Russian culture is rich with traditions, and food is at the heart of every celebration. Whether you’re a Russian expat longing for a taste of home or a food enthusiast eager to expand your culinary horizons, there’s something magical about experiencing Russia’s holidays through its traditional dishes.
This guide will take you through four major Russian holidays and their beloved recipes. From the warmth of Olivier Salad on New Year’s Eve to the sweet and symbolic Kulich of Easter, each dish tells a story of celebration, history, and community that you can recreate in your own kitchen.
New Year’s Celebrations: A Feast to Welcome the Future
New Year’s Eve is the most festive time of the year in Russia, often surpassing Christmas in importance. It’s a time when family and friends gather to ring in the new year, preparing lavish spreads of food that symbolize abundance, prosperity, and joy.
Olivier Salad (Olivye)
No Russian New Year celebration is complete without Olivier Salad, a creamy and satisfying dish that has become a centerpiece of holiday tables. Sometimes referred to as “Russian potato salad,” this crowd-pleaser combines boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, eggs, diced pickles, and chicken or sausage, all dressed in mayonnaise. The result is a comforting and flavorful dish that invites nostalgia with every bite.
Pro Tip: For a modern twist, swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten up the salad while retaining its creamy texture.
Herring Under a Fur Coat (Shuba)
This vibrant and multilayered dish is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Herring Under a Fur Coat, widely known as Shuba, features layers of pickled herring, boiled vegetables (like beets, carrots, and potatoes), and a generous slathering of mayonnaise. The result is a beautifully layered salad with a bold mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Mandarin Oranges
A simple yet indispensable part of a Russian New Year spread, mandarins represent happiness and luck. Their freshness often resembles the promise of new beginnings, and they are enjoyed as a light dessert or a palate cleanser between dishes.
Maslenitsa: Celebrating Spring with Blini
Often called Russia’s “Pancake Week,” Maslenitsa is a festive farewell to winter, welcoming the arrival of spring. This ancient holiday blends pagan traditions with Orthodox Christianity, culminating in the joyful exchange of blini, or Russian pancakes.
Blini and Their Symbolism
Blini are thin, golden, and round, symbolizing the sun’s warmth and brightness. They are traditionally served with a spread of toppings, including sour cream, caviar, jam, and even condensed milk. Families gather to enjoy blini, stacking them high and getting creative with sweet or savory fillings.
For a truly authentic experience, try making buckwheat blini, a heartier version that was popular in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Fun Fact: The more blini you share during Maslenitsa, the more luck and goodwill you’ll bring to your loved ones in the coming year.
Easter Feast of Sweet Treats and Sacred Traditions
Russian Orthodox Easter, or Paskha, is a deeply spiritual holiday filled with symbolic foods and traditions. After a prolonged Lent, everyone looks forward to feasting on sweets and savory dishes that mark the resurrection of Christ.
Kulich
Kulich is a tall, cylindrical sweet bread that’s as delicious as it is impressive. Flavored with raisins, candied fruits, and nuts, Kulich is often glazed with icing and topped with colorful sprinkles. It’s customary to bake several Kuliches to share with friends and family or bring to church for a blessing.
Paskha
Another Easter favorite is Paskha, a sweet, cheese-based dessert typically shaped like a pyramid to symbolize the tomb of Christ. Made with rich ingredients like cottage cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla, Paskha is often decorated with religious symbols, such as the letters “XB” (short for “Christ is Risen” in Cyrillic).
Painted Eggs
Easter in Russia wouldn’t be complete without dazzlingly painted eggs. The act of dyeing and gifting eggs is a cherished tradition that symbolizes new life and renewal. Natural dyes, such as onion skins, are often used to create earthy, vibrant hues.
Victory Day (May 9th): Honoring History with Humble Dishes
Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. While parades and ceremonies are highlights of the day, sharing a meal that pays homage to wartime resilience is equally meaningful.
Wartime Inspired Dishes
During World War II, food scarcity led to the creation of simple yet inventive recipes. Buckwheat kasha (a type of porridge) and black bread are staples often served on Victory Day as a tribute to the hardships endured during the war.
For a celebratory twist, many families add smoked sausage or mushrooms to their kasha, enriching the dish with depth and flavor.
Salads and Picnic Foods
Victory Day is often marked by outdoor picnics filled with hearty and shareable dishes. From outdoor grilling to vibrant salads like Vinaigrette (a beet-based salad similar to Shuba but without the herring), these meals foster a sense of community and reflect the enduring spirit of togetherness.
Bring Russian Culinary Traditions to Your Table
Russian holidays are a vibrant blend of history, faith, and community—all beautifully expressed through food. Whether it’s the convivial spirit of New Year’s Eve, the warm pancakes of Maslenitsa, the sweet symbols of Easter, or the humbleness of Victory Day dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
If you’re inspired to explore Russian culinary traditions further, why not try recreating one of the dishes mentioned in this blog? Hosting a themed dinner or celebrating a Russian holiday can offer a delightful way to connect with culture, family, and friends.
Make a dish, tell a story, and share the joy of Russian traditions.
About Us
Crystal Lounge is a vibrant Russian restaurant in Miami, offering an authentic taste of Russian cuisine combined with a lively bar and hookah lounge experience. Located in Sunny Isles Beach, our restaurant serves traditional Russian dishes made with the finest ingredients, ensuring a rich and flavorful dining experience. Whether you’re craving classic delicacies like borscht and pelmeni or looking to unwind with premium cocktails and hookah, Crystal Lounge provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for a night out or a relaxed gathering, we bring the essence of Russian hospitality to the heart of Miami.