I Tried Russia's Most Popular Dishes — The Results Were Unexpected

Russian food is famous around the world, but does it actually taste good to someone who didn't grow up with it? Today I'm visiting a Russian café and trying some of the country's most popular dishes — from borscht and Mimosa salad to salo, draniki, posikunchiki, and even buckwheat with sausages. I'll be giving each dish a simple verdict: good or bad. No sugarcoating, no nostalgia, just an honest American opinion. And let's just say... some of these dishes were a lot harder to enjoy than I expected. Here's a quick introduction to everything on today's menu: 1. Mors — a traditional berry drink, usually made from cranberries, lingonberries, or other tart berries. It's sweet, refreshing, and very common in Russia. 2. I also mentioned Kompot — a homemade fruit drink made by simmering fruits or berries in water. Many Russians associate it with childhood and family meals. 3. Mimosa Salad — a layered salad made with ingredients such as fish, eggs, potatoes, carrots, and mayonnaise. It's a classic dish often served during holidays and celebrations. 4. Borsch — originally a Ukrainian soup made with beets, giving it its distinctive red color. Despite its Ukrainian origins, it's also one of the most popular soups in Russia. 5. Draniki — crispy potato pancakes that originated in Belarus but are widely loved and eaten throughout Russia as well. 6. Buckwheat — one of the most common side dishes in Russia. While it can seem unusual to foreigners, many Russians grow up eating it regularly. 7. Posikunchiki — small fried meat pies from the Ural region of Russia. They're known for their juicy filling, so one bite can literally make the juices squirt out. Join our Online Speaking Club every Thursday at 7pm MSK - we'll be discussing food, cultural differences and much more! Check bio to join the Speaking Club comminuty!