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Authentic Russian street food is something of a culinary adventure especially when you find yourself walking on the streets of Moscow. Street kiosks are common around Moscow and these kiosks sell an assortment of local goodies some of which have that usual tinge of western culture like the sasiski which is a hotdog or the pelmeni which are dumplings and look very Asian.
Russian cuisine is not surprisingly extensive being the largest country in the globe. Russia’s food has a variety of influences from east to west and a multi-cultural race. However, one can say that the basics of Russian food can be found in the rural villages where peasant food is cooked daily. The country is also subject to difficult winters and hot summers, there are a lot of stews and seasonal produce.
The foreign influences in food came in during the 16th century onwards when pasta, wine, chocolate, wine and smoked meats were introduced. These ingredients were incorporated into the local cuisine which is reason not to be surprised to find the occasional odd ingredient in your Russian food.
The common Russian street foods you will find and should try are:
Russian Crepes – One of the top brands selling Russian crepes is Teremok. This is a chain of kiosks all around the city serving blinchiki or crepes. They offer a variety of crepe fillings like butter, sweet fillings, and caviar. The crepes are cooked before you and served brown on the outside and a tempting orange inside.
Kyas – This is a sweet Russian malt drink, a soft drink which is served during summer. You have a choice between a fruity or herbal drink and should be drank cold. During the winter months, the kyas are off the streets but can found in convenience stores and groceries.
Potatoes – There is one king of street potatoes in Russia known as Kroshka Kartoshka, or the “little potato.” These are the Russian version of baked potatoes with toppings sold at very reasonable prices. The company has been so successful with their kiosks they have ventured into restaurants with a more extensive menu. They also sell sandwiches but it’s the potatoes that everyone lines up for.
Other excellent kiosks to try out are the shaurma, locally made ice cream, burgers with manchego cheese sauce, hot cocoa, rice or noodle boxes, hot cheesebreads, chicken wraps, hot tea, wood-fired pizza, borsch, fish sticks, salads, and of course, the Russian pies and pancakes.
Finally, aside from looking at the kiosks on the streets, drop by public areas like parks and skating rinks and there you will find an amazing array of food choices that sometimes stay open up to late at night if weather permits.