What to Eat in Moscow?

16.08.2024
35
Reading Time: 18 minutes
A+
A-
What to Eat in Moscow?

Moskova, is a city that has hosted many civilizations throughout history and has been a meeting point for different cultures. This rich cultural past is also reflected in Moscow's cuisine, which has become a gastronomic paradise where different flavors and recipes meet. In this article, we will examine Moscow's food and drink culture in more depth, and offer a wide perspective from the city's street food to luxury restaurants, historical food habits to modern vegetarian and vegan options.

Moscow's Food and Drink Culture

Moscow, in addition to being the capital of Russia, also stands out with its rich historical past and cosmopolitan structure. The city's food and drink culture covers a wide time period from the Russian Empire to the Soviet period and post-Soviet modern Moscow. During this period, Moscow cuisine has evolved due to many different factors.

Historical development

The roots of Russian cuisine are based on the traditions of different peoples located in the vast geography of Russia. Slavic cuisine was fundamentally shaped in this process, which began with the establishment of the Kievan Rus' state in the 9th century. From the Middle Ages on, Moscow became the center of East Slavic culture, and this led to the enrichment of the cuisine. With the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the 15th century, the city became the main center of Russian cuisine.

Moscow cuisine began to feel the influence of French and German cuisines in the 18th century as a result of Tsarist Russia's increasing interaction with the West. During this period, French chefs began to work in the homes of the nobility in Moscow, and this greatly contributed to the enrichment of Russian cuisine. However, during the Soviet Union, the culinary culture shifted towards simpler and more accessible dishes. Among the dishes popular in Moscow during this period were traditional Russian dishes such as Borscht, Pelmeni and Olivier salad.

The Modern Era and Cultural Diversity

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow rapidly modernized under the influence of globalization. From the 1990s onwards, the number of restaurants in the city increased rapidly and venues offering different cuisines began to open. Today, Moscow stands out as a gastronomic center where you can experience cuisines from all over the world.

The food and beverage culture in Moscow is not limited to traditional Russian cuisine. Especially in recent years, Asia Restaurants inspired by world cuisines such as Italian cuisine, French cuisine have also become popular. Many restaurants in the city offer modern and creative dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.

Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Moscow

Borscht

Borscht is one of the most well-known soups not only in Moscow but also in Eastern Europe in general. Although this soup is known to be of Ukrainian origin, it is an indispensable part of Russian cuisine. The main ingredient of borscht is beetroot, which is why the soup has a dark red color. Meat (usually beef), cabbage, potatoes, carrots and onions are added to borscht. After cooking, it is served with sour cream on top. Borscht is preferred as a warm and filling meal on cold winter days in Moscow.

Pelmeni

Pelmeni is a type of dumplings made with minced meat inside small round pastries. Pelmeni, usually made with pork, beef or lamb, are quite popular in Moscow. Pelmeni is boiled in boiling water and served with butter, sour cream or vinegar. This delicious dish is widely consumed both in restaurants and at home. Pelmeni, one of the cornerstones of traditional Russian cuisine, is preferred as a hot meal, especially in the winter months.

Blini

Blini are thin Russian pancakes and have an important place in Russian cuisine. Blini are made from flour, milk, eggs and salt and are usually consumed sweet or savoury. The most common ways to serve them are with caviar, smoked fish, honey or sour cream. Blini are often made on special occasions and at celebrations in Russia. Blini play an important role, especially in the traditional Russian Winter Festival known as Maslenitsa.

Shashlik (Shashlik)

Shashlik is a type of barbecued shish kebab and is very popular in Moscow, especially in the summer months. Shashlik is usually made with lamb, beef or chicken meat and marinated with onions and various spices. Shashlik is often consumed at outdoor events, picnics and festivals. Many restaurants in Moscow serve traditional Russian shashlik and this delicacy is often very popular with the locals.

Piroshki

Piroshki are small stuffed pastries that have an important place in Russian cuisine. Piroshki are usually baked in the oven and filled with ingredients such as meat, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms. There are also sweet piroshki varieties, which can be filled with jam, apples, or fruit. Easily available from street vendors or bakeries in Moscow, piroshki are a favorite snack of both locals and tourists.

Must-Try Drinks in Moscow

Vodka

Vodka is the most well-known drink in Moscow and Russia in general. In Russia, vodka is not just a drink, but also a cultural icon. Many bars and restaurants in Moscow offer a variety of vodka brands. Many restaurants also offer locally produced specialty vodkas. In Russia, vodka is usually drunk neat, in small sips. It is a popular choice for warming up in cold weather.

kvass

Kvass is a fermented beverage, usually made from bread. This low-alcohol beverage has a slightly sweet and sour taste. Kvass, consumed cold in the summer months, can be found in Moscow both in markets and street vendors. Kvass is preferred as a refreshing drink, especially in the summer months, and is one of the indispensable drinks of Russian cuisine.

medovukha

Medovukha is a honey-based drink and one of the oldest traditional drinks of Russia. This drink is made by fermenting honey and has a low alcohol content and slightly sweet taste. Medovukha is consumed in Russia especially during festivals and special occasions. In Moscow, you can try Medovukha in traditional Russian restaurants. It is a pleasant experience to enjoy this drink in a warm environment, especially during the cold winter months.

Modern Gastronomy in Moscow

Moscow has become a pioneer city not only in its traditional cuisine but also in modern gastronomy. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants and venues inspired by world cuisine.

White Rabbit

White Rabbit is one of the most famous restaurants in Moscow and is known worldwide. The restaurant represents modern Russian cuisine and reinterprets traditional recipes with modern cooking techniques. White Rabbit is especially notable for its creative presentation and unique view. In 2015, the restaurant was included in the list of the world's 50 best restaurants and with this success it brought Moscow to the international gastronomic stage.

Twins Garden

Twins Garden is another notable restaurant in Moscow that embraces the farm-to-table concept. Founded by twin brothers Ivan and Sergey Berezutskiy, this restaurant serves dishes made with organic and local produce from Moscow. The restaurant has its own farm, where vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products are used in the dishes on the menu. Twins Garden is a major gastronomic destination in Moscow that attracts both local and international visitors.

Pushkin Cafe

Café Pushkin is one of the most iconic restaurants in Moscow. This restaurant reflects the atmosphere of the 19th century Russian aristocracy and offers its guests a historical experience. The menu includes traditional Russian dishes as well as dishes prepared with a modern touch. With its elegant interior and historical atmosphere, Café Pushkin offers you a journey through time rather than a meal in Moscow.

Street Food in Moscow

Moscow is also a very rich city in terms of street food. You can find the opportunity to taste local delicacies all around the city.

Samsa

Samsa is a delicacy similar to börek in Turkish cuisine and is a triangular pastry usually filled with meat, potatoes or cheese. Samsa is a delicacy that came to Moscow from the cuisines of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. This snack, often offered by street vendors in Moscow, is quite filling and delicious when consumed hot.

Chebureki

Chebureki is a type of pastry made of thin dough filled with minced meat and fried. This flavor, which came to Moscow from the Tatar cuisine, is quite popular in the city. Chebureki is often preferred as a quick snack on the streets of Moscow and is usually served hot. Crispy on the outside and delicious and hot on the inside, this pastry is a flavor that will warm you up on a cold Moscow day.

Poncik

Ponchik is a Russian bagel or donut-like dessert. Usually covered in sugar or filled with jam, ponchik is a delicacy you can often find on the streets of Moscow. Consumed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, ponchik pairs perfectly with hot chocolate or coffee. This dessert is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

Tips for Eating and Drinking in Moscow

Dining out in Moscow is a great opportunity to experience a wide range of different flavors, but it’s worth paying attention to some tips to make the most of your dining experience in this big city.

Get Help from Local Guides

There are many restaurants and places to eat in Moscow. However, it can be helpful to get recommendations from local guides to experience the best flavors. A Moscow resident can give you information about both quality and affordable restaurants. Also, trying the locals’ favorite places instead of the tourist spots gives you an authentic experience.

Explore Street Markets

There are many street markets in Moscow where you can find fresh produce, local snacks and traditional dishes. Danilovsky Market and Izmailovsky Market are among the must-visit places in Moscow. At these markets, you can mingle with the locals, buy fresh fruit and vegetables and taste the local delicacies.

Tipping Etiquette

In Moscow, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% in restaurants. However, some restaurants may include a service charge in your bill, so it is worth checking. It may be a good idea to adjust the tip amount according to the quality of service, especially in upscale restaurants.

Safe Drinking Water

Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink in Moscow, so bottled water is preferable. Restaurants often serve bottled water, so be sure to ask for bottled water when ordering drinks with your meal.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Moscow

Although Moscow has traditionally had a meat-heavy cuisine, many vegetarian and vegan restaurants and cafes have opened in recent years, showing how diverse and innovative Moscow’s gastronomic scene is.

Jagannath

Jagannath is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Moscow. Its menu features many dishes inspired by international cuisine, especially Indian. Vegan options are also available. Jagannath attracts both locals and tourists with its affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere.

Avocado Cafe

Avocado Cafe is one of the vegan-friendly places in Moscow. It serves dishes made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Avocado Cafe is an ideal place, especially for those who follow a healthy lifestyle. Its menu includes options such as fresh salads, vegan burgers and smoothies.

Fresh

Fresh is another popular restaurant in Moscow that serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Serving modern and healthy cuisine, Fresh is especially famous for its fresh juices and vegan desserts. The restaurant is located in the city center and attracts a lot of attention from both locals and tourists.

Desserts and Pastries in Moscow

Moscow's food culture is also enriched with desserts and pastries. Along with traditional Russian sweets, modern desserts and cakes are also very popular in the city.

Medovik (Honey Cake)

Medovik is one of the most popular desserts in Russian cuisine. This honey cake is made with honey cream spread between thin layers of cake and is usually decorated with walnuts. Medovik is a dessert that has won the appreciation of both locals and tourists and can be found in many pastry shops in Moscow.

Sirniki

Sirniki is a type of cheese pancake that is often consumed for breakfast in Russian cuisine. This dessert, which contains fresh curd cheese, is usually served with sour cream, honey or jam. Sirniki is especially loved by children and is included in the breakfast menu of many cafes in Moscow.

Ptichye Moloko (Bird's Milk Cake)

Ptichye Moloko is another dessert that is quite popular in Moscow. This dessert is made with sponge cake and a soft, mousse-like milk filling. It is usually served with chocolate sauce on top. Ptichye Moloko can be found in both bakeries and restaurants in Moscow.

Food and Drink Festivals in Moscow

Moscow hosts many food and drink festivals throughout the year, allowing both locals and tourists to discover new tastes.

Moscow Gastronomy Festival

The Moscow Gastronomic Festival is a grand event held every year, where chefs and cuisines from all over the world come together. At this festival, you will have the opportunity to try local and international delicacies, meet famous chefs and attend various cooking workshops.

Maslenitsa (Pancake Week)

Maslenitsa is one of the oldest and most famous festivals in Russia. Held to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring, blinis (Russian pancakes) play a leading role in this festival. Different varieties of blinis are offered at stands set up all around Moscow during the festival. In addition, various events and shows add to the festive atmosphere.

Moscow fascinates its visitors not only with its historical and cultural richness but also with its wide range of cuisine. From traditional Russian dishes to modern gastronomy wonders, from street food to international cuisine, it is possible to find an option to suit every taste in Moscow.

On your next trip to Moscow, don't forget to try the flavors suggested in this article. This city will offer you not only a vacation but also a unique gastronomic experience. Thanks to the richness of Russian cuisine and the cosmopolitan structure of Moscow, you will have unforgettable food memories here. You will discover a different taste at every corner and have the opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of Moscow's cuisine.

Write a Comment

Visitor Comments - 0 Comments

There are no comments yet.