Top 10 Russian dishes: Discover the quintessence of Russian taste

Russian cuisine is a reflection of the soul and harsh climate of the land of ice and snow - where each dish carries within it a story of resilience, hospitality and passionate love for the homeland. From lavish royal banquets to simple meals of ordinary people, the flavors of Russia always contain unforgettable charm. Join Vietravel on a journey to discover the Top 10 Russian dishes - to fully experience the cultural quintessence, the sophistication in taste and the slow but profound pace of life of this great country.

Việt Nam•07/10/2025

1. Borscht

Borscht – the famous red beetroot soup has become Russia's " culinary ambassador" (Photo source: Collected)

When it comes to Russian cuisine, it is impossible not to mention Borscht – the famous red beetroot soup that has become the “culinary ambassador” of the land of the White Birch. Borscht is attractive because of its characteristic red color from beets, combined with beef, cabbage, carrots and potatoes, creating a rich and warm flavor.

Russians often enjoy Borscht with a spoonful of rich sour cream and a slice of black bread, symbolizing prosperity and happiness in each family. When joining a tour to Russia with Vietravel , visitors will easily find this dish at every traditional restaurant - from luxurious Moscow to ancient Saint Petersburg.

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2. Pelmeni

Pelmeni is a steamed meat pie that represents traditional Russian cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

Pelmeni are steamed meat dumplings that are a classic Russian dish. A thin, soft dough encases a filling of seasoned minced pork, beef, or lamb, then simmers in a fragrant broth.

This is an indispensable dish in cold winter days, when the whole family gathers together. Russians believe that Pelmeni symbolizes reunion, abundance and luck. When traveling to Russia with Vietravel, you will have the opportunity to wrap the cake yourself and enjoy hot Pelmeni in the cold air, feeling the simple happiness of the local people.

3. Blini

Blini is a symbol of the sun - hope, rebirth and new beginnings (Image source: Collected)

In Russian cuisine, Blini are a symbol of the sun – hope, rebirth and new beginnings. The paper-thin, golden and soft pancakes are served with honey, sour cream, salted salmon or black caviar.

Blini often appears in the Maslenitsa festival - the week of farewell to winter. When joining Vietravel's Russia tour, visitors can enjoy Blini in the vibrant festival atmosphere, with folk music and the fragrant smell of butter spreading throughout the streets.

4. Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is one of the most famous dishes of Russian cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

Beef Stroganoff is one of the most famous dishes of Russian cuisine, created in the 19th century for the nobility. The tender beef is stir-fried with onions, mushrooms and a creamy sour cream sauce, creating a luxurious, rich but not greasy flavor.

Today, Beef Stroganoff has gone beyond the borders of Russia, becoming a favorite dish all over the world . When participating in Vietravel Russia tour, you will enjoy the original version of this dish at long-standing restaurants in Saint Petersburg - where the dish was born.

5. Shchi

Shchi is the soul of Russian folk cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

If Borscht is a symbol of freshness, then Shchi – cabbage soup – is the soul of Russian folk cuisine. For hundreds of years, Shchi has been present in all levels of Russian society, a simple but heartwarming dish.

The main ingredients include cabbage, potatoes, carrots, beef or chicken, which are slowly stewed for many hours to create a naturally sweet broth. When going on a tour of Russia with Vietravel, visitors can find Shchi in family restaurants, where the traditional recipe is still preserved for many generations.

6. Olivier Salad

Olivier salad is an indispensable choice, especially on New Year's Eve (Photo source: Collected)

In any Russian culinary feast, especially on New Year's Eve, Olivier salad is an indispensable choice. Created by the French chef Lucien Olivier in the 19th century, this salad combines boiled potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas, pickles and chicken, mixed with a rich mayonnaise sauce. When enjoying Russian cuisine on the occasion of the holiday with Vietravel, you will see this salad appear on most banquet tables, as a wish for a new beginning, happiness and prosperity.

7. Pirozhki

Pirozhki is a small, cute cake with a variety of fillings (Image source: Collected)

Pirozhki are small, baked or fried pastries filled with a variety of fillings, including meat, potatoes, cabbage, or apples. In Russian cuisine, Pirozhki are a popular street food that is both convenient and delicious.

Russians often take Pirozhki with them on long trips, because of their delicious taste and easy storage. When traveling to Russia, you can buy Pirozhki at any train station or street corner – a simple but authentic culinary experience.

8. Kholodets

Kholodets is a dish that shows the creativity of Russian cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

Kholodets is a dish that demonstrates the creativity of Russian cuisine in utilizing ingredients and adapting to the cold climate. Pork or beef is simmered, then cooled so that the broth solidifies into a natural jelly.

Although its appearance is somewhat strange to tourists, the taste of Kholodets is very special - fragrant, fatty and rich. When joining Vietravel Russia tour, you can try this dish at traditional family parties, often served with black bread and spicy mustard.

9. Syrniki

Syrniki – crispy fried cheese cakes (Photo source: Collected)

Russian cuisine not only has rich savory dishes but also conquers diners with delicate sweet dishes, typically Syrniki - crispy fried cheese cakes. The outside has a light buttery aroma, the inside is soft and creamy with the taste of fresh cheese, often served with honey or berry jam. When coming to Russia in the fall - winter with Vietravel, a chilly morning with a cup of hot tea and a plate of Syrniki will be an unforgettable sweet experience.

10. Caviar

Caviar - a symbol of luxury and sophistication (Image source: Collected)

The journey to explore Russian cuisine cannot end without mentioning Caviar - black caviar, a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once considered "black gold" on the royal banquet table, Caviar is a dish that represents the class and long-standing culinary tradition of Russia. When joining the Russian tour with Vietravel, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy original Caviar from the Caspian Sea - the birthplace of the world's most premium caviar.

Russian cuisine is not only the art of cooking, but also the story of history, people and national identity. Each dish is a slice of deep culture, where taste blends with emotions, and flavor blends with memories. Let Vietravel accompany you on the journey to discover Russian cuisine, not only to enjoy famous dishes, but also to touch the soul of Russia - where tradition and modernity blend in every breath.

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Source of article: Collected and compiled
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