Russian cuisine might not be as internationally renowned as some other, more famous cuisines, but the international foodie community is starting to uncover that Russian cuisine is very different than what the outdated Soviet-era stodgy and stale stereotypes might suggest. For starters, Russia is huge and is home to more than 190 different ethnic groups, each of which has left its delicious footprint on the culinary wonder that is Russian cuisine. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most elegant Russian food and hopefully help improve your impression of local cuisine.
Soups
We’re starting this list of elegant Russian food with a few of Russia’s most popular soups, starting with (of course)…
Borscht
Borscht is one of the finest samples of elegant Russian food with its vibrant purple color and delicious mix of tender beets, hearty cabbage, earthy potatoes, sweet carrots, aromatic onions, and chunks of meat that take the flavor of the dish to a whole other level. It’s usually served with a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill, a slice of tasty sourdough bread, fresh garlic, and a shot of vodka.
Shchi
Shchi is a tasty hearty cabbage stew that uses fresh or fermented cabbage as the main ingredient and mixes it with potatoes, carrots, onions, and chicken. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that was designed to warm you up when you’re feeling cold, so perfect for the long Russian winters. It’s served with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Sounds tasty? Then you may also want to check out our Bigos recipe which is the Polish version of this dish.
Ukha
If you like seafood, ukha might just become your favorite Russian soup. Many different kinds of fish can be used to make this soup, such as Welsh catfish, northern pike, and ruffe while the other ingredients include the usual suspects- root vegetables, parsley, leeks, and dill.
Solyanka
While Borscht (and its green variety) may have more name recognition, solyanka is underrated but just as delicious, in my humble opinion. It’s a thick and flavorful broth with notes of salty, spicy, sour, and slightly sweet flavor. It consists of cured and fresh beef, ham, sausages, onions, carrots, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and a colorful assortment of vegetables and herbs. Technically, it originates from Georgia, and is usually served with adzhika, a spicy red sauce from the Caucasus region, and lavash, a traditional Georgian flatbread.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to Tatar cuisine.
Okroshka
Okroshka is a cold Russian soup with a creamy consistency and a crunchy twist, perfect refreshment for a hot summer day. It typically consists of chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, and spring onions, along with boiled potatoes, eggs, and a meat addition like ham or sausage, all mixed in a base of kefir, a fermented milk beverage.
Rasolnik
I know judging by the ingredients it may not sound like one of the most elegant Russian food but rassolnik is a dish that deserves a mention on this list. It consists of pickled cucumbers, pearl barley, and pork or beef kidneys and there’s also a vegetarian version that is commonly made during Lent (a period in which Orthodox Christian fast and don’t eat meat).
Svekolnik
Svekolnik is like a cold variant of borscht with pretty much the same ingredients – beetroots (which gives it a nice red color), cucumbers, radishes, spring onions, and dill, all mixed in a base of kefir or buttermilk. This soup is refrigerated and served cold, usually during hot summer days and has a flavor that can be described as a combination of sweet, sour, and creamy flavors.
Snacks
Next, this list of elegant Russian food wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention a few popular Russian snacks that decorate dining tables across the world.
Pelmeni
Pelmeni, the Russian equivalent of boiled dumplings, is believed to have originated from the interaction with Chinese traders who traversed Siberia in the 15th century. These delectable bite-sized parcels are crafted from unleavened dough, encasing a filling of ground meat (typically pork, lamb, chicken, or beef) seasoned with a blend of onion, garlic, pepper, and spices. Perfect for chilly climates, Siberians would freeze pelmeni in bulk outdoors, guaranteeing a well-stocked reserve of meat to see them through the winter months.
If you’re a fan of dumplings you may also like our chicken momos, veg momos, beef momos, and pork momos recipe.
Caviar
Renowned as the epitome of opulence favored by Russian nobility for their indulgent tastes, high-grade caviar (pronounced as eekra) stands as the most costly culinary delight globally, with select varieties commanding prices in the thousands for just a mere teaspoon. Despite its esteemed status, caviar is an acquired flavor. The bead-like spheres, with their jelly-like texture, explode with a strong briny and fishy taste upon consumption.
Traditionally sourced from wild sturgeon (now critically endangered), caviar consists of salt-cured eggs and roe. More affordable alternatives can be derived from salmon, steelhead, trout, lumpfish, and whitefish. In Russia, caviar is commonly paired with blini, chopped onion or pickles, quail eggs, and sour cream, which help temper the intense saltiness to some extent.
Courgette Caviar
Courgette caviar is a type of spread or dip made from cooked and mashed courgettes (zucchini). It is similar in texture to traditional caviar but does not contain fish eggs. Courgette caviar is typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, onions, and various spices to create a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dip, spread, or condiment.
Salads
This list of elegant Russian food couldn’t be complete without a few popular Russian salads, starting with perhaps the most famous one…
Olivier Salad
If you’ve spent a few days in Russia and starting to feel guilty about your fresh vegetable intake (let’s face it, the standard Russian diet isn’t the healthiest in the world), you might breathe a sigh of relief to spot Olivie (also called Olivier salad or sometimes simply ‘Russian salad’) on a restaurant menu.
But preparing for a bit of a shock when the dish arrives as a multi-colored mountain of diced potatoes, carrots, pickles, peas, eggs, and several kinds of meat, all of it overdosing in an avalanche of mayo. A salad in the loosest definition of the world, Olivie is neither a healthy nor sophisticated dish (despite being invented in Russia by a French-Belgian chef, Lucien Olivier), but it is delicious, in a potato salad on steroids sort of way!
Seld Pod Shuba
Seld pod shuba known in English as “dressed herring” is a traditional Russian layered salad that consists of finely chopped herring fillets, boiled potatoes, carrots, beets, onions, and mayonnaise, arranged in multiple layers stacked on top of each other. The name “Dressed Herring” is a reference to the way the ingredients are layered and dressed with mayonnaise, resembling a herring fish under a fur coat.
Vinegret
Vinegret is another vibrant colorful Russian salad that just has to be mentioned on this list. It’s a very quick and simple recipe that consists of just chopping the boiled vegetables (beets, carrots, potatoes, pickles, and peas) and dressing them with oil and vinegar. The two things that make the salad special are the red color of the beetroot and the tangy flavor of the vinegar. It can be served as a cold appetizer, a snack, or even as a side dish.
Mimosa Salad
Mimosa is a classic when it comes to salad. It features layers of canned fish (like tuna and salmon), boiled potatoes, carrots, onions, and eggs, all finely grated or mashed. In between each layer, you’ll find generous quantities of mayonnaise, giving the dish a vibrant and festive appearance that resembles the bright yellow mimosa flowers, hence the name.
Breads & Baked Goods
Before we get to the main course dishes, we just have to add a few bread varieties and baked goods that make tables across Russia look even more appetizing.
Baranka
Baranka like the traditional Russian take on the good old bagel just a little bit smaller and a little bit crunchier (kind of like simit). These ring-shaped treats are often enjoyed with tea or coffee and can come in various flavors like plain, sesame, poppy seed, and so on. They have a satisfying crunch and are perfect for munching on when you need a little snack to tide you over.
Kalach
Kalach is another traditional Russian bread that is shaped like a twisted ring/pretzel. Inside, it’s soft and fluffy and can come with various fillings including jam, and cheese, and there are even meat versions. Kalach is one of the most popular tea snacks in Russia and a great choice for a quick breakfast and because of that, it can be found in bakeries and street food stalls across the country.
Bublik
Bublik is yet another Russian snack that’s similar to a bagel but this one is bigger and has a larger hole in the middle. It’s a chewy, ring-shaped bread roll and it’s often sprinkled with sesame seeds or salt before serving but can also be enjoyed plain or with toppings like butter, cheese, or jam. Bubliks are a popular street food in Russia and are perfect for a quick and tasty snack on the go.
Sushki
Sushki is a small, crunchy, and slightly sweet Russian tea bread ring. These bite-sized treats look like mini bagels (they’re much smaller and denser than their famous counterpart). Sushki is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert in Russia and is typically served with tea or coffee but can also be used in various recipes, such as toppings for salads or desserts.
Main Course
Now, we’ve gotten to the meat and potatoes of this list of elegant Russian food (both figuratively and literally)…
Plov
Plov in Uzbekistan, other Central Asian countries, and Russia is a dish fit for kings and commoners alike. It consists of fragrant fluffy rice infused with the warmth of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic enriched with succulent pieces of lamb or beef, caramelized onions, and sweet, plump raisins.
Makarony Po-Flotski
Makarony Po-Flotski is a popular Russian dish that translates to “Navy-Style Pasta typically using macaroni or other small pasta shapes, cooked with sautéed onions, carrots, and chopped meat (usually beef or pork) and seasoned with bay leaves, and cooked in a flavorful broth.
Shashlik
The Russian version of kebabs is known as shashlik or shashlik and is similar to other kebabs, featuring skewers loaded with cubed meat and vegetables grilled to perfection. Originating from the Caucasian Mountains, these kebabs have made their way to Russia and become one of the most beloved and visually appealing delicacies of Russian cuisine.
Beef Stroganoff
This iconic Russian dish is widely recognized as a staple on family dinner tables across the Western world. The Stroganoff is basically a sliced beef fillet, cooked with onions, and mushrooms sautéed in a delectable white wine and sour cream sauce. With numerous variations of the recipe, some incorporating ingredients like tomato paste, mustard, or paprika, it continues to delight taste buds across the world in various shapes and forms. The dish was named after the Stroganovs, a prominent merchant family renowned for their wealth and influence during the Tsarist era.
Zharkoe
Zharkoe (also known as Russian Chicken Stew) is a traditional hearty meat and potato stew similar to Uzbek dimlama. We did not include it in the soup section because this stew is a bit denser and is usually served as a main course dish. Although it’s usually made with chicken, you can use any meat that you prefer including beef, pork, or lamb.
Kholodets
Although many people find the idea somewhat gross, meat jelly, also known as aspic, has been a timeless classic not just in Russia but globally for centuries, commonly enjoyed alongside salads or as an appetizer. Kholodets is made by boiling meat cuts rich in gelatin overnight and combining the extracted liquid with meat and vegetables, before refrigerating them until solidified.
Golubtsy
Golubtsy is the Russian version of Sarma. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s basically a cabbage/sauerkraut roll, stuffed with a mixture of rice and ground meat. It’s a beloved Eastern European dish that is usually prepared by simmering it in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender.
Chicken Kiev
Chicken Kiev is technically a Ukrainian dish but it’s equally popular in Russia too. It features a tender chicken breast rolled around chilled herbed butter, then breaded and deep-fried to crispy golden perfection. The interior is filled with butter which when sliced open, starts oozing out which makes the whole dining experience even more appetizing.
Kotleti
Kotleti is the Russian version of meatballs/meat patties. Like most other parties around the world, kotleti are made from ground meat, onions, garlic, and seasonings shaped into patties and pan-fried until golden brown. Usually, kotleti are served with a side of mashed potatoes and/or a fresh salad.
Veal Orloff
This list of elegant Russian food couldn’t be complete without one of the most luxurious Russian dishes- Veal Orloff; a dish that features tender veal cutlets stuffed with a decadent filling of mushrooms, onions, and cheese, then baked to a golden brown finish, typically served with a creamy sauce and a side of roasted vegetables.
Osetrina pod Syrom
Once considered a delicacy fit for royalty and a symbol of wealth and prestige, sturgeon remains a must-try dish in Russia. Indulge in baked sturgeon paired with flavorful vegetables, or savor the exquisite taste of black caviar atop dark bread or savory pancakes. Due to their endangered status in the wild, sturgeons are now responsibly raised on fish farms, ensuring their preservation for future generations to enjoy.
Kamchatka Crab
The red king crab, also known as the Kamchatka crab, ranks among the world’s most coveted seafood, leading brave fishermen to brave the icy Arctic waters of the Bering Sea in pursuit of these colossal crustaceans. With the ability to reach impressive sizes, red king crabs are valued for their plentiful, tender white meat which makes them globally sought after as a gourmet delicacy which also usually comes at a premium price.
Savory Pies and Pastries
We were mulling whether to include pastries and pies on this list of elegant Russian food but still decided to do so in the end. Here are some of Russia’s most eye-catching and sought-after pastries.
Piroshki
With a name that translates to “little pies, you know that these delightful, bite-sized buns filled with a savory mixture of meat, vegetables, cheese, and herbs, all nestled within a soft, buttery pastry are the life of every party. They’re the definition of party food! These miniature treats are a beloved tradition during Russian Christmas, enjoyed as a snack while family members prepare a lavish holiday feast. Whether baked or fried, piroshki also offers sweet options, with fillings like jam, stewed apples, cherries, or cottage cheese.
Kurnik
Kurnik (also known as Russian chicken pie) as its name suggests, features a delectable combination of chicken, rice, hard-boiled eggs, and mushrooms, mixed in a flaky pastry crust. Traditionally enjoyed during holidays, particularly Easter, Kurnik can come in several different variations of ingredients or a number of crusts. Certain recipes incorporate blini-like pancakes to separate the filling layers, and the dish can take on round or rectangular shapes.
Kulebyaka
Kulebyaka is another classic pie that is a must for all important celebratory events and one of my personal favorite choices for brunch. This traditional Russian pie is typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as fish, meat, rice, eggs, mushrooms, and onions, often layered in several different levels.
Chebureki
Chebureki is one of the most popular street food items in Russia and other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It’s basically a hearty, deep-fried turnover filled with minced meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, and a variety of spices. The dough is typically made with a touch of yogurt or kefir to give it a soft and crispy texture when fried.
Syrniki
The best way to describe syrniki is as a sweet cheesy pancake made from farmer’s cheese (somewhat similar to ricotta cheese). Syrniki is always very soft and slightly sweet on the inside. In fact, saying that syrniki is a delicious variety of cheesecake pancakes is a somewhat accurate description.
Vatrushka
Vatrushka is a petite, individual-sized open pie brimming with fresh cheese. While it may bear a resemblance to a Danish cheese, it is a distinct pastry in its own right. These cheese-filled vatrushkas come in sweet variations for dessert or savory versions, perfect for enjoying alongside a bowl of soup.
Desserts
Last but not least, we saved the best for last. We’ll conclude this list of the most elegant Russian food with a few of our favorite desserts.
Guryev Porridge
This list of elegant Russian food couldn’t be complete without guriev kasha, a simple yet delicious and great-looking porridge-kind-of-a-dish that consists of a creamy semolina pudding flavored with vanilla and mixed with dried fruits like raisins. With its smooth and comforting texture, this dish is often served hot and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast dish.
Blini
Blini are the Russian version of pancakes. They’re made with yeasted dough which makes them light and fluffy and gives them a distinctive tang. Although primarily a dessert that is usually topped with condensed milk, jam, or marmalade, blini can also be topped with different kinds of cheese and sour cream and also be eaten for breakfast (how’s that for versatility?).
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to Moldovan food.
Oladyi
Oladyi are small, fluffy Russian pancakes that are typically made with buttermilk or kefir and served with a variety of toppings such as sour cream, jam, or honey. They are delicious, bite-sized treats that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Medovik
Medovik or Russia’s most popular honey cake is a grandiose dessert that features multiple layers (traditionally around 15) of ginger and cinnamon-spiced honey pastry, filled with a luscious combination of sweetened cream and condensed milk. With its soft, sticky, crumbly texture and heavenly taste, Medovik is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Morozhenoe
The Russian version of ice cream, also known as morozhenoe, is set apart from traditional ice cream with its creamier texture, achieved through the use of fresh milk and a higher proportion of ice to dairy ingredients and using a lot of fresh fruits as toppings.
Pashka
Paskha is a delicious and visually very appealing festive dessert that is traditionally prepared during Easter in Eastern Orthodox countries and Russia is no exception. The best way to describe it is like an extra-sweet cheesecake dessert decorated with Christian symbols (as a part of the holiday feast).
Russian Crème Custard
Russian Crème Custard is a luxurious dessert that combines the richness of custard with a velvety smooth texture. It is often flavored with vanilla and served chilled, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Kulich
Not to be confused with kalach below, kulich is a traditional Easter bread with a sweet flavor. It has a tall, cylindrical shape and is flavored with cardamom, saffron, raisins, and a lot of sugar. After baking, it’s usually glazed with sweet syrup and colorful sprinkles or nuts.
Russian Tea Cakes
Lastly, we conclude this list of elegant Russian food with Russian tea cakes. Even though no one is sure whether they came from Russia or not, the name stuck around, and probably for a good reason. Although probably more popular in the United States than in Russia, we feel this delicious tea snack deserves at least a special mention on our list.
How did you like this list of elegant Russian food? Do you have any favorites? Do you know of any other dishes we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments below.
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