Experience Russia | Express to Russia

Traditional Russian Pies: History and Recipe

Soft as a pillow, caramelized on the edges and stuffed with rich fillings; Russian pirozhki are dangerously moreish. The secret to a mouth-watering pirozhok is in its filling. Though the dough for pirozhki is almost always a yeasty mixture of white flour, water and oil, there are about as many pirozhki fillings as there are vegetables in an Olivier salad.

Borsch: A Definitive History and a Russian Recipe

Borsch - the ruby red soup, so emblematic of Mother Russia, has a history as rich as its broth. Though its origins have been lost in time, the name of the soup is thought to have come from the Slavic word for hogweed: "borshchevik". Originally, it was this weed, and not beetroot, which was relied upon to provide the tart bite that gives the soup its distinctive flavour.

Russian Candy and Confectionary: Sumptuous Sweets and Divine Delicacies in Russia

It comes as a surprise to many, but the Russians have as much of a sweet-tooth as Americans, if not more so. The only reason why Russians have yet to suffer from the same obesity crisis as those in the West is because they’re addiction to sugar takes its form, not in whopper doughnuts and giant marshmallows, but in petite candies and fruit-based desserts.

Russian New Year’s Recipes

New Year’s in Russia is simply legendary. And here’s the secret: though “Selyodka pod shuboi” (aka fish under fur coat) might sound scary, the components of what make Russian New Year great are surprisingly simple. Here’s our ultimate guide to cooking, drinking and singing your way to 2020 like a Russian!

The Yummiest Delicacies To Try in Russia

Matryoshkas, painted china and Soviet memorabilia are all lovely but who, apart from Aunt Mabel, has the cupboards or inclination to display them all? Rather than buying souvenirs that will bring more dust than pleasure to the home, why not get something that will actually have some sort of use and, let’s be honest, can be a lot more authentic than matryoshka. That something also happens to be deliciously delightful. What could be better?

The History of Russian Cuisine

Foreigners usually associate Russian cuisine with its most famous dishes and appetizers: smoked sturgeon (balyk), stellate sturgeon with horse-radish, freshly-salted salmon, red, black or pink (white-fish) caviar and pickled mushrooms. And, of course, with crystal-clear Russian vodka which is a perfect accompaniment to these dishes both visually (as with a still life painting) and taste-wise. However, these holiday meals don't give a complete picture of the richness of Russia's national cuisine with its traditional soups and hot dishes. In fact, this richness in cuisine can help explain the warm hospitality of Russians.

Which food should you sample while in Russia?

Russian food can safely be classified as comfort food. Rich, hearty and warming, perfect for abating the winter chill. Russians love their food and you can try it for yourself at a restaurant, or if you’re lucky, dining with a Russian friend at their home. Expect course after course punctuated with jolly toasts, your plate will be refilled more times than you could dream of, and it would be offensive to leave hungry! Read on for some must-try dishes.

Food