Saint Petersburg is a city rich in history, culture, and, of course, food. The city’s food markets are the perfect places to explore the diverse and vibrant flavors of Russian cuisine. From fresh fish to sweet pastries, these markets offer a wide variety of local delicacies that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to sample traditional Russian snacks or unique regional specialties, here are some of the best local delicacies you must try at Saint Petersburg’s food markets.
1. Pirozhki: Delicious Russian Pastries
A Must-Try Russian Snack
One of the most iconic Russian snacks you’ll find at Saint Petersburg’s food markets is the pirozhki—small, stuffed pastries that are both savory and sweet. Whether baked or fried, pirozhki are a staple in Russian street food culture.
What to Expect
- Savory Pirozhki: These are typically filled with meat, potatoes, cabbage, or mushrooms. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, making for a hearty, satisfying bite.
- Sweet Pirozhki: Some markets also offer sweet pirozhki filled with jam, apples, or sweet cheese.
- Fresh and Warm: Freshly baked pirozhki are often sold at food markets, where you can enjoy them hot and ready to eat.
- Insider Tip: Try the meat-filled pirozhki—they are a popular choice and provide a delicious balance of flavors.
2. Blini: Russian Pancakes with Various Fillings
A Russian Classic, Perfect for Any Time of Day
Blini are thin, crepe-like pancakes that are a beloved part of Russian cuisine. Typically eaten during Maslenitsa (Russian pancake week), these pancakes are also available year-round at food markets, where you can enjoy them with a variety of fillings.
What to Expect
- Savory Blini: These are often filled with smoked salmon, caviar, sour cream, or cheese. The salty fillings pair perfectly with the thin, delicate pancakes.
- Sweet Blini: Sweet blini are filled with jam, condensed milk, or chocolate and are often served as a dessert or snack.
- Customizable: Many food stalls allow you to choose your own filling, so you can create your perfect combination.
- Insider Tip: Try the blini with caviar for a truly Russian experience. The richness of the caviar combined with the soft blini is an unforgettable flavor.
3. Pelmeni: Russian Dumplings
A Hearty and Filling Traditional Dish
Pelmeni are another classic Russian dish you’ll find at Saint Petersburg’s food markets. These dumplings are filled with meat (usually a mix of beef and pork) and served with sour cream or broth. Pelmeni are a perfect comfort food, offering a warm, hearty bite.
What to Expect
- Classic Pelmeni: Pelmeni are often served with a dollop of sour cream or vinegar to add tanginess to the rich, flavorful filling.
- Regional Variations: Some markets offer regional variations, including fish pelmeni or vegetarian versions.
- Freshly Made: At food markets, you’ll often find pelmeni made fresh on-site, ensuring that the dough is perfectly tender and the filling is juicy.
- Insider Tip: Pair the pelmeni with a refreshing glass of kvass (a traditional Russian fermented drink) for an authentic meal.
4. Kvass: Traditional Russian Fermented Drink
A Refreshing and Unique Drink
Kvass is a traditional Russian drink made from fermented rye bread. Slightly sweet, tangy, and fizzy, kvass is an iconic Russian beverage that pairs perfectly with many local delicacies at the food markets.
What to Expect
- Freshly Brewed Kvass: Many food market stalls offer freshly brewed kvass, which is light and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness and sourness.
- Variety of Flavors: While traditional kvass is made from rye bread, some stalls also offer variations flavored with fruits, herbs, or even honey.
- Insider Tip: Try kvass with pelmeni or blini—the tangy, fizzy flavors complement the richness of the food perfectly.
5. Kholodets: Russian Meat Jelly
A Traditional Cold Dish
Kholodets is a traditional Russian cold dish made from meat broth that’s been cooled and turned into a jelly-like consistency. It’s a dish often served as a snack or appetizer, typically eaten with mustard or horseradish.
What to Expect
- Tender Meat: Kholodets is made with pork, beef, or chicken, and often includes chunks of meat or vegetables within the jelly.
- Cold, Refreshing Dish: Served chilled, this dish is perfect for hot weather and is often served as a starter at Russian meals.
- Accompaniments: Kholodets is typically paired with a spicy mustard sauce or horseradish, which adds a zesty contrast to the dish’s richness.
- Insider Tip: If you’re looking to try a truly authentic dish, don’t miss kholodets—it’s a unique Russian experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
6. Caviar: A Luxurious Russian Delicacy
The Ultimate Russian Luxury Food
Caviar is one of Russia’s most famous culinary exports, and you can enjoy this luxurious delicacy at several food markets in Saint Petersburg. While it’s usually associated with fine dining, caviar is available in various forms and is often sold in markets for a more accessible experience.
What to Expect
- Black Caviar: Typically, you’ll find black caviar made from sturgeon, which is prized for its delicate, salty flavor.
- Red Caviar: You can also find red caviar made from salmon or other fish, which is slightly milder in flavor but just as popular.
- Accompaniments: Caviar is typically served with blini, crackers, or sliced bread and can be eaten alone or with a dollop of sour cream.
- Insider Tip: For a true taste of Russian luxury, try the caviar with blini at a market stall. The combination of soft pancakes and salty, rich caviar is unbeatable.
7. Solyanka: A Hearty Russian Soup
A Warming and Flavorful Soup
Solyanka is a traditional Russian soup made with meat, pickles, olives, and a tangy broth. It’s a beloved dish in Russia, often served as a starter or a main course.
What to Expect
- Rich, Flavorful Broth: The soup’s broth is hearty and tangy, with pickles and olives adding a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other soups.
- Meaty Options: It’s commonly made with a variety of meats, such as beef, pork, or sausage, giving it a rich, savory base.
- Hearty Meal: Solyanka is a filling dish, perfect for those seeking comfort food on a cold day.
- Insider Tip: Try solyanka at a food market—it’s a great dish to warm you up and give you a taste of classic Russian comfort food.
8. Shashlik: Grilled Skewers of Meat
A Russian Version of Grilled Meat
Shashlik is a popular Russian dish of grilled meat skewers, often enjoyed during picnics or at outdoor markets. The meat is marinated and grilled to perfection, offering smoky and juicy flavors.
What to Expect
- Grilled Skewers: Shashlik is often made with pork, chicken, or lamb, marinated in spices and grilled over an open flame.
- Smoky, Tender Meat: The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor to the meat, making it juicy and flavorful.
- Accompaniments: Shashlik is often served with flatbreads, fresh salads, and pickles.
- Insider Tip: Try the lamb shashlik at a market stall—it’s tender and full of smoky flavors, a true Russian favorite.
9. Kvasok: A Traditional Fermented Bread Drink
A Refreshing Fermented Beverage
Kvasok is a traditional fermented beverage made from rye bread, similar to kvass, but slightly sweeter and with a richer flavor. It’s a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with savory snacks.
What to Expect
- Rich Flavor: Kvasok is made by fermenting rye bread, giving it a deep, tangy flavor.
- Refreshing and Sweet: Unlike kvass, Kvasok tends to be slightly sweeter, with hints of fruit and bread flavors.
- Perfect Pairing: It’s ideal for pairing with grilled meats or pastries like pirozhki.
- Insider Tip: Try Kvasok with your shashlik—it’s the perfect drink to complement the smoky flavors of the grilled meat.
10. Chebureki: Fried Pastries with Meat or Cheese Filling
A Crispy, Golden Russian Delicacy
Chebureki are deep-fried pastries filled with meat or cheese, making them a crispy, golden delight perfect for a quick snack at the market.
What to Expect
- Meat or Cheese Filling: Chebureki are typically stuffed with ground meat (usually lamb or beef) or cheese.
- Crispy Exterior: The dough is fried until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender filling.
- Portable and Delicious: This dish is perfect for eating on the go as you explore the market.
- Insider Tip: Try the meat-filled chebureki for a savory, satisfying snack while you shop.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s food markets offer a true taste of Russia’s culinary diversity, with an abundance of local delicacies waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re craving pirozhki, shashlik, or kvas, these markets provide an immersive experience into Russian cuisine, offering a perfect mix of tradition, flavor, and authenticity.
