Russian food is all about rich, bold flavors that warm your heart and soul.
Whether you’re a fan of savory soups, delectable desserts, or something in between, there’s something here to tickle your taste buds.
So grab your apron, get ready to cook, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure through these delightful Russian recipes.
1. Borscht
Borscht is a vibrant beet soup that’s a staple in Russian cuisine.
This hearty soup is made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and usually beef, then it is flavored with dill and garlic.
It’s often served with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
I love how borscht combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors in one bowl.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with a slice of rye bread.
2. Shchi (Cabbage Soup)
Shchi is a traditional Russian cabbage soup that can be made with fresh or sauerkraut.
This soup is a great way to enjoy cabbage in a warm and comforting dish.
The broth is usually flavored with carrots, onions, and sometimes meat or mushrooms.
I find it particularly delicious when served with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh dill on top.
3. Solyanka
Solyanka is a rich and tangy soup that is made with a variety of meats, pickles, olives, and capers.
The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and flavorful broth.
I first tried solyanka at a friend’s house and was immediately hooked by its complex taste.
It’s a perfect dish for those cold winter days when you need something hearty and warm.
4. Okroshka
Okroshka is a cold soup that’s perfect for summer.
It’s made with raw vegetables like cucumbers and radishes, then it is mixed with boiled potatoes, eggs, and a choice of meats.
The base is a blend of kvass or kefir, which gives it a tangy and refreshing flavor.
5. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that’s known and loved worldwide.
Tender strips of beef are cooked in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and mushrooms and then served over noodles or rice.
It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a hearty and flavorful meal.
6. Pelmeni
Pelmeni are Russian dumplings that are filled with minced meat, typically beef, pork, or a mix of both.
These dumplings are boiled and served with butter, sour cream, or vinegar.
You can make pelmeni with friends and family—it’s a fun and interactive cooking experience.
Plus, they’re incredibly delicious and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a hearty snack.
7. Blini
Blini are thin Russian pancakes that can be filled or topped with a variety of ingredients, from sweet jams to savory caviar.
These versatile pancakes are a staple during Maslenitsa, the Russian pancake week.
8. Pirozhki
Pirozhki are small baked or fried buns that are stuffed with various fillings like meat, cabbage, potatoes, or fruit.
These pastries are perfect for snacking or as a part of a meal.
I often make pirozhki for picnics or road trips, because they’re easy to pack and incredibly satisfying.
9. Golubtsy
Golubtsy is made up of cabbage leaves that are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat and rice and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
This dish is a labor of love, but the results are worth it.
The cabbage leaves become tender and the filling absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
It’s a comforting and hearty meal that reminds me of home.
10. Kasha (Buckwheat Porridge)
Kasha is a traditional Russian porridge that is made from buckwheat.
It’s often served as a side dish or a main course with various toppings like mushrooms, onions, or even milk and sugar for a sweet version.
I enjoy kasha for its nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
It’s a nutritious and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any meal of the day.
11. Olivier Salad (Russian Potato Salad)
Olivier Salad is a festive potato salad that’s a must at any Russian celebration.
It is usually made with boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, pickles, and a mix of meats, all bound together with mayonnaise.
I love the combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing in this salad.
It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts.
12. Vinegret (Beet Salad)
Vinegret is a vibrant beet salad that consists of cooked beets, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and sometimes sauerkraut or peas.
It’s dressed with sunflower oil and a touch of vinegar.
This salad is both colorful and nutritious.
I often prepare it as a side dish.
13. Shashlik
Shashlik is a type of skewered and grilled meat that is similar to kebabs.
The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of vinegar, onions, and spices before being grilled to perfection.
The meat is always juicy and flavorful, with a nice smoky char from the grill.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
14. Khachapuri
Khachapuri is a Georgian dish that’s very popular in Russia.
It’s a cheese-filled bread that’s often topped with an egg and a pat of butter.
The bread is soft and fluffy, while the cheese is melty and gooey.
I don’t ever find myself resisting khachapuri—it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
The combination of warm bread and cheese is just heavenly.
15. Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes)
Syrniki are delicious cheese pancakes that are made from farmer’s cheese, eggs, and flour.
They’re often served with sour cream, honey, or jam.
I enjoy making syrniki for breakfast—they’re slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Plus they have a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet toppings.
16. Kholodets (Aspic)
Kholodets is a savory meat jelly that is made from simmered meat broth, and it is usually cooked with pork or beef.
The broth is poured into molds and chilled until it sets into a gelatinous consistency.
It’s often served with mustard or horseradish.
I know it sounds unusual, but kholodets is actually quite tasty.
17. Uha (Fish Soup)
Uha is a traditional Russian fish soup that is made with freshwater fish, potatoes, onions, and herbs.
The broth is light and flavorful, allowing the delicate taste of the fish to shine.
You’ll enjoy this meal better if you make it during the summer with freshly caught fish.
18. Kotleti (Russian Meat Patties)
Kotleti are Russian meat patties made from ground meat.
It typically consists of a mix of beef and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs and onions.
They’re pan-fried until golden brown and served with potatoes or vegetables.
19. Plov (Pilaf)
Plov is a flavorful rice dish that is made with meat, onions, carrots, and a variety of spices.
It’s similar to pilaf and is especially popular in Central Asia.
The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the meat and spices, giving each bite a burst of taste.
I love serving plov at dinner parties—it’s impressive and always gets rave reviews.
20. Rassolnik (Pickle Soup)
Rassolnik is a unique Russian soup made with pickles, potatoes, and barley.
In some cases, meat is added to the ingredients.
The pickles add a tangy flavor that’s balanced by the richness of the meat and the earthiness of the barley.
I was surprised by how much I liked rassolnik when I first tried it—the combination of flavors is unexpectedly delightful.
21. Medovik (Honey Cake)
Medovik is a layered honey cake with a creamy filling.
The cake layers are made with honey, which gives them a rich flavor, and they’re sandwiched together with a creamy filling.
They are often made with sour cream or condensed milk.
Medovik is one of my favorite desserts.
It is sweet, but not overly so, and the honey adds a lovely depth of flavor.
22. Napoleon Cake
Napoleon Cake is a multi-layered pastry dessert with alternating layers of puff pastry and creamy custard.
It’s similar to the French mille-feuille.
The layers are tender and the custard is rich and creamy, plus it’s always a showstopper and tastes divine.
23. Kurnik (Chicken Pie)
Kurnik is a traditional Russian chicken pie that is filled with a mixture of chicken, rice, and mushrooms, all wrapped in a pastry crust.
This hearty pie is often served during celebrations.
The filling is rich and flavorful, and the crust is perfectly flaky.
24. Priyannik (Russian Gingerbread)
Priyannik are traditional Russian gingerbread cookies that are often decorated with intricate designs.
They’re flavored with honey and a mix of spices, making them fragrant and delicious.
I love making priyannik during the holidays—the process is fun, and they make wonderful gifts.
Plus, they taste amazing with a cup of tea.
25. Zefir (Russian Marshmallow)
Zefir is a Russian confection similar to marshmallows but with a more delicate and airy texture.
They’re made with fruit puree, sugar, and egg whites, and often flavored with apple or berry.
Zefir is one of my favorite sweets—they’re light, fruity, and not overly sweet.
They’re a perfect option for a light dessert or a sweet snack.
26. Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)
Khachapuri is a Georgian dish that’s also popular in Russia.
It’s a cheese-filled bread that’s often topped with an egg and a pat of butter.
The bread is soft and fluffy, while the cheese is melty and gooey.
I can never resist khachapuri—it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
27. Pirog (Russian Pie)
Pirog is a traditional Russian pie that can be filled with sweet or savory fillings.
Popular fillings include apples, berries, meat, or cabbage.
The crust is typically made with a yeast dough, making it soft and tender.
28. Kissel (Fruit Drink)
Kissel is a Russian fruit drink that’s thickened with cornstarch or potato starch.
It can be made with a variety of fruits, like berries, apples, or plums.
The texture is somewhere between a drink and a dessert.
29. Ptichye Moloko (Bird’s Milk Cake)
Ptichye Moloko, or Bird’s Milk Cake, is a delicate Russian dessert that is made with a fluffy mousse-like filling and a thin layer of chocolate glaze.
The filling is light and airy, often made with egg whites and sugar.
This cake is one of my favorites—it’s light, creamy, and has just the right amount of sweetness.
30. Kvass
Kvass is a traditional Russian beverage that is made from fermented rye bread.
It has a slightly tangy, sweet, and malty flavor.
Kvass is often enjoyed as a refreshing drink, especially in the summer.
I first tried kvass at a Russian festival and was pleasantly surprised by its unique taste.
It’s a great alternative to soda and perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
