Moscow is a culinary paradise, offering a wide range of delicious Russian delicacies, including smoked fish, which is a beloved part of Russian cuisine. Whether you’re craving traditional salmon, sturgeon, or herring, or seeking other Russian delicacies like caviar, pickles, and cured meats, Moscow has an abundance of specialty stores, markets, and delicatessens to satisfy your cravings. Here’s a guide to the best places in Moscow where you can buy smoked fish and other Russian delicacies.
1. GUM (State Department Store)
Why It’s Important
GUM, Moscow’s iconic shopping center located next to Red Square, is a great place to find high-quality smoked fish and Russian delicacies. The mall is home to several specialty food shops offering an assortment of Russian gourmet products, including smoked fish, caviar, and fine cheeses.
What to Expect
- Russian Smoked Fish: The food halls in GUM offer a selection of smoked salmon, sturgeon, and other fish varieties, all sourced from renowned Russian producers. These fish are often prepared with traditional methods, ensuring an authentic taste.
- Caviar and More: GUM is famous for its caviar stalls, where you can find premium beluga and osetra caviar, alongside other delicacies like pickles, sauces, and gourmet chocolates.
- Premium Quality: Many of the products sold in GUM’s food section are from high-end brands and offer a luxury culinary experience.
Why It’s Great
- Historical Setting: Shopping for Russian delicacies in the historic and luxurious setting of GUM adds an extra element of charm to your experience.
- Wide Selection: With various premium food stores under one roof, GUM is a top spot for those looking to buy smoked fish and other gourmet delicacies.
2. Izmailovo Vernissage Market
Why It’s Important
If you’re looking for authentic smoked fish and other Russian specialties at more affordable prices, Izmailovo Vernissage Market is the place to go. Located a short distance from the city center, this market offers an impressive selection of local delicacies.
What to Expect
- Smoked Fish: You’ll find a variety of smoked fish, including salmon, sturgeon, and herring, all prepared in traditional Russian styles. Many of the vendors at this market sell handmade or locally sourced smoked fish.
- Russian Delicacies: In addition to fish, the market is a great place to find other Russian treats, including pickles, kvas, sauces, and traditional baked goods like pirozhki and blini.
- Handcrafted Goods: The market also features a wide range of handcrafted Russian products, such as wooden toys, matryoshka dolls, and ceramics, making it a great place to find authentic souvenirs.
Why It’s Great
- Affordability: Compared to other high-end stores, Izmailovo Vernissage offers reasonably priced smoked fish and delicacies, making it a fantastic option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Authentic Russian Atmosphere: The market offers a unique and authentic experience, where you can enjoy shopping for Russian delicacies while immersing yourself in the local culture.
3. Tsar’s Fish (Tsarskaya Ryba)
Why It’s Important
Tsar’s Fish is one of Moscow’s top specialty stores for premium smoked fish and other luxury seafood products. This shop is dedicated to providing the finest smoked salmon, sturgeon, and other delicacies sourced from Russian waters.
What to Expect
- Smoked Fish Selection: Tsar’s Fish specializes in a wide range of smoked fish, from the classic smoked salmon to more luxurious varieties like smoked sturgeon and oscietra caviar.
- High-Quality Products: The store prides itself on selling the highest quality smoked fish, with products that are carefully sourced and prepared using traditional methods.
- Exclusive Delicacies: Tsar’s Fish also offers other gourmet items such as caviar, seafood spreads, and fish pâtés, making it a one-stop shop for Russian luxury food products.
Why It’s Great
- Premium Selection: Tsar’s Fish offers top-tier products, perfect for those seeking the finest smoked fish and Russian seafood delicacies.
- Sophisticated Atmosphere: The store provides a luxurious shopping experience, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through their extensive range of premium products.
4. Central Food Market (Tsentralny Rynok)
Why It’s Important
Located in Moscow’s center, the Central Food Market is one of the best places in the city to find fresh and affordable Russian delicacies, including smoked fish, meats, cheeses, and much more. The market is a favorite among locals for its wide selection of high-quality goods.
What to Expect
- Smoked Fish: The Central Food Market offers a selection of smoked fish, such as salmon, herring, and sturgeon, at a more accessible price than some of the luxury retailers. You can buy fish either by weight or pre-packaged.
- Russian Specialties: The market is home to various stands selling Russian sausages, pickles, caviar, fresh dairy, and other local treats. You can also find a variety of prepared dishes, such as solyanka (a traditional Russian soup) and borscht.
- Freshness: The market is known for its fresh products, which are sourced locally, ensuring that you get high-quality smoked fish and other items.
Why It’s Great
- Affordable Prices: The Central Food Market offers an excellent selection of smoked fish and Russian delicacies at reasonable prices, making it a great option for those seeking value for money.
- Authentic Experience: The market offers a genuine taste of Moscow’s culinary culture, with a wide variety of locally produced foods and goods.
5. Moscow’s Gourmet Stores (VkusVill and Azbuka Vkusa)
Why It’s Important
For those who prefer shopping in supermarkets but still want access to premium smoked fish and other gourmet Russian delicacies, VkusVill and Azbuka Vkusa are two of the top stores to visit. These high-end grocery chains feature a great selection of smoked fish and fine foods.
What to Expect
- Premium Smoked Fish: Both VkusVill and Azbuka Vkusa carry an impressive selection of smoked fish, including salmon, trout, and sturgeon, from both local producers and international brands.
- Caviar and Other Delicacies: These stores also offer premium Russian caviar, pickled vegetables, and sauces, allowing you to create a full Russian delicacy feast.
- Convenience: With locations across Moscow, these supermarkets are convenient for those who prefer to shop for high-quality smoked fish and other products in a more traditional supermarket setting.
Why It’s Great
- Convenience and Quality: VkusVill and Azbuka Vkusa offer both convenience and premium quality, making it easy to find gourmet Russian fish and other specialty items without the need for specialized markets.
- Wide Range: These stores carry a broad variety of smoked fish, cheeses, meats, and more, making them ideal for one-stop shopping.
6. Farmers’ Markets (Danilovsky Market, Dorogomilovsky Market)
Why It’s Important
For those looking for fresh, locally-sourced smoked fish and Russian delicacies, Moscow’s farmers’ markets are excellent options. Danilovsky Market and Dorogomilovsky Market are two of the most popular farmers’ markets where you can find fresh, high-quality smoked fish and other Russian specialties.
What to Expect
- Smoked Fish: Both markets offer a variety of smoked fish, including herring, salmon, and smoked sturgeon, often at competitive prices. Many fish vendors specialize in local, fresh products.
- Local Specialties: In addition to fish, you can find other local delicacies, such as cheese, honey, pickled vegetables, and caviar, all produced by local artisans and farmers.
- Fresh and Affordable: The fish sold at these markets is often freshly prepared and sold at affordable prices compared to more upscale retailers.
Why It’s Great
- Fresh and Local: These markets offer freshly smoked fish sourced from local farms and fisheries, ensuring high quality and taste.
- Authentic Experience: Farmers’ markets offer an authentic experience where you can interact with local producers and sample a wide range of Russian delicacies.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a rich array of places where you can buy smoked fish and other Russian delicacies, each with its own unique charm. Whether you prefer the luxury of GUM, the authentic market atmosphere at Izmailovo Vernissage, or the convenience of supermarkets like VkusVill and Azbuka Vkusa, you’ll find high-quality, delicious options to suit every taste and budget. For the freshest, locally-sourced products, farmers’ markets and specialty stores like Tsar’s Fish provide a more personalized shopping experience, while gourmet stores and supermarkets offer convenience without sacrificing quality. Whatever your preference, Moscow’s culinary scene is sure to satisfy your cravings for smoked fish and other Russian delicacies.
