[custom_adv] Russia may not be the first to come to mind when you think of a food destination, but the country has plenty of delicious traditional dishes to try. [custom_adv] Visitors to Russia are often surprised at the variety and flavors of Russian cuisine, which is influenced by Russia's connection to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. [custom_adv] The most classic Russian recipes are made of veggies and wheat, such as soups, porridges, and stuffed dough. [custom_adv] Who else could transform the most basic ingredients into hearty dishes, which can knock you off your feet faster than a swig of vodka? [custom_adv] Crisp dough, sticks of butter, rich cream and fatty meat are the distbinguishing characteristics of Russian cuisine – and combined with a sprinkling of dill, they can brighten up even the coldest winter nights. [custom_adv] These ten Russian foods you have to try will leave you leave you hungry and possibly surprised that there is more to Russian cuisine than potatoes and vodka! [custom_adv] Pelmeni are the ultimate drunk food – a meat-stuffed, smetana-covered light at the end of the proverbial tunnel of robotically shaking my booty in an overpriced club. [custom_adv] I want to say that they are like tortellini – only better – but this should be taken with a grain of salt, as I don’t recall ever eating them sober. [custom_adv] Blini are a lot like crêpes, only slightly thicker and possibly greasier. They are also incredibly versatile – they can be filled with meat, covered in cheese or dusted with powder sugar. [custom_adv] But the traditional condiments are smoked salmon, caviar, smetana (a thick and heavy sour cream) and dill (a truly disgusting green herb Russians love to put on everything). [custom_adv] But the traditional condiments are smoked salmon, caviar, smetana (a thick and heavy sour cream) and dill (a truly disgusting green herb Russians love to put on everything). [custom_adv] But the traditional condiments are smoked salmon, caviar, smetana (a thick and heavy sour cream) and dill (a truly disgusting green herb Russians love to put on everything). [custom_adv] But the traditional condiments are smoked salmon, caviar, smetana (a thick and heavy sour cream) and dill (a truly disgusting green herb Russians love to put on everything).