Russian street food is a fascinating blend of traditional recipes, Soviet era favorites, and modern fast food from all over Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Russia has a lot of cheap and delicious food for the traveller on the move, from freshly baked pirozhki to sizzling shashlik, sweet doughnuts to refreshing kvass. From the hustle and bustle of Moscow to the streets of Saint Petersburg and beyond, these are some of the most popular street foods in Russia that will give you a taste of the country’s culinary heritage.
Blini are thin Russian pancakes and one of the most popular foods in Russia. They are like French crêpes and can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as sour cream, jam, condensed milk, mushrooms, cheese, and meat. Red caviar or smoked salmon is available on more luxurious versions. Blini are particularly popular during the traditional festival Maslenitsa, which marks the end of winter. But they can be found all year round at street stalls, food markets, and fast food outlets like Teremok, and are a convenient snack.
Pirozhki (Пирожки)
Pirozhki are small, stuffed buns that have been a part of Russian street food for centuries. They are usually stuffed with minced meat, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or eggs and can be baked or fried. Apple-, cherry-, or jam-filled sweet varieties are also popular. Pirozhki are sold in bakeries, markets and small takeaway kiosks, and are especially delicious in the colder months of the year in Russia. They are cheap, compact and nutritious, and are a popular breakfast or snack for commuters, students and tourists visiting Russian cities.
Vatrushka (Ватрушка)
Vatrushka is a traditional Eastern European pastry, which is a soft, round bun with an open filling in the middle. The traditional Russian version includes a fresh farmer’s cheese called tvorog, which has a slightly sour taste, sometimes flavored with sugar. Some variations contain raisins, berries, or jam. Vatrushki are sold in bakeries, supermarkets, and take-away pastry shops. They are especially delicious with coffee or tea and are a great breakfast or afternoon snack. They have a unique homemade taste and texture from the fluffy dough and creamy filling.
Sosiska v Teste (Сосиска в тесте)
Sausage in dough” is Sosiska v teste, one of the most popular bakery snacks in Russia. It is a soft dough wrapped around a sausage and baked until golden brown, similar to a sausage roll or hot dog pastry. It is a popular item since the Soviet era and is still sold in bakeries, school cafeterias, railway stations, and convenience stores. Cheese, sesame seeds, or other spices may be added to some versions. It is cheap, easy to eat on the go, and especially popular with students and commuters who are in a hurry for a snack.
Kulebyaka (Кулебяка)
Kulebyaka is a traditional Russian baked pie, which is prepared with a large amount of filling and is very elaborate. It is traditionally served at festive occasions and may include fish, meat, cabbage, mushrooms, rice, or a mixture of several. In some traditional recipes, the various fillings are layered with thin pancakes. Kulebyaka is usually baked in the form of a large, loaf-shaped pie and then cut into pieces, as opposed to the small handheld pirozhki. Now, it is sometimes available in bakeries, specialty food stores, and traditional restaurants. A slice is a great filling lunch or tasty savory snack.
Pirog Slices (Пирог)
Pirog is the Russian word for a larger pie, which can be either savory or sweet. These pies are usually baked in one large pie and then divided into large slices, as opposed to individual pirozhki. Cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms, minced meat, fish, apples, and berries are popular fillings. Pirog slices are sold in bakeries, food courts, and pie shops. They are particularly handy for those who want a traditional Russian meal without having to sit down at a restaurant. A slice of pirog is a good and cheap snack when served with tea.
Meat-Based Russian Street Food
Chebureki (Чебуреки)
Chebureki are large crescent-shaped pastries stuffed with seasoned minced meat and onions and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They were once linked to Crimean Tatar cuisine, but have since become widely popular across the Soviet Union and are a staple in Russian fast food. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and juicy filling makes them particularly satisfying. Chebureki are best eaten immediately after frying, when they’re still piping hot. They are available in special cheburechnaya restaurants, markets, and at street food stalls, sometimes with tea or other cheap beverages.
Shashlik (Шашлык)
Shashlik is a Russian version of grilled meat skewers, inspired by the cuisine of the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is usually made with marinated pork, lamb, chicken, or beef and is cooked on skewers over hot charcoal. Shashlik is particularly popular at outdoor markets, summer festivals, roadside cafés, and recreational areas. It is usually served with fresh onions, flatbread, vegetables, and tangy tomato sauces. Russians make shashlik for family gatherings and country trips, but it’s also a tasty choice for travelers looking for something smoky and hearty.
Shawarma (Шаурма)
Shawarma is one of the most popular fast food items in contemporary Russia, especially in big cities. It is called shaurma or shaverma, depending on the region, and is made with thin slices of meat wrapped in a flatbread with vegetables and sauces. Chicken is particularly popular, but other fillings are available, such as beef. Russian versions often feature cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic sauce, and sometimes Korean-style carrots. Small shawarma stalls are found around metro stations, shopping malls, and along busy streets, and this is a cheap, filling meal that is available all day long.
Kebab and Doner (Кебаб и донер)
Cities in Russia have kebab and doner restaurants, which are influenced by Turkish, Caucasian, and Central Asian cuisine. Typically, these meals consist of grilled or spit-roasted meat on a flatbread, pita, or wrap, accompanied by fresh vegetables and sauces. Kebab shops are similar to shawarma shops but may have different breads, seasonings, and serving methods. Some restaurants offer meat on a plate with rice, fries, or salad. These restaurants are typically located close to transportation hubs, markets, and nightlife areas, serving up budget-friendly meals for the busy locals and travelers.
Hearty Meals & Comfort Food
Pelmeni (Пельмени)
Pelmeni are small Russian dumplings, usually stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, beef, or lamb. These dumplings are associated with Siberia and the Ural region, and are boiled and served with butter, sour cream, vinegar, or mustard. Pelmeni is usually served as a main course, but you can also find it in casual restaurants, food courts, and fast-food restaurants. Some places offer them in easy-to-carry containers. They are particularly comforting in the winter, a warm, inexpensive, satisfying meal after a long day of sightseeing.
Baked Potato (Крошка-картошка)
The popular chain Kroshka Kartoshka made baked potatoes a familiar fast food in Russia. These are giant potatoes that are baked until soft, then split open and topped with butter and cheese, and then a variety of toppings. Popular options include mushrooms, chicken, ham, vegetables, and creamy salads. The Russian fast food version of baked potato can be a big meal. It is available in shopping malls, food courts, and takeout places and is a good alternative to burgers, sandwiches, and other traditional fast food items.
Borscht to Go (Борщ)
Borscht is one of the most popular soups in Eastern European cuisine, particularly in Ukraine, but also popular in Russia. It is made from beetroot, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes beef, and is a rich, slightly sweet, reddish color. Traditionally served with sour cream and bread, borscht is usually eaten as a sit-down meal. Some take-out and cafeteria locations do provide it in portable containers, though. It’s especially attractive in the colder seasons of Russia, as it offers a comforting and nourishing alternative to the usual fast food.
Solyanka to Go (Солянка)
Solyanka is a hearty Russian soup with a strong, salty, slightly sour taste. Meat-based versions usually include a variety of meats or sausages, pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and lemon. This is a hearty, full-flavored soup that’s particularly comforting during the winter months. Solyanka is a traditional Russian dish that is served in cafeterias and casual restaurants, and can be purchased as a take-out item. It is not as popular as pastries or shawarma from street vendors, but it is a good option for people who are traveling and looking for a big meal for a low price.
Stolovaya Cuisine (Столовая)
A traditional Russian cafeteria that provides inexpensive home-style meals in a casual self-service environment is called a stolovaya. These restaurants are a legacy of Soviet dining habits and are still favored by employees, students, and those on a budget. Common dishes are pelmeni, meat cutlets, mashed potatoes, buckwheat porridge, cabbage salads, and soups like borscht. Typically, customers choose from a counter and pay before they sit down to eat. Stolovayas are not street food, but they are one of the best ways to try everyday Russian cuisine in a fast and inexpensive manner.
Sweet Treats & Desserts
Soviet Ice Cream (Мороженое)
Morozhenoe, or Soviet-style ice cream, is still a popular treat in Russia today. In Soviet times, ice cream gained a reputation for its creamy texture and rich dairy flavor. Today, traditional varieties such as plombir remain extremely popular. Plombir is a rich ice cream that is sometimes served in a wafer cup, between wafers, or topped with chocolate. It can be found in supermarkets, kiosks, and ice cream stalls all over Russian cities. Many Russians still eat this traditional dessert as a fast and cheap snack even in the winter.
Doughnuts (Пончики)
Ponchiki are a popular sweet treat in Russian bakeries and traditional cafes. They are typically deep-fried and coated in powdered sugar. Some varieties are filled with jam, custard, or condensed milk; others are plain. Traditional Russian ponchiki are frequently not as elaborate as heavily decorated American doughnuts. They are best served fresh and hot with tea or coffee. They are also a popular choice among locals who want a quick and comforting dessert, as they are affordable and nostalgic.
Pyshki (Пышки)
Pyshki are traditional Russian ring-shaped doughnuts, especially popular in Saint Petersburg. Classic pyshki are simple, airy, deep fried rings, covered in a generous amount of powdered sugar, unlike filled doughnuts. They are usually served hot with coffee or tea and are a popular wintertime snack in the city. Even in Saint Petersburg, there are special pyshki cafés that keep their Soviet atmosphere. These doughnuts are cheap and are bought in bulk. Saint Petersburg visitors can’t miss out on trying freshly made pyshki, which is a local tradition.
Traditional Snacks & Regional Specialties
Sunflower Seeds (Семечки)
Semechki, or sunflower seeds, are a surprisingly iconic Russian snack. Roasted seeds are traditionally eaten by cracking open the shells with your teeth and eating the kernels inside. They are closely linked to informal social events, parks, sports, and snacking. Sunflower seeds are not a Russian street food item, but they are sold in small packets at supermarkets, convenience stores, and kiosks. There are salted and unsalted versions, as well as some flavored varieties. They are cheap, portable, and very much a part of Russian daily life.
Corn (Варёная кукуруза)
Boiled corn is a simple but popular seasonal snack in Russia, especially in the summer. Fresh corn on the cob is boiled in water until tender and is typically served hot with salt and butter. It is often sold by vendors at beaches, parks, tourist attractions, and outdoor markets. It’s especially associated with summer holidays and seaside destinations around the Black Sea. Boiled corn is a lighter version of fried Russian street food, naturally sweet and satisfying. An easy snack to eat on the go or when sightseeing.
Smoked Fish (Копчёная рыба)
Smoked fish is particularly popular in Siberia and the areas around Russia’s enormous lakes. Smoked omul is one of the most famous specialties of the region around Lake Baikal, but the restrictions on fishing have made it less available. Other fish species are also smoked using traditional techniques that retain the flavor and texture of the fish. Smoked fish can be found at local markets, specialty stores, and roadside food stands. It is typically served cold or at room temperature, and is often served with bread. It is a unique experience for those who visit Siberia and want to taste the local cuisine.
Traditional Russian Drinks
Kvass (Квас)
Kvass is a traditional fermented drink typically prepared from rye bread or grain, which imparts a unique sweet and tart taste. It has been eaten in Russia for centuries and is especially popular in the summer. The amount of alcohol in kvass varies, but is generally very low. It can be found in outdoor stands, kiosks, or large containers of beverages during warm weather. There are also many supermarkets that sell bottled versions. It has a refreshing and slightly malty flavor, which makes it a unique soft drink.
Berry Juice and Fruit Drinks from VkusVill (Морс)
Mors is a traditional Russian berry drink made from cranberries, lingonberries, blackcurrants, or other fruits. It has a refreshing sweet-and-tart flavor and is usually served chilled. Homemade mors is a traditional Russian dish, but there are also ready-made versions in supermarkets, including VkusVill, a supermarket that specializes in fresh foods and private brands. VkusVill is similar to Trader Joe’s and is a convenient place to stop and grab some local snacks and drinks. Mors is especially delicious with savory pastries and other Russian street food.
Modern Russian Fast Food
Vkusno i Tochka Burgers (Вкусно — и точка)
Vkusno i Tochka, which translates to “Tasty, Period,” is the Russian fast-food chain that took the place of McDonald’s when the American company pulled out of Russia in 2022. It offers popular fast food items like burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, and milkshakes. The chain has restaurants in many Russian cities, many of which are in former McDonald’s buildings. Although burgers aren’t traditional Russian cuisine, they represent an important part of the country’s modern fast-food culture. Vkusno i Tochka is a familiar and convenient choice for visitors who prefer something between the local cuisine.
How did you like our Russian street food guide? Did you ever try any of these dishes? Do you know about any other dishes that deserve a mention on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
