The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a prominent landmark in Moscow, embodies much of Russia's rich history, culture, and tradition, which also extends to the culinary domain. Although the cathedral itself is not directly associated with a specific culinary history, it stands in a city with a deep gastronomic heritage. Moscow's cuisine reflects both the opulence of Imperial Russia and the austere innovations from Soviet times. It is a blend of hearty peasant food and the diverse flavors brought by the vastness of the Russian Empire.
Located near the Kremlin and the Red Square, the area surrounding the cathedral has witnessed the transformation of Moscow's dining scene, with a renaissance of traditional Russian cooking and the incorporation of global culinary trends. In recent Russian history, particularly after the fall of the Soviet Union, an explosion of culinary endeavors has elevated Moscow to a world-class gastronomic capital. The proximity of Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to Moscow's bustling center means that visitors can indulge in both time-honored Russian dishes as well as modern interpretations of classic recipes.
1. Borscht (Non-Veg) - A beet soup that often includes meat, served both hot and cold, garnished with sour cream.
2. Blini (Can be Veg or Non-Veg) - Thin pancakes usually served with a variety of fillings, like sour cream, jams, honey, or salmon.
3. Pirozhki (Can be Veg or Non-Veg) - Small stuffed buns with various fillings such as potatoes, mushrooms, or minced meat.
4. Pelmeni (Non-Veg) - A dish of boiled dumplings, filled with minced meat and wrapped in a thin, pasta-like dough.
5. Olivier Salad (Can be Veg or Non-Veg) - A traditional Russian salad with peas, eggs, carrots, potatoes, and sometimes meat, dressed with mayonnaise.
6. Shchi (Can be Veg or Non-Veg) - A cabbage soup that can be prepared with or without meat but is always full of vegetables.
7. Mushrooms Julienne (Veg) - A creamy mushroom dish baked with cheese and typically served in a small cast-iron pot.
8. Syrniki (Veg) - Sweet cheese pancakes often served with sour cream or jam for breakfast or dessert.
9. Solyanka (Non-Veg) - A thick, spicy, and sour soup that typically includes a variety of fish or meats.
10. Kasha (Veg) - A porridge made from a variety of grains, which can be served both as a sweet or savory side dish.
Pushkin Café
Address: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А, Moscow, Russia, 125009
Famous Food: The vintage-style restaurant is celebrated for its refined Russian cuisine. The Olivier salad here can be served in the traditional way, with or without meat.
Russki
Address: Kutuzovsky Prospect, 2/1 bld. 1, Moscow, Russia, 121248
Famous Food: This upscale restaurant offers a twist on Russian classics. A highlight is their Pirozhki, which can be perfectly crafted to suit veg and non-veg preferences.
Café Pushkin
Address: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А, Moscow, Russia, 125009
Famous Food: Known for a lavish historical ambiance and gourmet interpretation of Russian dishes. Their borscht, although traditionally non-veg, can sometimes be adapted for vegetarians.
Varenichnaya №1
Address: Arbat St, 29, Moscow, Russia, 119002
Famous Food: This eatery specializes in traditional Russian fare, with a focus on vareniki and pelmeni, catering to both veg and non-veg palates.
White Rabbit
Address: Smolenskaya St, 3, Moscow, Russia, 121099
Famous Food: One of Moscow's top fine dining destinations, with a modern approach to Russian cuisine. Their menu often includes vegetarian options alongside meat dishes.
Note that many Moscow restaurants are adept at catering to dietary preferences, and it's advisable to inquire if traditional dishes can be made meat-free.