
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