The Soviet era left a significant mark on the culinary culture of the former Soviet republics, including Tatarstan. Kazan, with its blend of Tatar and Russian influences, offers a number of restaurants where you can experience an authentic Soviet-era meal. These meals are rich in history, nostalgia, and hearty ingredients, reflecting the simplicity and practicality that characterized the Soviet cuisine. From borscht and pelmeni to soviet-style salads and stews, the food is flavorful, filling, and incredibly satisfying.
If you’re looking to experience a taste of Soviet-era cuisine in Kazan, here are some of the best places to enjoy traditional meals from this bygone era.
1. Kremlin Restaurant
Kremlin Restaurant, located near the iconic Kazan Kremlin, offers an authentic setting where you can enjoy Soviet-era meals with a modern twist. The restaurant’s menu includes classic dishes from the Soviet period, such as borscht, herring under a fur coat (a layered salad made with pickled herring, vegetables, and mayonnaise), and pelmeni (dumplings filled with meat).
The atmosphere of Kremlin Restaurant transports you back in time with its Soviet-inspired décor, including vintage-style furnishings and memorabilia. The restaurant prides itself on offering a truly nostalgic dining experience that takes you back to the days of Soviet comfort food.
Insider Tip: Try their herring under a fur coat and borscht for the full Soviet meal experience. Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of kvass or soviet-style kompot (fruit drink).
2. Sovietsky Restaurant
As the name suggests, Sovietsky Restaurant specializes in serving traditional Soviet-era dishes, and it is one of the best places in Kazan to experience an authentic Soviet meal. The restaurant’s menu is filled with Soviet-inspired dishes, including shchi (cabbage soup), selyodka pod shuboi (another variation of the herring salad), and pelmeni. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients and served in the traditional Soviet manner.
The interior of the restaurant features Soviet-style décor, with retro posters, vintage furniture, and memorabilia that transport you straight back to the Soviet era. The warm, rustic atmosphere adds to the authenticity of the experience.
Insider Tip: Be sure to try their shchi (cabbage soup) and pelmeni (dumplings) served with a dollop of sour cream, and wash it all down with a glass of soviet-era kompot or kvass.
3. Tatarstan Restaurant
While Tatarstan Restaurant focuses on Tatar cuisine, it also offers a selection of Soviet-era favorites. The menu includes traditional dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and solyanka (a thick, sour soup with mixed meats, sausages, and pickles), all of which are classic examples of Soviet comfort food. The restaurant’s rustic décor, combined with Soviet-era dishes, gives guests a glimpse of the past while enjoying some of the best traditional foods from the Soviet period.
The Tatarstan Restaurant offers a great variety of both Tatar and Russian Soviet-style dishes, making it a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a mix of Tatar and Soviet meals.
Insider Tip: Pair your meal with katyk (fermented milk drink) or ayran for a true taste of Soviet-style dining.
4. Vremya Restoran
Vremya Restoran is a Soviet-style restaurant that provides a unique opportunity to try dishes from the Soviet period in an atmosphere that echoes the past. The interior is filled with vintage Soviet décor, and the menu is designed to bring back memories of Soviet-era comfort food. You can expect to find classic dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and selyodka pod shuboi.
The menu also offers an array of Soviet-style salads, including Olivier salad, a beloved Russian dish made with potatoes, eggs, and mayonnaise, which was commonly served at Soviet feasts. Vremya Restoran offers a great atmosphere to enjoy Soviet nostalgia along with hearty meals.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Olivier salad—a classic that was a staple on every Soviet table. Pair it with pelmeni and kvass for the ultimate Soviet meal.
5. Chaykhona
For a more casual, traditional dining experience, Chaykhona offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Soviet-inspired meals in a cozy, comfortable setting. While the restaurant is known for Tatar cuisine, the menu also includes popular Soviet-era dishes like pelmeni, borscht, shchi, and selyodka pod shuboi. The simple, hearty dishes are made using fresh, local ingredients that bring out the best of Soviet comfort food.
Chaykhona’s friendly atmosphere and relaxed vibe make it an ideal place for a low-key meal with friends or family. The traditional Russian-style décor and the delicious, filling meals make it a perfect spot for those craving authentic Soviet-era food.
Insider Tip: Order the shchi and pelmeni with a side of rye bread and sour cream for a filling and satisfying meal that truly captures the essence of Soviet cuisine.
6. Kazanlarr
Kazanlarr offers a more refined experience while still honoring Soviet-era dishes. The restaurant specializes in both Tatar and Russian cuisine, with a focus on providing an upscale take on classic comfort foods. Their menu includes traditional Soviet-era dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and selyodka pod shuboi, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and served with a modern twist.
The elegant setting of Kazanlarr provides a sophisticated backdrop for enjoying classic Soviet dishes in a more upscale environment. Whether you’re dining for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a refined version of Soviet-era meals, Kazanlarr is a great place to experience the flavors of the past in style.
Insider Tip: Try the pelmeni with a side of sour cream and pair it with a refreshing glass of kvass for a complete Soviet dining experience.
7. Pravilniy Pitek
Pravilniy Pitek is a traditional Russian-style bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Soviet-era dishes, including favorites like borscht, solyanka, and pelmeni. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, with a rustic Soviet-inspired décor that complements the hearty, satisfying meals served here. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy classic Russian comfort food with a cold beer or a glass of homemade kvass.
Pravilniy Pitek also offers a variety of Soviet-inspired snacks and appetizers, perfect for sharing with friends. The self-service concept allows you to enjoy a more casual meal while sampling some of the most popular dishes from the Soviet era.
Insider Tip: Pair your solyanka or borscht with a side of soviet-style rye bread for the perfect comfort food experience.
Conclusion
Kazan offers a variety of restaurants where you can experience authentic Soviet-era meals, whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dining experience or a more casual meal in a nostalgic setting. From the hearty borscht and pelmeni at Kremlin Restaurant to the Soviet-inspired atmosphere at Vremya Restoran, these places provide a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and savor the flavors of Soviet comfort food. For an unforgettable taste of Soviet nostalgia, these restaurants will take you on a culinary journey to the past while serving up hearty, delicious meals.
