Must-Try Foods In Catherine Palace (in Tsarskoye Selo) (Saint Petersburg) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo (now Pushkin), Catherine Palace was once the summer residence of the Russian tsars. The food history at the palace was marked by opulent feasts and banquets that showcased the wealth and power of the Russian Empire. Influences from French, Italian, and other European cuisines were prevalent due to the interactions with European courts. Traditional Russian dishes were also served, often prepared by serfs who were expert cooks. In the royal kitchens, dishes were made with local and imported ingredients, paying homage to Russia's culinary diversity.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Tsarskoye Selo

1. Borscht (Non-Veg) - A hearty beet soup, commonly prepared with beef broth and served with a dollop of sour cream.
2. Shchi (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Russian cabbage soup which can be made either with meat or as a strictly vegetarian dish.
3. Pirozhki (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Small baked or fried buns filled with a variety of fillings, from meat to vegetables, to fruits.
4. Blini (Veg) - A type of thin pancake, often served with sour cream, jam, honey, or caviar.
5. Olivier Salad (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Known as Russian salad, it typically contains diced potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat or fish, dressed with mayonnaise.
6. Pelmeni (Non-Veg) - Dumplings filled with minced meat. They are boiled and often served with butter, sour cream, or vinegar.
7. Vegetable Ragout (Veg) - A hearty medley of seasonal vegetables, sometimes served as a side or a vegetarian main course.
8. Mushroom Julienne (Veg) - A creamy baked dish made with mushrooms, cheese, and sour cream.
9. Beef Stroganoff (Non-Veg) - Tender strips of beef cooked in a sour cream sauce. Note that for non-beef eaters, there are versions made with chicken or pork.
10. Syrniki (Veg) - Sweet cheese pancakes, usually served with jam, honey, or sour cream.

Top Famous Restaurants in Catherine Palace, Tsarskoye Selo

• Podvorie Restaurant

  Address: Favorskogo st., 16, Pavlovsk, St. Petersburg, 196625, Russia

  Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine, you can enjoy a variety of dishes including Borscht (Non-Veg) and Pelmeni (Non-Veg).

• Restoran Tsarskoe Selo

  Address: Pushkinskaya st., 22, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196601, Russia

  A refined atmosphere where guests can try Blini (Veg) and other Russian specialties.

• Bip Fortress

  Address: Litseyskiy prospekt, 3, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196605, Russia

  Historic ambiance offering a range of dishes, with a particular nod to Olivier Salad (Veg/Non-Veg options).

Please note, as this is a historical and touristic area, actual restaurant locations and their offerings may vary, and it is advisable to check their current operational status and menus before visiting.