Moscow is not only a city steeped in history but also one with a rich culinary tradition, and Russian breakfasts are no exception. A traditional Russian breakfast offers a mix of hearty, savory, and sweet dishes that provide the energy needed for a busy day in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty porridge or a lighter option, Moscow has plenty of spots where you can enjoy an authentic, delicious breakfast that reflects the local flavors and culinary customs. Here’s how you can enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast in Moscow.
1. Start with Kasha (Porridge)
Why It’s Important
Kasha (a type of porridge made from various grains) is the quintessential traditional Russian breakfast. It has been a staple in Russian cuisine for centuries, loved for its nutritional value and versatility. In Russia, kasha can be made from buckwheat, oats, semolina, or rice, and it is often served with butter, sugar, or milk to add flavor.
What to Expect
- Buckwheat Kasha: Buckwheat is one of the most common grains used in kasha. It is often served with a dollop of butter or milk, and sometimes topped with jam or honey. It’s a savory or sweet breakfast depending on your preference.
- Rice or Oatmeal: For a variation, you might also encounter rice kasha or oatmeal (often called “ovsyanka”), typically served with butter, sugar, or fresh fruit.
- Nutritious and Hearty: Kasha is a filling breakfast that provides a nutrient-rich start to the day, giving you energy for a busy day of exploring Moscow.
Where to Try It
- Café Pushkin: Known for its classic Russian cuisine, Café Pushkin offers an authentic and luxurious atmosphere where you can enjoy a traditional Russian kasha made with high-quality ingredients.
- Varenichnaya №1: This casual yet cozy spot serves various types of kasha, often with a rich, creamy texture and sweet toppings like jam, perfect for a more relaxed morning.
2. Blini (Russian Pancakes)
Why It’s Important
Another beloved item in the Russian breakfast tradition is blini—thin, crepe-like pancakes. These can be served with both savory and sweet fillings, making them incredibly versatile. Whether topped with sour cream, jam, honey, or caviar, blini are a perfect addition to any breakfast table in Russia.
What to Expect
- Sweet Blini: Often served with a variety of jam or sour cream. You might find blini topped with condensed milk, cottage cheese, or even fresh berries depending on the season.
- Savory Blini: Blini can also be stuffed with savory fillings such as mushrooms, caviar, or cheese. For a more hearty option, you might find them served with sour cream or smoked salmon.
- Varieties: While traditional blini are made from wheat flour, you can also find regional variations that use buckwheat flour, giving the pancakes a deeper, nutty flavor.
Where to Try It
- Teremok: A popular chain in Moscow that specializes in blini and other traditional Russian fast food. They offer sweet and savory blini, served with a range of fillings and toppings.
- Blini and Pancakes House: A cozy place where you can enjoy both traditional Russian blini and modern takes on this classic dish. This spot is a great choice for a hearty start to the day.
3. Oladi (Russian Mini Pancakes)
Why It’s Important
Oladi are smaller, fluffier Russian pancakes, similar to American pancakes, but often a bit thicker. They are typically enjoyed for breakfast and are served with sour cream, honey, or jam.
What to Expect
- Fluffy and Light: Oladi are smaller and thicker than regular blini, often served in stacks with a variety of toppings. They are usually served with sour cream or berry jam and are perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
- Mini Pancakes: Sometimes you’ll find them served in larger portions, but the classic way to eat them is in smaller, bite-sized portions, perfect for a snack or a casual breakfast.
Where to Try It
- Kofeina: A cozy café in Moscow known for its quality coffee and Russian-style breakfast offerings, including oladi. Enjoy these fluffy pancakes with a strong cup of coffee to start your day.
- Café Melrose: Offering a range of sweet and savory breakfast options, Café Melrose also serves traditional Russian oladi, often topped with fresh berries and sour cream.
4. Syrniki (Cottage Cheese Pancakes)
Why It’s Important
Syrniki are Russian cheese pancakes made from cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, flour, and eggs. These little pancakes are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and typically served with sour cream or jam.
What to Expect
- Cottage Cheese Pancakes: Syrniki are typically pan-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. They are often served with a dollop of sour cream, honey, or berry jam for added flavor.
- Fluffy Texture: The cottage cheese gives syrniki a light, fluffy texture, making them a filling yet satisfying breakfast.
Where to Try It
- Café Pushkin: Along with traditional kasha and blini, Café Pushkin serves authentic syrniki, often paired with seasonal berries and sour cream.
- Varenichnaya №1: This casual Russian café is a great place to enjoy syrniki with a sweet jam or a dollop of thick sour cream.
5. Pirozhki (Stuffed Buns)
Why It’s Important
Pirozhki are small, stuffed buns filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, potatoes, cabbage, or berries. When it comes to breakfast, the berry-filled pirozhki are a popular choice, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
What to Expect
- Berry Pirozhki: These sweet buns are often filled with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or cherries, creating a juicy and flavorful filling inside a soft, fluffy dough.
- Savory Versions: While berry-filled pirozhki are a popular breakfast choice, you can also find savory versions filled with meat, cabbage, or potatoes.
Where to Try It
- Pirozhki and Buns Bakery: Specializing in traditional pirozhki, this bakery in Moscow offers a wide variety, including sweet berry-filled pirozhki that are perfect for breakfast.
- Koshka: Known for their homemade pastries, Koshka serves delicious berry pirozhki, often paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a perfect breakfast.
6. Russian Tea with Honey
Why It’s Important
A traditional Russian breakfast is often accompanied by a hot cup of tea, which is typically served with honey. Russian tea is an essential part of the breakfast experience and pairs wonderfully with pastries like medovik, blini, or syrniki.
What to Expect
- Russian Tea: Tea in Russia is usually strong, and it’s often served from a samovar (a traditional Russian tea urn), accompanied by honey and sugar. Some cafés offer herbal tea blends that pair well with honey, especially during the colder months.
- Honey as a Sweetener: Honey is a quintessential Russian sweetener, often added to tea or served alongside pastries like blini and pirozhki.
Where to Try It
- Teplo: A cozy café that specializes in Russian tea and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a cup of strong Russian tea served with a variety of honey options and traditional Russian pastries.
- Café Tverskoy: Located in the heart of Moscow, this café offers Russian tea served with honey, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast.
Conclusion
Moscow is the perfect place to indulge in a traditional Russian breakfast filled with comforting dishes like kasha, blini, syrniki, and pirozhki, all enhanced by the sweetness of honey. Whether you’re enjoying a decadent medovik cake at Café Pushkin or savoring a warm cup of tea with honey at Teplo, Moscow’s breakfast spots offer a wide range of flavors and experiences to start your day off right. So, next time you’re in the city, be sure to try these traditional Russian breakfast dishes to get a true taste of Russian culture and hospitality.
