Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ulan-Ude, Buryatiya, Russia

Ulan-Ude, Russia, Ulan-Ude, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ulan-Ude, Buryatiya, Russia

1. Buurza (Бууца)

A traditional Buryat dumpling filled with minced meat and onions. Try it at the local market 'Ulitsa Lenina'.
  • Authentic Experience: Tasting this dish in its original location adds to the cultural immersion.
  • Affordable: Buurza is a budget-friendly option for travelers.
  • Rich Flavor: The blend of minced meat and onions creates a unique, savory taste.

2. Omul (Омул)

Grilled sturgeon fish found in Lake Baikal. Visit the restaurant 'Omulyonok' for the best Omul.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Being caught fresh from Lake Baikal, the fish is incredibly tasty.
  • Cultural Significance: Omul holds great importance in Buryat culture due to its connection with Lake Baikal.
  • Dining Experience: 'Omulyonok' offers a picturesque view of the Siberian taiga, enhancing your meal.

3. Stroganina (Строганина)

Cold fish slices from Lake Baikal served with onions and herbs. Experience this at a local restaurant or cafe.
  • Unique Texture: The frozen, gelatinous texture of stroganina is unlike any other dish.
  • Traditional Recipe: Stroganina has been a part of Buryat cuisine for centuries.
  • Refreshing Summer Dish: This dish is perfect for beating the summer heat.

4. Baursak (Баурсак)

Deep-fried dough balls with onions. Best tried at 'Ulitsa Lenina' market.
  • Crispy Texture: The golden, crispy exterior gives way to a soft, doughy interior.
  • Quick Snack: Baursak is an easy, satisfying snack for travelers on-the-go.
  • Flavorful Variations: Versions with garlic, cheese, and honey are also available.

5. Novy Udinskaya Kolbasa (Новый Удинская Колбаса)

A unique Buryat-style sausage made with minced meat and spices. Try it at a local grocery store or deli.
  • Distinctive Taste: The combination of spices sets this sausage apart.
  • Versatile Option: Can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or added to other dishes.
  • Authentic Experience: Purchasing from a local grocery store supports the local economy.

6. Khoyrtsy (Хойрцы)

A savory Buryat pie filled with meat and potatoes. Find it at 'Ulitsa Lenina' market.
  • Hearty Meal: Khoyrtsy provides a filling, comforting meal.
  • Cultural Connection: The pie is an important part of Buryat culinary traditions.
  • Economical Choice: Khoyrtsy offers a tasty, budget-friendly option for travelers.

7. Balym (Балым)

A traditional Buryat soup made with freshwater fish. Taste it at a local restaurant or home-cooked by a host.
  • Fresh, Nutritious Ingredients: Balym uses fresh, sustainable ingredients.
  • Healing Properties: Balym is believed to have healing properties in Buryat folk medicine.
  • Authentic Experience: Trying balym prepared by a local family provides an unforgettable cultural experience.

8. Kuunkun (Куункун)

A sweet Buryat dessert made from milk and rice. Enjoy it at a local cafe or tea house.
  • Smooth Texture: The creamy, smooth texture of kuunkun is delightful.
  • Traditional Recipe: Kuunkun has been a part of Buryat cuisine for centuries.
  • Comforting End to a Meal: Kuunkun is the perfect way to end a meal, offering a sweet and soothing finish.

9. Salo (Сало)

Cured pork fat served as an appetizer. Find it at local restaurants or delis.
  • Distinctive Taste: Salo offers a rich, unique flavor that complements other dishes.
  • Versatile Option: Can be served with bread, mustard, or horseradish.
  • Authentic Experience: Salo is a staple in Russian and Buryat cuisine, providing an authentic taste of the region.

10. Khukhree (Хухрее)

A traditional Buryat dish made from boiled and smoked fish served with sour cream. Try it at a local restaurant or home-cooked by a host.
  • Rich, Smoky Flavor: The combination of boiling and smoking creates a rich, smoky flavor.
  • Versatile Option: Can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or added to other meals.
  • Authentic Experience: Trying khukhree prepared by a local family provides an unforgettable cultural experience.

11. Kharcho (Харчо)

A traditional Caucasian dish made with meat and vegetables. Try it at the restaurant 'Udinskaya Kavkazskaya Kuikha'.
  • Cultural Exchange: Tasting dishes from various regions of Russia adds to your cultural understanding.
  • Hearty Meal: Kharcho provides a filling, comforting meal.
  • Unique Spices: The blend of spices used in kharcho creates a distinct flavor.

12. Kvas (Квас)

A traditional Russian fermented beverage made from bread. Find it at local grocery stores or street vendors.
  • Refreshing Drink: Kvas is a perfect refreshment on hot summer days.
  • Affordable: Kvas is an inexpensive drink option for travelers.
  • Authentic Experience: Drinking kvas at a street vendor offers an authentic taste of local culture.

13. Buryat Salad (Бурятская Салат)

A refreshing salad made with cabbage, carrots, and beets. Try it at a local restaurant or cafeteria.
  • Refreshing Option: The combination of vegetables creates a delightful, refreshing salad.
  • Cultural Immersion: Trying local salads adds to your cultural understanding and dining experience.
  • Affordable: Buryat salad is an affordable, healthy choice for travelers.

14. Oshkan (Ошкан)

A traditional Buryat dish made from boiled meat and vegetables. Try it at a local restaurant or home-cooked by a host.
  • Hearty Meal: Oshkan provides a filling, comforting meal.
  • Cultural Connection: The dish is an important part of Buryat culinary traditions.
  • Authentic Experience: Trying oshkan prepared by a local family provides an unforgettable cultural experience.

15. Buryat Porridge (Бурятская Крепь)

A hearty porridge made from groats, milk, and butter. Try it at a local restaurant or home-cooked by a host.
  • Hearty Meal: Buryat porridge provides a filling, comforting meal.
  • Cultural Connection: The dish is an important part of Buryat culinary traditions.
  • Authentic Experience: Trying Buryat porridge prepared by a local family provides an unforgettable cultural experience.