Soups hold a special place in both Russian and Tatar cuisines, and Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy authentic, hearty, and flavorful soups. From the iconic borscht to the rich shurpa, these soups reflect the region’s cultural influences, combining fresh, local ingredients and centuries-old recipes. Whether you’re seeking a comforting bowl of soup to warm you on a cold day or looking to dive into the heart of Tatar culinary traditions, Kazan has many excellent spots to try the best traditional soups.
Here are the best places in Kazan to sample traditional Russian and Tatar soups:
1. Tatarstan Restaurant
Located in the heart of Kazan, Tatarstan Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Tatar and Russian soups. The restaurant is renowned for its traditional Tatar dishes, and their soups are some of the best in the city. Shurpa, a rich meat-based soup with lamb or beef, is a signature dish at Tatarstan Restaurant. This hearty, comforting soup is filled with tender meat, vegetables, and spices, making it perfect for a satisfying meal.
In addition to shurpa, you can also try borscht—the iconic Russian beetroot soup served with a dollop of sour cream. This version of borscht is made using traditional methods, with a deep, earthy flavor and plenty of vegetables.
Insider Tip: Pair your soup with a glass of ayran (fermented milk drink) for an authentic Tatar experience.
2. Bahetle Restaurant
Bahetle Restaurant is a well-known establishment in Kazan, offering a blend of traditional Tatar and Russian cuisine. Their soup menu is a perfect reflection of the region’s culinary diversity. One of their most popular soups is shurpa, a fragrant and flavorful dish made with lamb, vegetables, and spices. Bahetle’s version is made with high-quality meat and served with a generous portion of fresh herbs, making it both refreshing and filling.
Bahetle also serves soup with lamb and potatoes, a classic Tatar dish that’s both comforting and hearty. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and delicious, homemade soups make it a great place to sample authentic Tatar flavors.
Insider Tip: If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, try their tatar pilaf paired with a warm bowl of shurpa for a traditional meal.
3. Chaihana
If you’re craving traditional Russian and Tatar soups in a cozy and intimate setting, Chaihana is a fantastic choice. This restaurant offers an array of delicious soups, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and Tatar cooking techniques. The shurpa at Chaihana is made with a rich broth, tender lamb or beef, and seasonal vegetables. The soup is slow-cooked, allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Additionally, Chaihana offers ukha, a classic Russian fish soup, made from fresh fish and served with herbs and vegetables. This clear broth soup is light yet flavorful, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter dish.
Insider Tip: Pair the shurpa with katyk (fermented milk) for a traditional drink that complements the soup beautifully.
4. Tatarskaya Usadba
For a rustic, traditional dining experience, Tatarskaya Usadba offers some of the best Tatar soups in Kazan. Known for its hearty, home-style cooking, this restaurant serves a delicious version of shurpa, packed with tender meat, root vegetables, and a variety of spices. The soup is slow-cooked, making it flavorful and filling.
Tatarskaya Usadba also serves soup with lamb, a dish that’s perfect for those looking for a richer and more comforting meal. The restaurant’s cozy, countryside atmosphere adds to the authentic dining experience, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Tatar meal.
Insider Tip: The fresh bread served with the soup is a great way to soak up all the delicious flavors, so don’t forget to ask for extra!
5. Savinovo Market
If you want to experience authentic Tatar and Russian soups in a more casual, local setting, head to Savinovo Market. This bustling market offers a variety of food stalls where you can find freshly made shurpa and borscht. Many of the market’s vendors offer traditional, home-cooked versions of these soups, often prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
You can try shurpa with lamb or beef, made with a rich, aromatic broth, or sample the tangy, earthy borscht made with beets, cabbage, and sour cream. These soups are a great way to experience the local food culture in a more informal and authentic setting.
Insider Tip: Visit the market early in the day for the freshest soups, as they tend to sell out quickly. Enjoy your soup with a warm slice of Tatar bread from one of the local bakeries.
6. Kazanlarr
Kazanlarr offers a more refined experience while still showcasing traditional Tatar and Russian soups. Known for its upscale setting, Kazanlarr serves a variety of dishes, including shurpa and borscht, both prepared with the finest ingredients. The shurpa at Kazanlarr is made with tender lamb, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a flavorful and aromatic soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
In addition to shurpa, Kazanlarr offers a version of borscht that’s full of flavor, with deep red beets, cabbage, and a creamy finish. The restaurant’s elegant décor and impeccable service make it a great place to enjoy a bowl of soup in a more sophisticated atmosphere.
Insider Tip: The borscht at Kazanlarr is served with a dollop of sour cream, which adds richness and balance to the tangy flavors.
7. Riviera Restaurant
For an elegant setting with a beautiful view, Riviera Restaurant is another excellent place to try shurpa and borscht in Kazan. This restaurant, located by the Volga River, offers a refined dining experience where you can enjoy both traditional Tatar soups and modern twists on classic dishes. Their shurpa is made with tender lamb or beef and served with fresh herbs and vegetables, while the borscht is rich, flavorful, and made with locally sourced beets.
Riviera’s elegant atmosphere and beautiful views of the river provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying a hearty bowl of soup. The restaurant also serves a variety of Russian and Tatar appetizers to accompany your soup, making it a great spot for a complete meal.
Insider Tip: Be sure to try their Russian rye bread with the soup—its hearty flavor complements the richness of the shurpa and borscht.
8. Chak-Chak Café
Located near the Kazan Kremlin, Chak-Chak Café offers an excellent selection of Tatar and Russian soups. Known for its traditional dishes, the café serves a delicious version of shurpa, which is hearty, aromatic, and full of tender meat and vegetables. They also offer borscht, a comforting and tangy soup made with beets, which is often served with sour cream for added richness.
The café’s cozy atmosphere makes it an excellent spot to enjoy these traditional soups, and you can pair your meal with a glass of Tatar tea or ayran for a truly authentic experience.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss their tatar pies or samsa as a side—they’re the perfect complement to your soup.
Conclusion
Kazan offers a wide range of spots to enjoy traditional Tatar and Russian soups. Whether you’re visiting Tatarstan Restaurant for a classic shurpa or heading to Savinovo Market for a casual, home-cooked experience, the city has something for everyone. From hearty lamb stews to tangy beet-based soups, Kazan’s diverse offerings allow you to experience the depth and warmth of Tatar and Russian cuisine. So, next time you’re in Kazan, be sure to try these delicious soups and dive deep into the flavors of Tatarstan!
