Novokuznetsk, located in southwestern Siberia, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich culinary traditions of the region. Siberian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and deeply influenced by the natural resources and history of the area. The food reflects the rugged landscape, with ingredients like wild game, fish, mushrooms, and berries featuring prominently. If you’re planning to visit Novokuznetsk, here are some must-try local dishes that will give you a true taste of Siberian culture.
1. Pelmeni (Russian Dumplings)
Overview:
Pelmeni are one of the most iconic dishes in Russian cuisine, and Novokuznetsk is no exception. These savory dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of minced meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb, and seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs. Pelmeni are then boiled or fried and often served with sour cream or melted butter.
Why Try It:
Pelmeni are a staple of Siberian cuisine, and each family or region may have its own variation of the dish. In Novokuznetsk, you’ll often find them made with fresh, locally sourced meat and served in a variety of ways, whether in a rich broth or simply with butter and sour cream.
Best Place to Try:
Local restaurants and cafés in Novokuznetsk, especially those offering traditional Siberian or Russian dishes, will serve some of the best pelmeni.
2. Shashlik (Grilled Skewered Meat)
Overview:
Shashlik is a popular dish in Novokuznetsk and throughout Siberia. This Russian version of skewered grilled meat is usually made from marinated lamb, beef, or pork, which is then cooked over an open flame or on a barbecue. The meat is often served with onions, bread, and fresh vegetables.
Why Try It:
The smoky flavor from grilling over open coals gives shashlik a unique taste that’s a favorite among locals. It’s a dish often enjoyed during gatherings or outdoor picnics, making it a perfect representation of Siberian hospitality.
Best Place to Try:
You’ll find many traditional restaurants and outdoor cafés in Novokuznetsk that serve shashlik, especially during the warmer months when outdoor grilling is common.
3. Kholodets (Jellied Meat)
Overview:
Kholodets is a traditional Russian dish made from boiled meat, usually pork or beef, that is simmered for hours and then set in its own gelatinous broth. Once cooled, the meat solidifies into a jelly-like consistency, and it is often served cold with mustard or horseradish.
Why Try It:
While it may seem unusual to some, kholodets is a beloved dish in Siberia, especially during holidays or special occasions. The tender meat and the rich, savory gelatin make it a comforting, hearty dish that pairs well with traditional Russian bread.
Best Place to Try:
Look for family-run restaurants or traditional Russian cafés in Novokuznetsk for an authentic experience.
4. Borscht
Overview:
Borscht is a beetroot-based soup that is popular in Russia and Eastern Europe. In Novokuznetsk, borscht is often prepared with beef or pork, and flavored with garlic, onions, carrots, and cabbage. It is typically served with sour cream and sometimes a slice of rye bread on the side.
Why Try It:
Borscht is known for its deep, earthy flavor, and the beets give it a vibrant color. It’s a comforting and filling dish that is perfect for the colder months in Siberia, warming you up from the inside out.
Best Place to Try:
Borscht is a common dish in many traditional Russian restaurants in Novokuznetsk, where you’ll find it made fresh and served with a dollop of sour cream.
5. Kvass
Overview:
Kvass is a traditional Russian fermented beverage made from rye bread, sugar, and water. It has a slightly sour taste and is naturally carbonated, making it a refreshing drink for the hot summer months. Though it’s non-alcoholic, kvass is often fermented to give it a slight alcohol content.
Why Try It:
Kvass is a staple in Russian households, and its slightly tangy, refreshing flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to a meal. It’s often sold in bottles or served freshly made in markets and cafés.
Best Place to Try:
You’ll find kvass served in local markets, traditional restaurants, and cafés throughout Novokuznetsk, where you can enjoy it alongside your meal or as a refreshing drink on its own.
6. Pirozhki (Stuffed Pastries)
Overview:
Pirozhki are small, hand-held pastries that are stuffed with a variety of fillings, including meat, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or cheese. The dough is typically soft and slightly sweet, and the pastries are often fried or baked to a golden crisp.
Why Try It:
Pirozhki are the ultimate comfort food in Novokuznetsk, perfect for a quick snack or a light meal. They’re available in various fillings, making them highly customizable to personal tastes.
Best Place to Try:
Pirozhki are widely available in bakeries, cafés, and food stalls throughout Novokuznetsk, where you can grab them fresh and enjoy them on the go.
7. Mushroom Soup
Overview:
Siberia is home to an abundance of wild mushrooms, and mushroom soup is a popular dish in Novokuznetsk. Made from freshly foraged mushrooms, potatoes, onions, and broth, the soup is rich and hearty. Sometimes, cream or sour cream is added to make it even more flavorful.
Why Try It:
Siberian mushrooms are known for their earthy, rich flavor, and incorporating them into a warm, comforting soup makes for a perfect winter dish. This soup is a great way to experience local ingredients and the flavors of the Siberian forest.
Best Place to Try:
Many traditional Russian restaurants and cafés in Novokuznetsk feature mushroom soup on their menus, especially during the mushroom-harvesting season in the fall.
8. Kuznetsk Honey and Berries
Overview:
The region surrounding Novokuznetsk is known for its rich agricultural produce, including wild berries and honey. Kuznetsk honey is particularly prized for its smooth texture and rich flavor, often gathered from the wildflowers in the local area.
Why Try It:
Enjoying Kuznetsk honey with fresh wild berries is a delightful way to experience the natural sweetness of Siberia. Whether spread on bread or added to tea, this combination makes for a perfect, simple treat.
Best Place to Try:
Local markets and small shops often sell Kuznetsk honey and berries, giving visitors the chance to sample the region’s natural products.
9. Siberian Fish Dishes
Overview:
With its many rivers and lakes, Siberia offers an abundance of fresh fish. In Novokuznetsk, dishes made from local fish, such as perch, pike, and grayling, are common. These fish are often grilled, fried, or served in hearty stews.
Why Try It:
Siberian fish are known for their delicate, fresh flavors and are a great way to experience the local waters. Whether served simply grilled or as part of a more complex dish, Siberian fish dishes are a must-try when in Novokuznetsk.
Best Place to Try:
Many traditional Russian and regional restaurants in Novokuznetsk serve freshly prepared fish dishes, often accompanied by local herbs and vegetables.
Conclusion
Novokuznetsk’s cuisine offers a hearty and comforting experience, deeply rooted in the traditions and natural resources of Siberia. From the classic pelmeni and shashlik to the rich, earthy flavors of kholodets and mushroom soup, the city’s dishes are a true reflection of its culture and history. Be sure to try these must-try local dishes during your visit to Novokuznetsk, and enjoy the authentic tastes of Siberian hospitality.
