Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Astrakhan, Astrakhanskaya Oblast’, Russia

Astrakhan, Russia, Astrakhan, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Astrakhan, Astrakhanskaya Oblast’, Russia

1. Caspian Herring Salad (Ичьея кебаб)

A fresh and flavorful dish made from marinated Caspian herring served with onions, greens, and a tangy sauce. Try it at 'Volga' restaurant.
  • Local Ingredient: Made with fresh Caspian herring, a local delicacy
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to the traditional Astrakhan method
  • Refreshing Flavor: Ideal for a light and refreshing meal on a hot day

2. Tsimlyanskaya Borshch (Цимлянский борщ)

A hearty beetroot soup from Tsimlyansk, a nearby city, with meat, cabbage, and beans. Enjoy it at 'Pasha' restaurant.
  • Unique Recipe: A distinct recipe originating from the Tsimlyansk region
  • Warm and Filling: Perfect for a chilly day or evening
  • Traditional Ingredients: Includes local ingredients such as beets, cabbage, and beans

3. Kalmak Salad (Калмак салат)

A unique salad made from fermented horse meat mixed with onions and greens. Try it at 'Ulan-Ude' restaurant.
  • Local Specialty: A traditional dish of the local Kalmyk people
  • Tangy and Savory: Offers a tangy and savory flavor that is hard to forget
  • Cultural Significance: Represents the rich cultural heritage of the Kalmyk people

4. Sturgeon Caviar (Икра тюлеney)

Try the famous Astrakhan sturgeon caviar at 'Astoria' restaurant. It's a must-try for any seafood lover.
  • Premium Quality: Made from the highest quality Astrakhan sturgeon
  • Exquisite Taste: Offers an exquisite taste that is a delicacy worldwide
  • Sustainable Production: Produced sustainably to preserve this precious resource

5. Pelmeni (Пельмены)

Delicious dumplings filled with meat and served with sour cream. You can find them at many local restaurants.
  • Homemade Taste: Made fresh, offering a homemade taste that is hard to beat
  • Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main course or a snack
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that is loved throughout Russia

6. Shashlik (Шашлык)

Grilled skewers of meat, typically lamb or beef, served with onions and a tangy sauce. Try it at 'Kazan' restaurant.
  • Mouthwatering Flavor: Offers a mouthwatering flavor that is hard to resist
  • Street Food Option: Available as street food or at many restaurants
  • Versatile Ingredients: Can be made with various types of meat, such as lamb, beef, or chicken

7. Astakhanka (Астаханка)

A traditional Astrakhan dish made from fish roe and potatoes. Try it at 'Rybalka' restaurant.
  • Unique Preparation: Prepared with a unique method using fish roe and potatoes
  • Hearty Meal: Ideal for a filling and satisfying meal
  • Local Ingredient: Made with local fish roe

8. Kharcho (Харчо)

A spicy Georgian dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat. Try it at 'Georgian House' restaurant.
  • Cultural Exchange: Represents the cultural exchange between Astrakhan and Georgia
  • Spicy and Savory: Offers a spicy and savory flavor that is hard to forget
  • Hearty Meal: Ideal for a filling and satisfying meal

9. Astrakhan's Falafel (Астраханский фалафель)

A unique twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dish, made with local ingredients. Try it at 'Falafel House' restaurant.
  • Local Twist: Incorporates local Astrakhan ingredients
  • Flavorful Filler: Makes a great snack or meal addition
  • Versatile Ingredients: Can be enjoyed with various toppings and sauces

10. Syrniki (Сырники)

Creamy cheese pancakes served with sour cream. You can find them at many local cafes.
  • Homemade Taste: Made fresh, offering a homemade taste
  • Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that is loved throughout Russia

11. Kumys (Кумыс)

Fermented mare's milk, a traditional drink of the local Kalmyk people. Try it at a local 'Kumys House'.
  • Local Specialty: A traditional drink of the local Kalmyk people
  • Refreshing Drink: Ideal for a refreshing beverage on a hot day
  • Cultural Significance: Represents the rich cultural heritage of the Kalmyk people

12. Fish Kebabs (Рыбные шашлык)

Grilled fish skewers served with a tangy sauce. Try them at 'Volga' restaurant.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: Offers a fresh and flavorful taste
  • Seafood Option: A great option for seafood lovers
  • Versatile Ingredients: Can be made with various types of fish

13. Khachapuri (Хачапури)

A Georgian cheese-filled bread boat. Try it at 'Georgian House' restaurant.
  • Cultural Exchange: Represents the cultural exchange between Astrakhan and Georgia
  • Cheesy Delight: Offers a cheesy delight that is hard to resist
  • Hearty Meal: Ideal for a filling and satisfying meal

14. Astakhanka Pie (Астаханский пирог)

A traditional Astrakhan pie filled with fish roe and onions. Try it at 'Rybalka' restaurant.
  • Unique Preparation: Prepared with a unique method using fish roe and onions
  • Hearty Meal: Ideal for a filling and satisfying meal
  • Local Ingredient: Made with local fish roe

15. Astrakhan's Plov (Астраханский плов)

A flavorful rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and raisins. Try it at 'Ulan-Ude' restaurant.
  • Unique Recipe: A distinct recipe originating from the Astrakhan region
  • Warm and Filling: Perfect for a chilly day or evening
  • Traditional Ingredients: Includes local ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and raisins