Food History of Ulan-Ude Ethnographic Museum, Ulan-Ude, Russia
The Ulan-Ude Ethnographic Museum is not simply a museum dedicated to food, but rather a comprehensive open-air museum that illustrates the traditional lives and cultures of the people in the region of Eastern Siberia. It is one of the largest open-air museums in Russia. In terms of food, the museum sometimes hosts traditional Buryat cuisine events, showcasing a range of local dishes which have developed over centuries. The Buryat people, closely related to Mongols, have created a cuisine that primarily revolves around dairy products, root vegetables, and meats other than cow, as cow is considered sacred by Buddhist Buryats. The Russian influence has also introduced various wheat, potato, and fish dishes. At the museum, visitors can learn about the preparation and significance of these historical foods.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Ulan-Ude
1. Buuz (Non-Veg): Steamed dumplings usually filled with minced meat such as mutton or chicken and flavored with garlic or onion.
2. Pozy (Non-Veg): Similar to buuz, but prepared with a yeast dough and typically enjoyed with a broth.
3. Blini (Veg or Non-Veg): Russian pancakes that can be served with a variety of fillings, sweet or savory.
4. Solyanka (Non-Veg): A thick, spicy and sour soup traditionally made with different types of meat and pickles.
5. Ukhoy (Veg): A local variety of savory pancake made with scallions and other vegetables.
6. Buryat Tea (Mostly Veg): A traditional Buryat beverage made from tea leaves, milk, and salt, sometimes with the addition of butter or barley.
7. Stroganina (Non-Veg): Thinly shaved frozen fish, it's a cold dish consumed with a spicy sauce, without cow meat.
8. Kapusta (Veg): Russian-style sauerkraut, often seasoned with carrots and bay leaves.
9. Golubtsy (Veg or Non-Veg): Cabbage rolls stuffed with either meat or a veggie mix including rice or barley.
10. Omul (Non-Veg): A fish endemic to Lake Baikal, often smoked or grilled.
Top Famous Restaurants in Ulan-Ude
1. Modern Nomads
Address: ul. Smolin 57a, Ulan-Ude
Famous Food: Buuz (Non-Veg)
2. Tengis Restaurant
Address: Ranzhurova St, 14, Ulan-Ude
Famous Food: Traditional Buryat dishes, focus on meat and fish (Non-Veg)
3. Marco Polo
Address: Borsoeva St, 15, Ulan-Ude
Famous Food: European and Siberian cuisine, Blini (Veg or Non-Veg)
4. Pub Churchill
Address: Sukhbaatar St, 7, Ulan-Ude
Famous Food: Western-style dishes, extensive menu (Veg and Non-Veg options)
5. Yurta
Address: Lesnaya St, 6, Ulan-Ude
Famous Food: Pozy (Non-Veg)
Please note that while the restaurants may vary in their specialization, many traditional Buryat dishes are typically non-vegetarian, but vegetarian options may be available especially in dishes that are influenced by Russian cuisine or are adapted for a broader clientele. Always check with the restaurant for the most current menu and vegetarian options.