Top 10 Russian foods – with recipes

Important notice from the Editor in Chief

Maintaining our Russian site is a delicate matter during the war. We have chosen to keep its content online to help our readers, but we cannot ensure that it is accurate and up to date. Our team endeavors to strike the right balance between giving information to those who need it, and respecting the gravity of the situation.

Russian foods may not have the international fame of French or Italian cuisine, but its rich and varied flavors are an adventure waiting to be savored. From hearty soups that warm you during the long, dark winters to delicate pastries that impress any dinner guest, this list of Russian dishes offers something for every palate.

Ready to dig in?

1. Borscht

This beet and cabbage red soup is a delicious belly warmer, an ancient dish that is believed to have originated in Ukraine and later became popular in other countries, including Russia. Borscht comes with or without meat, potato, herbs (usually dill), and a dollop of smetana and sour cream.

Accompanied by a piece of rye bread or garlic bread topped with melted cheese, this dish is hearty enough to serve as a meal, although it is usually eaten as a starter.

Make your own borscht

• Try this classic Russian borscht soup recipe
• The Guardian guides readers on how to cook the perfect borsch

2. Okroshka

Okroshka is a light and zesty chilled soup that’s a staple of Russian summer tables. Its name comes from the word kroshit, meaning “to crumble,” which is exactly how the ingredients are prepared.

The dish contains a blend of finely chopped vegetables (like cucumber, radish, and spring onion), hard-boiled eggs, and bits of meat. You then add kvass (a fermented rye beverage) or kefir to the mix, creating a zesty yoghurty soup that you can’t get enough of.

Served with a sprig of dill and a dollop of sour cream, okroshka is as refreshing as it is satisfying. It’s one of those classic Russian recipes that are ideal especially on hot days when heavy foods just won’t do.

Make your own okroshka

• Give this grandmother’s okroshka recipe a whirl
• Follow this step-by-step photo okroshka recipe so you can’t go wrong

3. Blini

Basically, blini are the Russian version of the French food crêpe. They are traditionally made with wheat or buckwheat flour and cooked to perfection in hot pans until they boast delicate, lace-like edges.

Thin, golden, and irresistibly fluffy, blini can be savory or sweet, topped with smoked salmon, creamy mushrooms, sour cream, or homemade jam (varenie). For that extra touch of decadence, the revered combination is a spoonful of red salmon or black sturgeon caviar.

In Russia, blini often take center stage during Maslenitsa, a pre-Lenten festival dedicated to the end of winter. They’re stacked high, slathered with butter, and shared among loved ones.

Make your own blini

• This blini recipe has photos to guide you
• Get some blini filling ideas from here

4. Pelmeni

Pelmeni are delicious Russian dumplings that pack big flavor into small packages. Filled with a mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices, they are typically boiled, steamed, or fried. The dumplings are then served with a dollop of sour cream, a splash of vinegar, or a side of broth for dipping.

Whether you prefer them as a quick snack or a filling meal, pelmenis are a simple yet satisfying dish. Serve them with a crisp salad or crusty bread, and you’ve got a no-fuss, comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. Without a doubt, perfect for cold days or anytime you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

Make your own pelmeni

• You can’t go wrong with this authentic Siberian pelmeni recipe
• Learn how to fold the dumplings with this pelmeni photo recipe

5. Golubtsi

If you are a fan of stuffed cabbage, you should undoubtedly give golubtsi a go. These classic Russian cabbage rolls are a staple of home-cooked foods across Eastern Europe.

Golubtsi have tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of minced meat, rice, and aromatic spices, then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce until perfectly tender. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Typically served with a smush of sour cream, golubtsi taste even better when they’re reheated the next day.

Make your own golubtsi

• Try to resist this golubtsi recipe
• Get your hands dirty with this authentic golubtsi recipe

6. Echpochmak

Echpochmak is a traditional Tatar pastry that’s as comforting as it is unique.

These triangular-shaped pies have a savory filling of diced meat, potatoes, and onions, seasoned simply to let the ingredients shine. Then wrapped in a thin, soft dough and folded into a triangle, you typically leave a small hole in the center to allow steam to escape. This shape isn’t just for looks; it helps ensure an even bake and locks in the delicious juices of the filling.

Best enjoyed warm, echpochmak is a typical hearty snack food, often paired with a cup of tea or a light broth.

Make your own echpochmak

• This basic echpochmak recipe has numerous photos to guide you
• Try your hand at this authentic echpochmak recipe

7. Chebureki

Whether you grab one on the go or make a batch at home, chebureki never fail to hit the spot.

These golden, crescent-shaped pastries are from the same place as echpochmak and are thin, unleavened dough folds with a filling of seasoned minced meat and onions. Once sealed, they’re deep-fried until the outside is perfectly crispy while the filling remains juicy and bursting with flavor.

Simple yet satisfying, chebureki are best enjoyed straightaway when the dough is still crisp, and the filling is piping hot. For the perfect flavor combination, pair them with a cold drink or some tangy dipping sauce.

Make your own chebureki

• Get your snack on with this delicious chebureki recipe
• You’ll easily clean the plate following this chebureki recipe

8. Barabulka

With its mild, sweet flavor, barabulka (or black sea bass) is an absolute favorite among seafood lovers. Known for its flaky, white meat, this fish is often grilled or pan-fried with just a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil to allow the natural flavors of the fish to shine through.

Barabulka typically pairs well with fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, or a light yogurt-based sauce to complement its delicate taste.

Make your own barabulka

• You won’t be able to resist this barabulka recipe with fresh garlic-lemon butter
• Pair your barabulka with this garden salsa recipe

9. Syrniki

Syrniki are delightful little pancakes made from tvorog (a type of farmer’s cheese), a denser form of ricotta.

Slightly sweet and lightly crisped on the outside, they’re irresistibly soft on the inside and often served at breakfast or dessert. Syrniki are best paired with honey, sour cream, or a dollop of homemade jam made from Russia’s large array of berries. For an extra bit of indulgence, add a handful of raisins, raspberries, or blueberries.

Make your own syrniki

• This traditional syrniki recipe has got you covered
• You can’t go wrong with this classic syrniki recipe

10. Medovik

Medovik is a delicious honey cake that’s as delightful to eat as it is beautiful to behold. This Russian foods classic features ultra-thin layers of honey sponge, carefully stacked and separated by a creamy filling of sour cream or sweetened condensed milk.

The thin layers are built up to form the cake, from anywhere between five and 15 layers, topped off with a sprinkling of crushed sponge or nuts and subsequently left overnight to soften and absorb the cream. Fluffy and light to eat, but full-on in flavor and sweetness, this dish is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s rich without being overly sweet.

Make your own medovik

• Take inspiration from this 15-layer medovik recipe
• Switch to a condensed milk filling using this medovik recipe