Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is not only a hub for rich cultural traditions but also a center for unique culinary experiences, including its local cheeses. The region’s rich agricultural environment provides the perfect conditions for producing a variety of high-quality cheeses. From soft and creamy to firm and savory, Tatar cheeses are an essential part of local cuisine and can be enjoyed in various forms, whether as part of a dish or on their own.
If you’re visiting Kazan and want to taste some authentic local cheeses, here are the best restaurants where you can sample these delicious cheeses and experience the rich flavors of Tatarstan.
1. Tatarstan Restaurant
One of the best places in Kazan to sample traditional Tatar cheeses is Tatarstan Restaurant. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers an array of classic Tatar dishes, and local cheeses play an important role in their menu. Here, you can find cheese-filled pastries like peremyach (fried meat pies) and kystybyi (stuffed flatbreads), which feature a variety of Tatar cheeses.
The restaurant serves a selection of fresh cheeses, including sultani cheese (a soft, creamy cheese), and tatar-style white cheese, which can be enjoyed on their own or paired with fresh bread and homemade jams.
Insider Tip: Try the cheese platter at Tatarstan Restaurant, which offers a selection of local cheeses along with fresh bread and herbs for a complete Tatar cheese experience.
2. Bahetle Restaurant
Bahetle is a well-known Kazan restaurant and store that offers a wide range of local Tatar foods, including some of the best homemade cheeses. The restaurant specializes in Tatar cuisine, and you’ll find cheeses such as katyk cheese and sour cream cheese as part of many dishes on the menu.
Their cheese-filled pastries like samsa and tatar pies are particularly popular, and you can also enjoy cheese as an accompaniment to other Tatar dishes like plov or shashlik (grilled meats). The cheeses at Bahetle are made using traditional methods and represent the rich dairy heritage of Tatarstan.
Insider Tip: Visit Bahetle’s bakery section to purchase local cheeses and enjoy them at home or as a gift to bring back with you. Their fresh cheese-filled pastries are perfect for a light breakfast or snack.
3. Chaihana
For a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you can try traditional Tatar cheeses, Chaihana is a great choice. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of Tatar dishes, and cheese is a key ingredient in many of their meals. Chaihana serves cheese-filled samsa, kystybyi, and other baked goods, all featuring fresh Tatar cheeses made with locally sourced ingredients.
Their cheese platters often include a mix of creamy, tangy cheeses served with freshly baked bread and homemade butter. Pair your cheese platter with a refreshing glass of ayran (a yogurt-based drink) or Tatar tea to experience an authentic Tatar meal.
Insider Tip: Try the cheese-stuffed kystybyi for a perfect balance of rich cheese and warm, soft flatbread.
4. Tatar Chaihana
Tatar Chaihana offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy authentic Tatar cheeses in a traditional setting. The restaurant serves a variety of cheese-based dishes, including cheese-filled dumplings, cheese pies, and tatar soups made with fresh cheese. Local cheeses are often paired with other Tatar favorites like plov or grilled meats for a satisfying and rich meal.
The cozy, rustic atmosphere of Tatar Chaihana adds to the authenticity of the experience, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the flavors of Tatarstan. They also offer cheese platters featuring a variety of local cheeses, which make for a great appetizer or side dish.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the cheese-filled dumplings at Tatar Chaihana, which are a true representation of Tatar comfort food. Pair them with katyk or ayran for a truly traditional meal.
5. Savinovo Market
While not a traditional restaurant, Savinovo Market is one of the best places in Kazan to sample local cheeses and explore the variety of dairy products produced in Tatarstan. The market is known for its wide selection of fresh, artisanal cheeses, such as sultani cheese, tatar-style white cheese, and cheese curds.
You can try these cheeses on the spot by purchasing them from one of the market’s local vendors, or you can take them home to enjoy later. The market also sells other dairy products, such as katyk and yogurt, which are perfect for pairing with cheese for a complete Tatar breakfast or snack.
Insider Tip: Visit Savinovo Market early in the morning for the best selection of freshly made cheeses, especially during the summer months when local farms bring in their freshest produce.
6. Kazanlarr
For a more upscale experience that features local cheeses, Kazanlarr is a great choice. This sophisticated restaurant combines modern decor with traditional Tatar and Russian cuisine, offering dishes that showcase the region’s rich cheese-making tradition. The restaurant serves a variety of cheese-based dishes, such as cheese-filled pies and cheese-stuffed meats, as well as a selection of local cheeses on their menu.
Their cheese platter is a great way to sample several varieties of Tatar cheese, served with fresh bread, butter, and local herbs. The restaurant’s refined atmosphere makes it an ideal place to enjoy a meal that’s both authentic and elegant.
Insider Tip: Try the tatar cheese-stuffed shashlik, which combines the rich flavors of local cheese with grilled meats for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
7. Riviera Restaurant
If you’re looking for a more luxurious setting to enjoy local cheeses, Riviera Restaurant offers a fantastic selection of Tatar and European-inspired dishes, including those featuring traditional cheeses. The elegant, modern design of the restaurant creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for sampling some of the region’s best cheese-based dishes.
Riviera Restaurant often features local cheese platters on their menu, offering a variety of soft, creamier cheeses like katyk cheese and sour cream cheese, paired with freshly baked bread, jams, and fruits. The restaurant also serves other Tatar-inspired dishes where cheese plays an important role, such as cheese-stuffed bread and dumplings.
Insider Tip: Pair the cheese platter with a glass of wine from their extensive selection to enhance the flavors of the cheeses.
8. Bahetle Café
Another location where you can enjoy local cheeses is Bahetle Café, located in one of the most well-known food chains in Kazan. Bahetle Café specializes in Tatar and Russian culinary classics and is particularly renowned for its high-quality cheese-based pastries and fresh cheeses. They offer **cheese-filled samsa, pierogi, and cheese pies, along with a selection of fresh cheese varieties made locally.
The café’s relaxed and cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a casual snack. Tatar honey and ayran are also available, making this an excellent place to sample a true Tatar dairy experience.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to take a jar of local honey home with you, as it pairs wonderfully with cheeses from the region.
Conclusion
Kazan offers a wealth of places where you can sample the rich and diverse flavors of local Tatar cheeses. Whether you’re visiting Tatarstan Restaurant for a traditional meal or stopping by Savinovo Market to pick up fresh cheese from local vendors, the city has plenty of options for cheese lovers. From cheese platters to cheese-filled pastries, Kazan’s restaurants and markets offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of Tatarstan’s dairy products. Enjoy the taste of these rich, creamy cheeses and explore the culinary heritage of Kazan!
