас) is a traditional fermented drink made from rye bread. It’s slightly sweet, mildly tangy, and fizzy like soda, but with a much more natural taste. Despite being fermented, it’s very low in alcohol and often considered more of a food than a beverage.
In summer, kvass is sold on the street from big yellow barrels. It’s refreshing and uniquely Russian. People drink it with meals, during a walk, or use it as a base for cold soups like okroshka. The flavor might surprise you at first, but it grows on you — earthy, bready, and slightly sour. It’s a taste of the past that still feels very present.
Where to try authentic kvass:
- Make homemade kvass
- From street kiosks in any Russian city
- Brands like Ochakovo or Nikola in stores
More Than Food — A Journey Into Russian Life with Russian On The Go
Tasting Russian food is more than just eating — it’s a way of joining the rhythm of daily life here. Whether you're sipping kvass in a summer park, making pelmeni with friends, or trying medovik for the first time over tea, you're experiencing the culture in the most human way possible: by sharing.
At Russian On The Go, we believe these shared moments over food are where friendships start, language barriers fall, and real connections happen. That’s why we encourage our community to explore Russia not just through sights and sounds — but through taste.
We invite you to try these dishes at local restaurants, food tours, or even during community meetups. If you're new here, join our community and get a taste of not just the cuisine, but the warmth and welcome that defines Russian life.
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