Kazan, the vibrant capital of Tatarstan, is home to some of the most delicious and authentic grilled meats in Russia. Among the most beloved dishes in Tatar cuisine is shashlik, a type of skewered grilled meat, often made from lamb, beef, or chicken, marinated with a variety of spices to create a smoky, juicy flavor. If you’re in Kazan and craving authentic shashlik, here’s a guide to the best places where you can enjoy this tasty dish in the city.
1. Tugan Avylym
Located just outside the city center, Tugan Avylym is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy traditional Tatar food in a rustic, village-style setting. The restaurant offers a wide range of Tatar and Russian dishes, but their shashlik is the real highlight.
Why Visit:
- Traditional Tatar Shashlik: Known for its expertly grilled meats, Tugan Avylym offers shashlik made from high-quality cuts of lamb, beef, and chicken, cooked to perfection on an open flame.
- Rustic Atmosphere: The village-inspired décor adds an authentic, cozy touch to the dining experience, making you feel like you’re part of Tatarstan’s cultural heritage.
- Generous Portions: The servings are hearty, and the shashlik is often served with flatbread and traditional salads, making it the perfect dish to share with friends or family.
Recommended Dish:
- The lamb shashlik paired with pilaf (rice with meat and vegetables) for a traditional and satisfying meal.
2. Zarafshan Café
For those who want a combination of traditional Tatar cuisine with a modern twist, Zarafshan Café is a great choice. The café serves a variety of grilled meats, but their shashlik stands out for its tender meat and smoky flavor, perfect for fans of grilled dishes.
Why Visit:
- Authentic Shashlik: Zarafshan serves high-quality shashlik made from both lamb and beef, marinated with a mix of spices that perfectly complement the grilled flavors.
- Comfortable Atmosphere: The café offers a modern, yet cozy setting that blends traditional and contemporary elements, creating a great environment for both casual meals and special occasions.
- Fusion Dishes: Besides shashlik, Zarafshan also offers other Tatar and Central Asian dishes, so it’s an ideal spot for a complete Tatar culinary experience.
Recommended Dish:
- The beef shashlik with tufkha (sweet Tatar pastry) for dessert.
3. Bilyar Café
Bilyar Café is a well-loved restaurant in Kazan known for its traditional Tatar and Russian dishes, with grilled meats taking center stage. If you’re craving authentic shashlik, Bilyar Café is a perfect place to savor this iconic dish, cooked the traditional Kazan way.
Why Visit:
- High-Quality Shashlik: The café serves perfectly grilled shashlik with a variety of meat options, including lamb, beef, and chicken, all seasoned and marinated with care.
- Rustic Setting: The warm and inviting atmosphere of Bilyar Café, with its Tatar-inspired décor, is perfect for enjoying a traditional meal.
- Late-Night Dining: Bilyar Café is known for serving delicious food well into the evening, so you can enjoy shashlik even after a long day of sightseeing in Kazan.
Recommended Dish:
- Lamb shashlik with fresh salad and kefir (fermented milk drink) for an authentic meal.
4. Süleymaniye
For those looking for a more upscale experience, Süleymaniye offers a sophisticated setting with a fusion of Tatar and Turkish cuisines. Known for its gourmet approach to traditional dishes, the restaurant serves high-quality shashlik that perfectly balances modern refinement with authentic flavors.
Why Visit:
- Fusion of Flavors: While Süleymaniye offers a variety of dishes, their shashlik—prepared using the best cuts of meat and a special blend of spices—is a must-try.
- Stylish Atmosphere: The chic décor and elegant setting overlooking the Volga River create an upscale environment that’s perfect for enjoying grilled meats in style.
- Panoramic Views: The restaurant offers beautiful views of the Volga, adding to the overall dining experience, especially when enjoying shashlik.
Recommended Dish:
- Lamb kebabs or shashlik paired with pilaf and a glass of Turkish raki.
5. Barashka Café
A charming and casual café, Barashka Café is another great spot to enjoy authentic shashlik in Kazan. The restaurant offers a variety of grilled meat dishes in a cozy, rustic setting, making it perfect for a laid-back yet satisfying meal.
Why Visit:
- Tatar and Russian Grilled Meats: Barashka Café specializes in grilled meats, including shashlik, kebab, and samsa. Their meat dishes are cooked to perfection and served with traditional accompaniments.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: The café’s rustic charm and inviting environment make it a comfortable place to enjoy a hearty meal, especially after a busy day of sightseeing.
- Reasonable Prices: The affordable prices, coupled with the quality of the food, make Barashka Café a great value for those craving shashlik without breaking the bank.
Recommended Dish:
- Shashlik with flatbread and Tatar salad for a filling and satisfying meal.
6. Kazan Central Market
If you’re looking for an authentic Kazan experience where you can try freshly grilled shashlik in a lively and bustling environment, Kazan Central Market is the place to go. The market features various food stalls that serve freshly made shashlik from local vendors, offering an opportunity to taste different types of grilled meats prepared the Tatar way.
Why Visit:
- Street Food Vibe: The market provides a great opportunity to enjoy freshly grilled meats in a lively, street-food environment, with the aroma of shashlik filling the air.
- Authentic Experience: You can watch the vendors prepare and grill the meat right in front of you, adding to the authentic, hands-on experience.
- Variety of Meats: The stalls offer a variety of meats for shashlik, including lamb, beef, and chicken, all grilled over an open flame.
Recommended Dish:
- Shashlik (lamb or beef skewers) served with pita bread and tahini sauce for a simple but satisfying meal.
7. Samsa House
If you’re craving samsa (a type of meat-filled pastry) along with your shashlik, Samsa House is the perfect spot. The restaurant specializes in samsa, but their grilled meat dishes, including shashlik, are equally delicious and authentic.
Why Visit:
- Samsa and Shashlik Combo: Samsa House is one of the best places to try both samsa and shashlik, as they offer a unique combination of Tatar and Central Asian meat dishes.
- Traditional Tatar Dishes: In addition to shashlik, you can enjoy other Tatar favorites like pirogi (stuffed pastries) and kystybyi (flatbread filled with meat or potatoes).
- Casual Dining: The cozy, laid-back atmosphere of Samsa House makes it a great place to enjoy a hearty meal in a relaxed setting.
Recommended Dish:
- Try their shashlik with samsa for a complete Tatar meat feast.
Conclusion
Kazan is home to some of the best shashlik you’ll find in Russia, with a variety of restaurants and cafés offering authentic grilled meat dishes. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, traditional experience at Tugan Avylym, a refined dining experience at Süleymaniye, or a quick bite at the Kazan Central Market, you’re sure to find delicious shashlik that will leave you craving more. So, explore these spots and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of Tatar-style grilled meat in Kazan.