Five Russian meals to try

Some love to travel and explore different cultures from around the world, others like to travel to see what the nightlife holds for them, and others like to travel to experience the cuisine

1. Blini (Блины)

Blini is a lot similar to crêpes, only slightly thicker and greasier. This Russian delicacy can be made as a sweet dish with strawberry jam and cream, or as savoury dish with meat and cheese. The traditional condiments are smoked salmon, caviar, smetana (a thick sour cream) and dill.

Blini. Picture: Bolshakov

2. Beef Stroganoff (Бефстроганов)

International crowd pleaser beef stroganoff is made with strips of beef, linguine pasta, mushrooms and a thick, creamy sauce. The meal originated in the home of the royal Stroganov family, and its recipe has spread across the world, served with either with mashed potato or rice.

Beef Stroganoff. Picture: Girl vs Globe

3. Pelmeni (Пелмени)

Pelmeni dumplings are like little Russian tortellini. They consist of thin, unleavened dough filled with minced meat (usually beef and pork). This meal is quite a popular snack especially for Russians who get inebriated while on a night out.

If you have a sweet tooth or are vegetarian, you might prefer vareniki – a similar dish, which comes filled with potatoes, apple puree or sweet cottage cheese.

Pelmeni. Picture: Girl vs Globe

4. Borscht (Борщ)

Borscht is a hearty beetroot soup, perfect for the winter months. It’s served with a dollop of heavy sour cream - it’s a staple dish in Russia, although some other east European nations (like Ukraine) have made claims that the winter dish originates from their countries.

Either way, it's definitely a dish to try while in Russia.

Borscht. Picture: Girl vs Globe

5. Kvass (Квас)

Russians love their kvass! You cannot miss the rusty trucks driving around, distributing sticky cups of it in exchange for petty change.

Kvass is a fermented drink made of rye or bread and it contains malt, just like beer. Unlike beer it supposedly has minuscule levels of alcohol, so Russian children are allowed to consume it in copious amounts.